BIRAC has announced the 25th Call for Proposal under the Biotechnology Ignition Grant Scheme, with the registration window now open for biotech innovators and startups. The call is part of a biannual cycle where BIG announcements happen on January 1 and July 1 each year, and each call remains open for around 45 days.
Biotechnology Ignition Grant Scheme is a core program of the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), a not-for-profit enterprise set up by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India. It helps individual entrepreneurs and startups turn their innovative biotechnological ideas into commercially viable products, moving them from the initial concept stage to proof of concept.
This scheme covers 7 broad areas of innovation such as healthcare, agriculture, industrial biotechnology, vaccines, diagnostics, drugs, and bioinformatics. It also encourages the integration of biotechnology with applied sciences such as Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things, cloud computing, machine learning, robotics, and sensors.
The BIG Scheme supports early-stage biotech projects with high commercial potential. It helps bridge the gap between laboratory research and market-ready products by funding the initial stages of product development and prototype creation.
Core Purpose
- Supports innovators from early ideation to a proven proof of concept.
- Nurtures the spirit of entrepreneurship to turn ideas into real-world solutions.
- Helps the Indian biotech startup ecosystem grow into a global player.
Biotechnology Ignition Grant Scheme
Eligibility
For Individuals
You must be an Indian citizen and the primary Project Leader for your proposal. You should be incubated at an incubator of your choice; a letter of intent or memorandum of understanding from that incubator is required for final approval. If you are currently employed or a student, you need a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your parent organization or an undertaking that you will switch to the project full-time upon selection.
For Companies/LLPs
Your company must be registered under the Indian Companies Act, 1956/2013 and should not be older than 5 years from the date of the BIG call. At least 51% of the capital must be owned by resident Indian citizens. You must maintain a functional in-house R&D laboratory or be incubated at a specialized facility.
Important Reminders
- You must identify a clear Project Leader responsible for all technical and managerial aspects.
- The Project Leader must hold at least an undergraduate degree.
- BIG support is a one-time opportunity per individual or startup.
- Your proposed objectives must not have received prior funding from other agencies.
Benefits
When you qualify for this scheme, you gain access to significant resources. BIRAC provides a grant-in-aid of up to ₹50 lakh for an 18-month duration.
Beyond the funding, you receive continuous mentoring through BIG partners, including:
- Technical guidance from industry experts
- Intellectual Property (IP) and legal support
- Networking, outreach, and investor connections
- Focused training, workshops, and regulatory advice
How to Apply Online
STEP 1 - Visit the official BIRAC BIG Scheme page and check for the current call announcement. BIG calls are announced twice a year, on January 1 and July 1, and each call remains open for about 45 days.
STEP 2 - Register on the BIRAC portal and fill out the online application form with your technical proposal and project details.
STEP 3 - Prepare and upload the required documents, including the commitment letter from your scientific advisors, the letter of intent from your incubator, and any documentation supporting your access to unique facilities or samples.
STEP 4 - Submit your proposal before the call deadline. The selection process involves eligibility screening, preliminary review by a Selection Committee, expert review, technical presentation before a Technical Expert Panel (TEP), and due diligence which may include a site visit to verify your incubation space and resources.
Documents Required
Preliminary Documents (Required for TEP)
For the Technical Expert Panel review, you need a commitment letter from your scientific advisors or mentors, a letter of intent from your primary incubator, and documentation supporting your access to unique facilities or samples such as bio-fluids.
Final Documents (Required post-selection)
After selection, you need to submit a formal agreement or MoU with your incubator, legal proofs of your intellectual property and technology rights, and an official undertaking confirming you have not received duplicate funding for the same project.
Highlights
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Biotechnology Ignition Grant Scheme |
| Level | Central |
| Beneficiary | Individual and Industries |
| Ministry | Ministry of Science and Technology |
| Main Department | Department of Biotechnology |
| Department Running the Scheme | Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council |
| Approved Amount | Up to ₹50 lakh |
| Duration | 18 months |
| Application Mode | Online through BIRAC portal |
| Call Frequency | Twice a year (Jan 1 and Jul 1) |
| Official Website | Birac BIG Scheme Page |
| Contact Email | birac.dbt@nic.in |
References
Key resources for the BIG Scheme include the official BIRAC BIG Scheme page, the latest BIG Guidelines (Nov 2025), the Registration Guidelines, and the Proformas for Online Submission.
FAQ's
What is the Biotechnology Ignition Grant Scheme?
It is a grant-in-aid program supporting individual entrepreneurs and startups in the biotech sector. It offers up to ₹50 lakh to help turn an idea into a proof of concept over a period of 18 months.
Can an undergraduate student apply?
No, the Project Leader must have completed at least basic graduation before applying.
Do I need to be incubated at the time of application?
You do not need to be physically present at an incubator initially, but you must provide a letter of intent from an incubator to show you have identified a workspace.
Are foreign citizens or OCI holders eligible?
No, only Indian citizens with a valid Indian passport may apply.
Is there a royalty payment clause?
Yes, if the project turns into a commercial product, you are required to pay a 5% royalty on net sales until the amount equals the original grant-in-aid received from BIRAC.
How is my confidential information handled?
Proposals are treated with strict confidentiality. Every external reviewer signs a non-disclosure agreement before accessing your details.