Study Highlights India's Biomanufacturing Capacity for Smart Protein Growth

India possesses an estimated 800,000 kilolitres (kL) of biomanufacturing capacity that could facilitate the next phase of growth in the smart protein sector, according to a recent study titled ‘Mapping India’s biomanufacturing potential for smart proteins’.

The joint study, conducted by Sathguru Management Consultants (SMC) and the Good Food Institute India (GFI India), mapped 530 facilities across 29 states and nine biomanufacturing segments. It identified an estimated 774,170 kL of smart protein-relevant fermenter capacity, out of which 103,947 kL currently represents idle capacity.

The research assesses the potential of this existing infrastructure to produce specific protein ingredients and end products via biomass fermentation and precision fermentation. By leveraging spare capacity across sectors such as biopharmaceuticals, enzymes, contract development and manufacturing organizations (CDMOs), distilleries, breweries, wineries, probiotics, and yeast, the report notes that India can accelerate its growing smart protein and functional ingredient ecosystem.

According to the findings, about 7,737 kL of estimated idle capacity across CDMOs, biopharmaceuticals, and enzymes is relevant for precision fermentation. Meanwhile, five food-grade industries—distilleries, breweries, wineries, probiotics, and yeast—collectively account for 24,658 kL of estimated idle capacity relevant to biomass fermentation.

Companies can utilize this underutilised infrastructure to diversify business operations and establish additional revenue streams. However, the study points out that retrofitting requirements and technical feasibility will vary across different industries and facilities, which will dictate how quickly and efficiently sectors can adapt to smart protein production.

The report also models the potential value of deploying a fraction of this relevant idle capacity. Utilizing 12 percent of precision fermentation-relevant idle capacity for lactoferrin could generate sufficient output to meet estimated global market needs as of 2025, valued at around $635 million. Similarly, utilizing 26 percent of relevant idle capacity for biomass fermentation could generate enough yeast protein to meet its 2025 global market size of approximately $347 million. The study indicates that growing interest in yeast protein positions India well to secure an early mover advantage.

Sneha Singh, Managing Director at GFI India, stated that with global smart protein biomanufacturing facing challenges regarding capital intensity and limited commercial-scale infrastructure, India's existing capabilities offer a pathway toward cost-effective scaling and manufacturing for both domestic and international markets. She added that this pathway leverages the framework developed by the BioE3 policy to contribute to India's bioeconomy.

Ravi Audichya, Sci-Tech Specialist at GFI India and co-author of the report, noted that fermentation-derived ingredients have historically served vital roles in areas ranging from biotherapeutics to daily consumer goods. As India addresses protein insufficiency, he stated that fermentation technology can help supply sustainable nutrition.

"The findings of this report highlight a practical opportunity for existing industrial infrastructure in India to diversify into the growing smart protein sector. Utilizing underutilised capacity in established sectors like distilleries, breweries, and biopharmaceuticals can significantly reduce capital expenditure and infrastructure barriers for businesses. This positions the Indian market well to capture early advantages in precision and biomass fermentation, aligning industrial capabilities with emerging global nutritional demands." — Dr. Shishir Gupta, Founder & CEO, StartupLanes