Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw

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Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw HD2014 crop

Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw is an Indian entrepreneur and the chairperson of Biocon Limited, a biotechnology company based in Bangalore, India. Born on March 23, 1953, in Pune, Maharashtra, she has emerged as a pivotal figure in the global biotechnology industry, pioneering innovative approaches in the field. Mazumdar-Shaw's contributions extend beyond her business achievements, encompassing significant philanthropic efforts, particularly in healthcare and education.

Early Life and Education

Kiran Mazumdar was born to Gujarati parents in Pune. Her father, Rasendra Mazumdar, was a brewmaster at United Breweries, which inspired her initial interest in fermentation science. She pursued her undergraduate degree in Zoology from Bangalore University and later moved to Australia to join the Ballarat College (now Federation University) where she earned a qualification in Malting and Brewing.

Career

Upon returning to India in 1978, Mazumdar-Shaw faced gender-based biases when seeking jobs in breweries. This challenge led her to explore entrepreneurial ventures. Her encounter with Leslie Auchincloss, the founder of Biocon Biochemicals Limited in Ireland, marked the beginning of her journey in biotechnology. With a seed capital of INR 10,000 and a rented garage space in Bangalore, she started Biocon India with a focus on enzyme manufacturing.

Under her leadership, Biocon transformed from an enzyme manufacturing entity to a fully integrated biopharmaceutical company. It became the first Indian company to gain US FDA approval for the manufacture of lovastatin, a cholesterol-lowering drug. Biocon's IPO in 2004 was a landmark event, making Mazumdar-Shaw the richest woman in India at the time.

Achievements and Honors

Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw has received numerous awards and recognitions for her contributions to biotechnology and entrepreneurship. These include the Padma Shri (2005) and Padma Bhushan (2014), two of India's highest civilian honors. She has been named among TIME magazine's 100 most influential people in the world and Forbes' list of the world's 100 most powerful women.

Philanthropy

Mazumdar-Shaw is also known for her philanthropic efforts, particularly in healthcare. She established the Mazumdar Shaw Medical Center in Bangalore, which aims to deliver affordable cancer care. Her commitment to public health extends to funding research and innovation in healthcare, including the establishment of the Mazumdar Shaw Center for Translational Research.

Personal Life

Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw is married to John Shaw, a Scottish national and the former Vice Chairman of Madura Coats. They reside in Bangalore, India.

Legacy

Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw's journey from starting a small enzyme company to leading a biopharmaceutical giant exemplifies innovation, resilience, and social responsibility. Her work in biotechnology and healthcare continues to impact lives globally, making her a role model for aspiring entrepreneurs, especially women in STEM fields.