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Cyrus Poonawalla: From Horse Racing to Global Vaccine Pioneer

Cyrus Poonawalla
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Cyrus Poonawalla represents one of India’s most remarkable entrepreneurial journeys, transforming from a horse breeder to building the world’s largest vaccine manufacturing empire. His vision of making affordable vaccines has saved millions of lives globally and played a crucial role during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Personal Information Tables

Personal Details

AttributeDetails
Full NameCyrus S. Poonawalla
Date of Birth1941
BirthplacePune, India
EducationBMCC, Pune
Net Worth$24.5 billion (2024)
OccupationChairman, Cyrus Poonawalla Group
Known ForFounder, Serum Institute of India

Family Information

RelationDetails
FatherSoli Poonawalla (Horse Breeder)
Late WifeVilloo Poonawalla (d. 2010)
SonAdar Poonawalla (CEO, Serum Institute)
ReligionParsi (Zoroastrian)

Early Life and Education

Born in 1941 into a Parsi family in Pune, Cyrus was educated at The Bishop’s School and later attended Brihan Maharashtra College of Commerce (BMCC). His family’s background in horse racing and breeding through Poonawalla Stud Farms exposed him to business early in life.

Career Evolution

Founding Serum Institute (1966)

  • Started with tetanus antitoxin and anti-snake venom serum
  • Initial focus on affordable vaccines for India
  • Expanded to global markets
  • Became world’s largest vaccine manufacturer by doses

Major Achievements

  • Produces over 1.5 billion vaccine doses annually
  • Supplies to 170+ countries
  • Developed affordable MMR vaccine
  • Created MenAfriVac for meningitis A in Africa

COVID-19 Response

  • Partnered with AstraZeneca for Covishield vaccine
  • Produced over 2.2 billion doses
  • Crucial role in global vaccination efforts
  • Maintained affordable pricing

Awards and Recognition

  • Padma Bhushan (2022)
  • Padma Shri (2005)
  • Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year (2015)
  • Honorary doctorate from Oxford University (2019)
  • ICMR Lifetime Achievement Medal (2019)

Legacy and Impact

  • Revolutionized vaccine accessibility
  • Made healthcare affordable
  • Created employment opportunities
  • Advanced medical research
  • Established philanthropic initiatives

Philanthropy

Through the Villoo Poonawalla Foundation:

  • Healthcare initiatives
  • Educational support
  • Environmental projects
  • Clean water programs
  • City sanitation efforts

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