Budget 2026 Boosts Biopharma & Women Entrepreneurs, Say Industry Leaders

Industry experts have hailed Union Budget 2026-27 for its strategic focus on strengthening the biopharma sector and boosting women-led entrepreneurship. The budget allocates Rs 10,000 crore to enhance public health infrastructure through biopharma development. It also introduces measures like the SME Growth Fund and SHE Marts to transition women from credit-led livelihoods to enterprise ownership. The initiatives aim to fortify the economy against global volatility by fostering technology-driven growth at the grassroots level.

Key Points: Budget 2026: Biopharma & Women Entrepreneurship Get Major Push

  • Rs 10,000 crore for biopharma sector
  • Focus on women in STEM and enterprise ownership
  • New SME Growth Fund for future champions
  • SHE Marts to strengthen grassroots entrepreneurship
2 min read

Industry chambers applaud Budget 2026 for strengthening India's biopharma and women entrepreneurs

Industry chambers applaud Budget 2026's Rs 10,000 crore biopharma investment and new funds for women-led SMEs and grassroots entrepreneurship.

"Biopharma is again the need of the hour... our Prime Minister and the Modi government have once again proven that they are committed to the health of the public at large. - Harvansh Chawla"

New Delhi, February 2

The Union Budget 2026-27 focuses on fortifying the Indian economy against global volatility through strategic investments in technology, healthcare, and grassroots entrepreneurship. Industry experts hail the government for their push for strengthening the country's biopharma sector, as well as their focus on women entrepreneurship.

BRICS Chamber of Commerce & Industry Chairman Harvansh Chawla, speaking to ANI, stated that the government directed significant capital toward the biopharma sector to enhance public health infrastructure. "Biopharma is again the need of the hour. India is developing in biopharma, and by investing this Rs 10,000 crore, our Prime Minister and the Modi government have once again proven that they are committed to the health of the public at large," he said.

Chawla also noted that the budget reflects a conscious effort to protect the nation from external shocks. "When the world is going through an economic crisis, no country is insulated from it. The budget has been declared keeping this in mind," Chawla said.

He highlighted the potential for increased capital inflows through structured fund routes, particularly from the Indian diaspora. "Many NRIs with emotional ties to India would like to invest in India. A lot of investment will come to our country if they invest in India through this fund route," he added.

Ruby Sinha, President of BRICS CCI WE and Founder of sheatwork, remarked that the Finance Minister's emphasis on women in STEM and inclusive technology adoption reflects a forward-looking vision.

"The proposal to support women in transitioning from credit-led livelihoods to becoming enterprise owners is particularly heartening. Building on the success of the Lakhpati Didi Programme, the proposal to support women in transitioning from credit-led livelihoods to becoming enterprise owners is particularly heartening. The setting up of community-owned Self-Help Entrepreneur (SHE) Marts is another welcome step that will strengthen grassroots entrepreneurship," Sinha said.

In addition, the budget prioritises technology-driven development and the expansion of small-scale industries. Sinha pointed out that small and medium-sized enterprises remain the backbone of the economy.

"Small and medium-sized enterprises are the backbone of the Indian economy, and the introduction of a dedicated Rs 10,000 crore SME Growth Fund to create future champions, along with the Rs 2,000 crore infusion into the Self-Reliant India Fund to sustain access to risk capital for micro enterprises, will go a long way in accelerating women-led entrepreneurship across the country," she said.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh Q
Good steps on paper. But the real test is implementation. We've seen big funds announced before; will this Rs 10,000 crore actually reach the small biotech startups or get stuck in bureaucracy? Hope the government ensures transparency.
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Aditya G
As someone working in the pharma sector, the dedicated investment in biopharma is a welcome and necessary move. It will help India move up the value chain from generic manufacturing to innovative drugs. Attracting NRI investment is a smart strategy too.
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Sarah B
The emphasis on women in STEM is what caught my eye. For a country with so much potential, getting more women into tech and science fields is key for sustainable growth. The Lakhpati Didi programme seems to have laid a good foundation.
K
Karthik V
Budget looks balanced. Strengthening SMEs and biopharma creates jobs and builds resilience. My only request: please simplify the process for MSMEs to access these funds. The forms and compliance are often a nightmare for a small business owner.
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Nisha Z
Heartening to see a focus on grassroots entrepreneurship for women. The SHE Mart concept is brilliant—it provides a platform for products and fosters a community. Hope it gets rolled out effectively across all states and not just a few.

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