Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw

$3.19 B

Ranked #1301 in World

About Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw

Renowned Indian billionaire and biotech pioneer, Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, founder of Biocon Limited and its subsidiary, Biocon Biologics Limited, is celebrated for significant contributions to affordable healthcare innovation. An alumnus of Bangalore University and Melbourne University, she transformed a modest initial venture in 1978 into a stock market-listed biopharmaceutical giant. Honored globally, including TIME's most influential list and Forbes' powerful women ranking, Mazumdar-Shaw's philanthropy targets health and education, advocating for compassion in capitalism. A luminary on prestigious boards and former IIM Bangalore chair, her accolades encompass the Othmer Gold Medal and India's Padma distinctions.

Born

March 23, 1953

Age

73 years

Source Of Wealth

Biopharmaceuticals

Industries

Healthcare

Citizenship

India

Residence

Bangalore

Education

Bachelor of Arts/Science, Bangalore University; Master of Science, Melbourne University

Spouse

John Shaw

Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw was born on March 23, 1953, in Bangalore, Karnataka, to Gujarati parents. She displayed a passion for science from an early age and excelled in her studies. After completing her schooling, she enrolled at Bangalore University, where she pursued a bachelor's degree in zoology, graduating in 1973.

Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw: Family

Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw is married to John Shaw, a Scottish businessman. The couple has a daughter, Samira Shaw, who is also involved in the biotechnology industry. Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw's family has been a source of support and encouragement throughout her career.

Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw: Career Highlights

Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw's career is marked by several significant achievements. She founded Biocon Limited in 1978 with a seed capital of just Rs. 10,000. Despite facing initial challenges due to her youth, gender, and untested business model, she persevered and established Biocon as a leading biotechnology company. Under her leadership, Biocon expanded into biopharmaceuticals and established subsidiaries such as Syngene (1994) and Clinigene (2000). In 2004, Biocon became the first biotechnology company in India to issue an initial public offering (IPO), further solidifying its position in the industry.

Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw: Companies

Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw is the founder and executive chairperson of Biocon Limited and Biocon Biologics Limited. She has also served as the former chairperson of the Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore.

Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw: Major Achievements

Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw's major achievements include:

Establishing Biocon Limited as a leading biotechnology company in India.
Developing cost-effective techniques and low-cost alternatives for drugs, making them accessible in less-wealthy countries.
Promoting "affordable innovation" to ensure that essential medicines reach underserved populations.
Establishing the Biocon Foundation to focus on health, education, and infrastructure development in rural Karnataka.
Supporting various healthcare initiatives, including the development of Arogya Raksha Yojana and the establishment of the Mazumdar-Shaw Medical Foundation.
Advocating for improved infrastructure, efficient governance, and addressing societal issues such as job creation and food, water, and health insecurity.

Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw: Awards & Achievements

Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw has received numerous prestigious awards and recognitions for her contributions to science, business, and philanthropy. Some of her notable awards include:

Othmer Gold Medal (2014) for outstanding contributions to science and chemistry.
Listed among TIME magazine's 100 most influential people in the world (2010).
Ranked as the 92nd most powerful woman in the world by Forbes (2014).
Named EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year 2020.
Padma Shri (1989) and Padma Bhushan (2005) from the Government of India.

Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw: Personal Life & Legacy

Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw is known for her dedication to her work and her commitment to social progress. She is often referred to as a "compassionate capitalist" due to her belief that properly applied business models can drive sustainable social change. She has also been an advocate for women's empowerment and has encouraged more women to pursue careers in science and technology.

Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw: Trivia

Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw is an avid reader and enjoys traveling. She is also a patron of the arts and supports various cultural initiatives. Additionally, she is a dog lover and has a pet dog named Cocoa.

Wealth History

Timeline

1953-03-23

Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw is born in Bangalore, Karnataka, to Gujarati parents.

1973

Graduates with a bachelor's degree in zoology from Bangalore University.

1975

Earns a master's degree in brewing from Ballarat College, Melbourne University, Australia.

1978

Starts Biocon India with a seed capital of Rs. 10,000.

1989

Receives the Padma Shri, a prestigious Indian civilian award.

1994

Establishes Syngene, a subsidiary of Biocon focused on contract research and manufacturing.

2000

Establishes Clinigene, a subsidiary of Biocon focused on clinical research.

2004

Lists Biocon on the stock market, making it the first biotechnology company in India to issue an IPO.

2004

Establishes the Biocon Foundation, focusing on health, education, and infrastructure in rural Karnataka.

2005

Receives the Padma Bhushan, the third-highest civilian award in India.

2010

Listed among TIME magazine's 100 most influential people in the world.

2014

Awarded the Othmer Gold Medal for outstanding contributions to science and chemistry.

2014

Ranked as the 92nd most powerful woman in the world by Forbes.

2020

Named EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year.

2022

Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw's husband, John Shaw, passes away.

Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw : FAQs

What is Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw's current net worth?

Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw's current net worth is $3.19 billion.

What is Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw's current global rank among billionaires?

Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw holds the 1301st position globally among billionaires.

What is Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw's current ranking within the India?

Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw holds the 70th position in India.

What was the change in Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw's net worth compared to the previous year?

Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw's net worth decreased by 428.74 million dollars compared to the previous year 2025, when her net worth was 3.62 billion dollars.

What is the recent change in Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw's net worth?

Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw's net worth decreased by 32.06 million dollars recently, a 1% decrease, with her net worth standing at 3.19 billion dollars.

What are Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw's main sources of wealth?

Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw's main source of income comes from Biopharmaceuticals.

In which industry does Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw primarily operate?

Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw is primarily involved in the Healthcare industry.

What is Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw educational background?

Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw holds a Bachelor of Arts/Science from Bangalore University and a Master of Science from Melbourne University.

How old is Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw?

Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw is 73 years old.

Who is Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw and what companies did she found?

Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw is an Indian billionaire entrepreneur who is the executive chairperson and founder of Biocon Limited and Biocon Biologics Limited.

What fields are Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw's Biocon and Biocon Biologics Limited involved in?

Biocon Limited and Biocon Biologics Limited, founded by Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, are leading companies in the biotechnology and biopharmaceutical sectors.

What is the concept of 'affordable innovation' advocated by Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw?

Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw advocates for 'affordable innovation,' focusing on developing cost-effective techniques and low-cost alternatives for drugs to make healthcare accessible in less-wealthy countries.

How has Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw contributed to philanthropy and social progress?

Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw has made significant philanthropic contributions through the Biocon Foundation and by joining The Giving Pledge, committing to donate at least half of her wealth to philanthropy, encompassing health, education, and infrastructure initiatives.

What are some of Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw's achievements and recognitions in her career?

Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw's achievements include being listed in TIME magazine's 100 most influential people, ranked by Forbes as one of the most powerful women, being awarded the Othmer Gold Medal, and named EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year 2020.