Dr. Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Executive Chairperson of the Indian company Biocon, was named the new EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year at a virtual award ceremony last night. Kiran was selected as the winner among 46 entrepreneurs from 41 countries around the world. In the past 20 years that this global entrepreneurship award has been given, Kiran is the third recipient from India and the second woman to win the title.
Kiran (67) founded Biocon in 1978 with just $500 and two employees. She started the business by producing bio-enzymes in the garage of her rented house in Bangalore, India. A year later, Biocon became the first Indian company to export enzymes to the USA and Europe. To date, Biocon has grown into one of the most successful and innovative biotechnology companies in Asia, employing over 11,000 people and generating $800 million in revenue, leaving a lasting impact on global healthcare. Thanks to Biocon, millions of people living with diabetes now have access to affordable insulin, while those battling cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, and other diseases now have access to affordable biosimilar medicines. Over the past 15 years, Biocon has delivered more than two billion affordable doses of biosimilar insulin to patients worldwide.
„The essence of entrepreneurship is problem-solving. The greatest opportunities often arise in the toughest times, and that has been my experience throughout my entrepreneurial journey. My focus in business is global healthcare and enabling universal access to life-saving medicines; however, my responsibility as an entrepreneur is much greater than just creating value for shareholders. Creating wealth can drive change, and I believe all entrepreneurs have a responsibility to the world around them and the community in which they operate. Women also play an extremely important role in economic development, and their contributions have been overlooked for too long. It is important that we use this platform to encourage more women to undertake entrepreneurial ventures. It is truly an honor to receive this prestigious award“, said Dr. Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw after the announcement.
