She started with Rs 10,000 and a rented garage after career rejection, then built Biocon into a global biotech leader

Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw’s journey from aspiring brewmaster to Biocon founder shows how setbacks can become opportunities. After being denied brewing jobs because of gender bias, she launched Biocon in 1978 with Rs 10,000 in a rented garage. The company grew into a global biopharmaceutical leader serving over 120 countries. Her story highlights the value of education, resilience and scientific thinking, while demonstrating that success is defined by innovation, perseverance and giving back to society.