Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw's Biography

Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw is a pioneering Indian entrepreneur, best known as the founder and executive chairperson of Biocon Limited, one of Asia’s leading biopharmaceutical companies. Born on March 23, 1953, in Bangalore, India, she initially aspired to be a brew master and studied malting and brewing in Australia. Facing gender bias in the brewing industry, Kiran leveraged her scientific background and entrepreneurial spirit to start Biocon in 1978, with a modest capital and a vision to make a global impact in biotechnology. Under her leadership, Biocon has grown into a multi-billion dollar enterprise, specializing in affordable pharmaceuticals, especially for chronic diseases such as diabetes and cancer. Kiran is widely recognized for her commitment to innovation, affordable healthcare, and her advocacy for women in science and business. She has received several prestigious awards, including the Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan, and remains a role model for aspiring entrepreneurs. Her philanthropic efforts in healthcare and education have made significant impact in India and beyond. As of 2024, her estimated net worth is $2.1 billion, reflecting her status as one of India’s most successful self-made women. Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw’s journey exemplifies perseverance, vision, and the transformative power of science-led entrepreneurship.