Biotechnology Young Entrepreneur Award is a state-level competition run by Kerala Biotechnology Commission under KSCSTE to help postgraduate and undergraduate students turn bioscience ideas into business ventures. Winning teams receive cash awards of up to ₹1,00,000 along with expert guidance to start their own venture.
Applications are invited twice every year, in January and July, and the scheme keeps accepting fresh entries from students studying in Kerala. The programme combines an annual competition with an intensive workshop where shortlisted teams build a full business plan.
Biotechnology Young Entrepreneur Award - Introduction
Biotechnology Young Entrepreneur Award serves as a platform to bridge the gap between academic research and commercial success. By taking part in this scheme, you can turn your academic project into a viable business venture. This annual competition, held along with a workshop, helps you refine your ideas, build a professional business plan, and get expert feedback to start your entrepreneurial journey.
The scheme is run by Kerala Biotechnology Commission under Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE). It is aimed at students who want to commercialise bioscience ideas, and it continues to invite fresh applications each year from universities and institutes across Kerala.
Key Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Biotechnology Young Entrepreneur Award |
| Level | State |
| Beneficiary State | Kerala |
| Nodal Department | Science and Technology Department |
| Implementing Agency | Kerala Biotechnology Commission, KSCSTE |
| Benefit Type | Cash Award |
| Application Mode | Online |
Benefits
Winning teams receive cash awards from Kerala Biotechnology Commission. The money is given to help students move ahead with their own venture after the competition.
| Rank | Award Amount |
|---|---|
| First Prize | ₹1,00,000 |
| Second Prize | ₹50,000 |
| Third Prize | ₹25,000 |
Beyond the cash reward, awardees who want to set up a start-up get support through facilitation and recommendation by an Expert Committee. This helps winning teams move from a business plan to an actual venture with proper guidance.
Eligibility
You are eligible to apply if you are a student pursuing postgraduate programmes (including integrated PG degrees), doctoral degrees, or B.E./B.Tech courses in Biotechnology or related life sciences subjects such as bioinformatics, molecular biology, microbiology, biochemistry, or genetics. Your institution must be located within the state of Kerala. For example, if Ananya is a Master's student in Microbiology at a university in Thiruvananthapuram, she can form a team and apply for this scheme.
Application Process
Applications are invited twice every year, in January and July. You should submit your application online whenever the notification is released. You can access the official application form on the portal.
Selection Process:
STEP 1 - Proposal Screening: An expert panel reviews your concept proposal. If you are among the top 15 teams, you will be invited to a 3 to 4 day entrepreneurship workshop.
STEP 2 - Skill Development: During the workshop, you learn essential skills like IP and patenting strategies, raising finance, business planning, and other parts of starting a venture.
STEP 3 - Business Plan Submission: After the workshop, you refine your project into a full business plan with your team and mentor within 3 weeks.
STEP 4 - Final Pitch: You present your business plan to a panel of experts who select the final winning teams.
Keep these team rules in mind while applying:
- Form a team of exactly five students, and at least three members must have a background in life sciences.
- Each team must nominate a leader and may identify a mentor as a guide.
- Submit only one entry per team, and a participant cannot join multiple teams.
- Make sure your proposal relates to core areas like agriculture, aquaculture, bio-energy, drug discovery, medical diagnostics, or other related biotechnology fields.
Documents
You should keep the following documents ready for your application:
- Identity proof of all members.
- Endorsement certificate and consent letter.
- Educational certificates.
- Proposed business plan and summary of the proposed research work.
- Certificate from the head of your institution.
- Any other relevant documents requested in the notification.
References
Official Website | Detailed Guidelines | Application Form | Notification
FAQ's
What is Biotechnology Young Entrepreneur Award?
It is an annual competition and workshop series designed to promote the commercialisation of bioscience ideas among students by encouraging them to develop biotechnology entrepreneurship.
Who implements this scheme?
Kerala Biotechnology Commission (KBC) under Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE) manages this programme.
Who can participate?
Postgraduate, PhD, and B.E./B.Tech students in Biotechnology or life sciences studying at recognised institutions in Kerala can apply.
What amount is awarded to winners?
Winning teams receive ₹1,00,000 for first place, ₹50,000 for second, and ₹25,000 for third.
When are applications invited?
Applications are invited twice every year, in January and July, and are submitted online when the notification is released.
Are there specific team requirements?
Yes, you must form a team of five students, where at least three members hold a life science background.
Where can I reach out for help?
You can contact the Scientist-in-Charge at Kerala Biotechnology Commission, KSCSTE, Sasthra Bhavan, Pattom, Thiruvananthapuram - 695 004. Telephone: 0471-2548406, 2548254, or Email: biotechkerala@gmail.com, kbc.kscste@kerala.gov.in.