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Suchitra Ella, Co-founder and Managing Director of Bharat Biotech International Limited, is a graduate of Ethiraj College, Madras University, she holds a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Economics and Philosophy, and a Post Graduate Diploma in Patent Law from NALSAR University, Hyderabad.
With a shared vision of developing technologies to provide innovative and affordable remedies for developing world healthcare challenges, she is acknowledged by Dr. Krishna Ella, her husband, as the driving force behind the decision of returning to India in 1996 to start Bharat Biotech International Ltd, a company that has successfully delivered over 6 billion vaccines to the poorest and most underserved populations in over 123 developing countries through UNICEF and GAVI and other channels.
A first-generation entrepreneur, Suchitra Ella has played a pivotal role in driving strategy for the company that has led to the successful development of 19 vaccines used in India and around the world. Most recently, the company successfully delivered COVAXIN®- India’s 1st indigenous vaccine against COVID-19 and iNCOVACC- the world’s first intranasal vaccine for COVID-19, that not only saved countless lives but also demonstrated India’s indigenous vaccine development capabilities while catapulting India to a scientific super power in vaccine research and development.
Today, with 433 patents filed and over 145 granted patents, including the world’s first global patents filed for Chikungunya and Zika Virus vaccines, the company continues to spearhead innovation and clinical development in the developing world under her able leadership.
In the 25 years since co-founding Bharat Biotech, Suchitra Ella, with over a decade of experience specialising in customer operations, marketing, financial services and business development while in the United States, focussed on building a culture of innovation and quality, business process and operational excellence, and led multiple roles across Corporate Governance, Corporate affairs, Business Development, Corporate Communications, Accounts & Finance, HR & Administration, Legal, Marketing, Procurement and Corporate Social Responsibility.
Suchitra Ella, along with Dr. Krishna Ella, has also co-founded and nurtured over than 12 companies, including Biovet Private Limited, RCC Labs, Sapigen Biologix, Innova Agri Park, Ella Foods, Ella Foundation, amongst others, to focus on indigenously developing and manufacturing innovative, cost effective and technology-based solutions, services & products across human health, animal health, food & agriculture verticals.
Through her leadership positions as Chairperson, CSR Panel, CII- Andhra Pradesh, Vice Chairperson, CII - Andhra Pradesh, Chairperson, CII-Chairperson, Southern Region and Founder-Chairperson of the Indian Women's Network, as well as her involvement with organizations such as the Indian School of Business Well Wishers Trust, and Tirumala Tirupathi Devasthanams, Founder and Board Advisor UWH, among others. She has contributed significantly to various causes in areas such as trade, women's empowerment, culture & society, non-profit organizations, basic research, health, and corporate social responsibility activities.
She has championed gender diversity and equality in the workplace through the Indian Women's Network (IWN) with the aim of empowering women professionals by providing them with access to networking opportunities, skill-building workshops, mentorship programs, and advocacy initiatives.
She is the recipient of numerous awards including SAARC Women Award, Colombo, Business Achievers Award - SIMA, Singapore; Best Employee Award UWCU – Madison; ZEE TV - Best Entrepreneur Award, Hyderabad; ALEAP - Best Women Entrepreneur Award, Hyderabad; South Indian Business Achievers Award; FICCI Ladies Organisation Award; GR 8 FLO Award, to name a few.
In 2022, the Republic of India conferred her with the Padma Bhushan, the country’s third highest civilian award, for her outstanding contributions to the society and industry.
