Startups Shine at C-CAMP Competition, Securing ₹40 Crore in Prizes

Sixteen startups and six student teams emerged victorious at the National Bio Entrepreneurship Competition (NBEC) 2025, organized by the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms (C-CAMP) in Bengaluru. With significant support from the Department of IT, BT and S&T, Government of Karnataka, Startup Karnataka, and K-tech Biotech, the competition awarded winners a total of approximately ₹40 crore in cash prizes and investment opportunities.

The student-led teams collectively secured ₹9 lakh across various categories, showcasing their innovative solutions. The winning projects tackled critical challenges in sectors such as diagnostics, drug discovery, water and sanitation, and agriculture. Notable innovations included the development of novel cancer drugs employing artificial intelligence, transforming carbon emissions into biochemicals, and creating naturally degradable batteries.

C-CAMP, recognized as India’s leading research and innovation hub in the biosciences, reported that this year’s competition attracted nearly 3,100 applications from 34 states and Union Territories. A significant number of submissions originated from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, reflecting the growing entrepreneurial spirit across the nation.

Industry Leaders Emphasize Innovation and Collaboration

During the event, Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, chairperson of Biocon Group, underscored the transformative potential of artificial intelligence and technology in today’s world. “Everything is possible today thanks to the power of computational biology and data science. Today, we can connect immunology with metabolic disease, microbiome, genomics, and more,” she stated.

Dr. Taslimarif Saiyed, CEO and Director of C-CAMP, noted the evolution of the NBEC. What began as a small initiative has transformed into a nationwide movement, allowing innovators across India to present groundbreaking ideas in health, agriculture, and environmental sustainability. “NBEC has grown into a nationwide movement, enabling innovators from across India to bring forward transformative ideas,” said Dr. Saiyed.

The jury panel, chaired by Dr. Murali Ramachandra, CEO of Aurigene Oncology, acknowledged the competition’s role in highlighting emerging entrepreneurs and fostering the exchange of ideas across various fields, including therapeutics and diagnostics. “Many of the ideas showcased today hold potential for making a global impact. With continued mentorship and learning, every participant has the potential to be a winner and take these ideas forward into impactful businesses,” he remarked.

The success of the NBEC 2025 not only reflects the innovative spirit within India’s bio-entrepreneurship landscape but also emphasizes the importance of support from industry leaders and governmental bodies in nurturing the next generation of solutions. As these startups and student teams continue to develop their projects, the potential for significant contributions to both local and global challenges remains high.