Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw on Brand Building

The Science History Institute records that when Mazumdar-Shaw became managing director of Biocon India she ran newspaper ads describing the company as a 'multinational company' — without mentioning that Biocon India was operating out of her home garage. With two employees, a master brewer's certificate and her father's blessing, she started an industrial-enzyme business for food and textile makers that today reaches patients around the globe.

Mazumdar-Shaw is credited with making 'affordable innovation' the foundation of her business model — a phrase the Institute uses to summarize her commercial philosophy. Recognition includes EY World Entrepreneur of the Year 2020, Forbes' 100 Most Powerful Women in 2010, and Time's 100 Most Influential People in the World. Her vision and work, the Institute notes, drew global recognition for both Indian industry and for Biocon specifically.

International recognition listed by the Institute includes the Nikkei Asia Prize for Regional Growth, the Express Pharmaceutical Leadership Summit Award for Dynamic Entrepreneur, the 2004 Economic Times Businesswoman of the Year award, Ernst & Young's Entrepreneur of the Year Award for Life Sciences and Healthcare, the World Economic Forum's Technology Pioneer award, and the Indian Chamber of Commerce's Lifetime Achievement Award —.

WIPO Magazine opens by noting the press loves to title Mazumdar-Shaw the 'Biotech Queen from Bangalore', 'India's First Lady of Biotech', and the 'Mother of Invention'. The profile positions her as a torch-bearer for India's biotechnology industry and emphasizes that Biocon had just become only the second Indian company ever to cross the US$1 billion mark on its first trading day —.