Kiran Mazumdar Shaw
The Visual Biography
Kiran Mazumdar Shaw:
Doubt into Discovery
Kiran Mazumdar Shaw began her journey with a love for science and a simple dream of becoming a doctor. When that path closed due to financial constraints, she chose not to give up on science itself. Instead, she took an unconventional route, training in fermentation science in Australia.
The Dossier
- Education: Fermentation Science, Australia
- Role: Founder
- Company: Biocon
- Origin: India
Milestones
Graduated top of class in fermentation science in Australia.
Founded Biocon with minimal capital in a small garage.
Built Biocon into a global biopharmaceutical company.
Transforming healthcare access & expanding philanthropy.
The Biography
Returning to India, she faced repeated rejection in a field that struggled to see a woman as a scientist or leader. Jobs were scarce, credibility was questioned, and resources were limited. Rather than waiting for acceptance, she decided to create her own space. In 1978, with minimal capital and a small garage as her laboratory, she founded Biocon.
What followed was not overnight success but years of persistence. Kiran Mazumdar Shaw built Biocon step by step, navigating regulatory hurdles, funding challenges, and skepticism, while staying rooted in a larger purpose. Her vision was clear: science should not be a privilege, and innovation should make healthcare more affordable and accessible.
Pioneer
Often the only woman in the room, creating her own space.
Resilience
Faced repeated rejection and built Biocon from a garage.
Visionary
Making healthcare affordable and accessible for all.
Over decades, Biocon grew into a global biopharmaceutical company, transforming treatment access for chronic diseases and placing India firmly on the global biotech map. Alongside business, she expanded her impact through philanthropy, healthcare initiatives, and mentorship, ensuring that her success created pathways for others.
Kiran Mazumdar Shaw’s story is not just about building a company, but about redefining what leadership in science and entrepreneurship can look like. SHE turned doubt into discovery, proving that when purpose leads, progress follows.
Graphic Library
Their Story is Being Written...
Our artists are crafting the visual biography of Brahmani Nara. Stay tuned for an immersive experience.
Chapter 01
Chapter 02