Deep Science Breakthrough: 5 Bold Moves Omnivore Is Making to Supercharge India’s Innovation Ecosystem

Venture firm Omnivore is intensifying its focus on India’s deep science startups, targeting sectors like animal health, precision fermentation, and material science to address climate and agrarian challenges. With plans to close 4–6 deals in 2025—half in life sciences—the firm aims to bridge gaps in a sector where startups often incubate for years in government-backed labs like C-CAMP and BIRAC before attracting private capital.

Despite $1.9 billion invested between 2020–2024, funding remains sparse for early-stage ventures, with biopharma dominating inflows. Omnivore highlights the urgent need for pre-seed investors and global VC attention to unlock India’s potential as a biotech hub. Key to growth are landmark exits and initiatives like Biowave, a collaborative platform to spotlight innovation.

By marrying India’s scientific talent with risk-tolerant capital, Omnivore envisions a future where deep science solves pressing global issues—if stakeholders rally to de-risk long-term bets and amplify India’s role on the world stage. 

Deep Science Breakthrough: 5 Bold Moves Omnivore Is Making to Supercharge India’s Innovation Ecosystem

India’s deep science ecosystem—spanning biotech, agritech, and climate innovation—is poised for transformation, and venture capital firm Omnivore is positioning itself at the forefront of this shift. With a fresh focus on high-impact sectors like animal health, bioinformatics, and precision fermentation, Omnivore’s latest strategy reveals not only its ambitions but also the untapped potential of India’s scientific innovation.  

Omnivore’s Investment Thesis: Bridging Gaps in Deep Science 

Omnivore, managing $295 million across two funds, plans to close 4–6 deals in 2025, with half targeting life sciences. Mark Kahn, Managing Partner, highlights animal health as a priority: “The sector combines strong margins with urgent challenges, from livestock productivity to disease management.” This focus aligns with India’s agrarian economy, where 60% of the population relies on agriculture, and innovations in animal science could ripple across food security and rural livelihoods.  

The firm’s pipeline also includes material science and precision fermentation—a field critical for sustainable protein alternatives. By backing startups in these niches, Omnivore aims to catalyze solutions for climate resilience and resource efficiency, key themes in India’s development agenda.  

The Deep Science Landscape: Government Incubators and the Funding Chasm 

India’s deep science startups often begin their journeys in government-backed incubators like C-CAMP and BIRAC, which provide non-dilutive grants and lab access. These platforms enable founders to refine technologies—from lab-grown meat to biodegradable materials—over 3–5 years before seeking private capital. While this support nurtures early innovation, a critical gap emerges during commercialization.  

Despite $1.9 billion invested in deep science between 2020–2024, funding remains concentrated in biopharma and medical tech. Early-stage ventures struggle to secure pre-seed capital, with most VCs hesitant to bet on deep tech’s long gestation periods. “We need risk-tolerant investors who can step in post-grants but pre-revenue,” says Kahn, underscoring the need for a specialized funding bridge.  

The Exit Dilemma and Global Positioning 

For sustained investor interest, the sector requires landmark exits. While India’s tech startups have seen blockbuster IPOs, deep science lacks comparable success stories. Omnivore’s Abhilash Sethi hints at imminent exits from their second fund, which could reassure skeptics about the asset class’s viability.  

Globally, deep science thrives in hubs like Boston and Tel Aviv, where academia, industry, and venture capital intersect. Kahn stresses India’s need to “get on the global radar” by showcasing homegrown innovation. Initiatives like Biowave—a collaboration with Nucleate and IndieBio—aim to attract international investors and highlight breakthroughs in Indian biotech.  

The Road Ahead: Catalysts for Growth

• Pre-Seed Capital Mobilization: Encouraging niche funds or corporate venture arms to back early-stage ventures could accelerate commercialization.

• Cross-Border Partnerships: Aligning with global accelerators or pharma giants could provide Indian startups with scaling expertise and market access.

• Policy Incentives: Tax breaks for deep tech investments or R&D credits could lure more capital into the sector.

• Talent Development: Strengthening ties between startups and academic institutions can address skill gaps in areas like synthetic biology and AI-driven drug discovery.

Conclusion: A Pivotal Moment for Indian Innovation

Omnivore’s targeted bets reflect a broader optimism in India’s deep science potential. Yet, the sector’s growth hinges on collaborative efforts—between investors, policymakers, and academia—to de-risk innovation and build a sustainable ecosystem. As global challenges like climate change and food security intensify, India’s ability to harness its scientific talent could position it as a leader in tomorrow’s economy. The question now is whether the broader investment community will follow Omnivore’s lead—or wait for the “inflection point” to arrive.