Overview
The biotech industry in Mauritius is young but growing. Since 2014, several companies have operated at a dedicated “BioPark” with modern infrastructure for biotechnology research and development. Governmental organizations, such as the Mauritius Research and Innovation Council, the Center for Biomedical & Biomaterials Research, and the Food and Agricultural Research and Extension Institute, support the budding biotechnology industry through their research. There are currently 18 companies in the biotech sector (excluding medical devices and manufacturing of pharmaceuticals). These companies are involved in different types of activities, such as clinical trials, breeding of primates for export, production of fish oil, and manufacture of biofuels. The table below, updated as of September 2025, provides further details on the industry in Mauritius:
Table: Biotechnology listing of technologies and companies
| Sub-Sector | Number of Companies | Company |
| Red Biotechnology (Medical) | ||
| Contract Research Organizations (Clinical Trials) | 5 | Cap Research Ltd Centre International de Development Pharmaceutique Ltd (CIDP) Eurofins Insight Research Ltd Clinear Research Ltd Centre d’Etudes Cliniques Ltd |
| Breeding for Contract Research | 4 | Bioculture (Mauritius) Ltd, Noveprim Group, A Charles River Company Biosphere Trading Ltd LCL Cynologics |
| Analytical Laboratories/Research Laboratories | 7 | Laboratoire International de Bio Analyse Quantilab Axonova Delonix-lab Abiolabs SGS Mauritius Ltd |
| Nutraceutical | 4 | Indika Pharma Ltd V Kanhye Health Foods Ltd and Nonico Ltd Panacea Pharma Ltd |
| Pharmaceutical Manufacturing | 1 | MC-Biotech Ltd |
| Medical Device | 7
| Natec Medical Ltd, Lilmo Ltd, FCI SUD Ltd, Maurister Co Ltd, Symatese Aesthetics Ltd, Alpinia Ltd and Envaste Ltd. |
| Blue Biotechnology (Marine) | ||
| Fish oil extraction & production and extraction of molecules from by-products for different applications | 1 | Marine Biotechnology Products |
| Production of compost, bio-stimulants, potting mixes, and slow-release fertilisers from seaweeds. | 1 | SeaLife Organics Co Ltd
|
| Grey Biotechnology | ||
| Production of landfill gas for energy generation and conversion of organic waste into compost | 1 | Sotravic |
| White Biotechnology (Industrial) | ||
| Production of ethanol | 1 | Omnicane |
Source: Mauritius Institute for Biotechnology (MIBL).
In addition, the Mauritius Institute for Biotechnology is acting as an institutional catalyst and is spearheading the development of the biotechnology sector including medical biotechnology, agricultural biotechnology, marine biotechnology, industrial biotechnology, environmental biotechnology and capacity building. MIBL provides technical facilitation for implementation of biotech projects, finances projects, advises ministries in the matters of biotech ecosystem development, formulates concrete policy recommendations and acts to foster a conducive and competitive biotech environment in Mauritius.
Leading Sub-sectors
- Pre-clinical and clinical trials
- Breeding for pre-clinical trials
- Stem cell therapy - Molecular and Gene therapy
- Phytotherapy research and development
- Agro-industry applications
- Nutraceuticals
- Marine biotechnology
- Industrial Biotechnology including valorisation of waste.
Opportunities
The Mauritian government has indicated a commitment to develop the biotech industry. The new Industrial Property Act, available at https://www.wipo.int/wipolex/en/legislation/details/20472, was enacted in August 2019 to consolidate different elements of industrial property (patents, utility models, layout-designs of integrated circuits, breeder’s rights, industrial designs, marks, trade names, and geographical indications. The 2019 act also makes provision for Mauritius to adhere to the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) administered treaties, such as the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) for the international registration of patents, the Hague Agreement for the international registration of industrial designs, and the Madrid Protocol to facilitate the registration of trademarks.
The biotechnology sector in Mauritius is set to benefit from several key incentives and initiatives aimed at fostering growth and innovation. These include:
1. Support for Research and Development: The government is emphasizing research and innovation, including biotechnology, as part of its broader economic renewal strategy. This includes the establishment of a National Research and Innovation Institute (NRII) to support public and private sector.
2. Incentives for Foreign investors: Investors in the biotechnology sector in Mauritius can benefit from a range of incentives under the Investment Scheme, including:
- 8-Year Income Tax Holiday: Companies incorporated on or after July 1, 2021, enjoy an 8-year income tax holiday on income derived from biotechnology activities.
- 3 Percent Income Tax Rate: Effective from July 1, 2022, manufacturing companies engaged in the medical, biotechnology, or pharmaceutical sectors can benefit from a reduced 3 percent income tax rate, provided they meet substance requirements and do not claim partial exemptions under the Income Tax Act.
- Exemptions on Land and Property: Registration Duty and Land Transfer Tax Exemption: Available for land used to construct buildings or facilities for biotechnology activities. This also applies to land with existing buildings used for such purposes.
- VAT Exemptions: Construction of Facilities: VAT exemption on the construction of purpose-built buildings or facilities for biotechnology activities. Leased Buildings: VAT exemption on buildings constructed for biotechnology and leased exclusively to holders of an Investment Certificate.
- Plant and Machinery: VAT exemption on plant, machinery, and equipment (excluding office equipment, furniture, and vehicles) used exclusively for biotechnology, applicable during setup or expansion phases with EDB approval.
- No Land Conversion Tax: No land conversion tax is payable for buildings used for manufacturing pharmaceutical products, medical devices, or conducting clinical and pre-clinical trials.
These incentives make Mauritius an attractive destination for foreign investors in the biotechnology sector, offering t tax relief and cost savings on property, equipment, and operational setup.
There are opportunities for:
- U.S. companies to export lab supplies and biotechnology equipment
- Setting up pre-clinical and clinical trial labs
- Research and development in plant-based and marine-based pharmaceuticals Research and development for agro-industry applications and nutraceuticals