AI SummaryBIRAC's E-YUVA Scheme runs Innovation Fellowships for postgraduates and doctoral scholars who want to build biotech startups. Selected fellows get a monthly stipend of up to ₹50,000 along with an annual research grant of up to ₹5,00,000, plus mentoring and incubation support at an E-YUVA Centre (EYC).
Note: as per the official BIRAC website (updated 23 July 2026), no call for proposals is open right now. Applications are invited when BIRAC announces the next national call through newspapers and its website, so keep checking the official E-YUVA page for the new advertisement.
E-YUVA Scheme: BIRAC's Innovation Fellows (for post graduates and above) - Introduction
The Empowering Youth for Undertaking Value Added Innovative Translational Research (E-YUVA) scheme helps young researchers build an entrepreneurial mindset. It provides research grants, technical guidance, and business incubation support to turn laboratory ideas into market-ready biotech products. BIRAC runs the scheme under the Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology, through dedicated hubs called E-YUVA Centres (EYCs) set up inside universities and institutes.
Each EYC has a BIRAC supported pre-incubation space of 3,000 sq. ft. or more, with infrastructure and equipment for basic research. Advanced research needs are handled through the connected bio-incubator. BIRAC currently has 10 E-YUVA Centres across the country, and each centre can host up to 3 Innovation Fellows at a time.
The scheme has two categories: BIRAC's Innovation Fellows (for postgraduates and above) and BIRAC's E-YUVA Fellows (for undergraduate students). This article covers the Innovation Fellows track. Fellows work full time at an EYC for 18 months, with a possible 6 month extension for deserving cases.
Proposals can be submitted in fields like Healthcare, Lifesciences, Diagnostics, Medical Devices, Drugs, Vaccines, Drug Formulations, Industrial Biotechnology, Bioinformatics, Agriculture, Waste Management, Sanitation, Clean Energy, and Artificial Intelligence with biotech applications. BIRAC encourages interdisciplinary proposals that can turn innovative ideas into biotech products. Related reading: E-YUVA Scheme: BIRAC's E-YUVA Fellows (for Undergraduate Students) and Biotechnology Ignition Grant Scheme.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | E-YUVA Scheme: BIRAC's Innovation Fellows (for post graduates and above) |
| Level | Central |
| Scheme For | Individual |
| Beneficiary States | All |
| Category | Science, IT & Communications |
| Nodal Ministry | Ministry of Science And Technology |
| Nodal Department | Department of Biotechnology |
| Implementing Agency | Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) |
Benefits
Selected fellows get good financial support so they can focus fully on their innovation. The fellowship amount depends on the category, as shown below.
| Fellowship Category | Monthly Stipend | Annual Research Grant |
|---|---|---|
| Post-graduate Fellow | ₹30,000 | ₹3,00,000 |
| Post-doctoral Fellow | ₹50,000 | ₹5,00,000 |
Beyond the money, fellows get continuous support from EYCs and BIRAC. This includes technical mentoring, IP and legal support, networking, training, regulatory advice, business mentoring, and fundraising help. Any IP created during the fellowship stays with the innovator; BIRAC and the EYCs do not claim IP rights.
Eligibility
To apply, candidates need to meet these conditions:
Post-graduate Fellow: Must have completed a Master's degree (or B.Tech, B.Pharma, B.E) in any science discipline, and should apply within 3 years of completing the degree. Women applicants are exempt from this timeline.
Post-doctoral Fellow: Must have completed a Ph.D. in any science discipline, and should apply within 2 years of completing the degree. Women applicants are exempt from this timeline.
Important conditions: Fellows must work full time at an EYC. Students who are currently pursuing a Ph.D. cannot apply, and selected fellows cannot join a Ph.D. program during the fellowship tenure. Applicants must be Indian citizens; OCI and PIO card holders are not eligible.
Application Process
Applications are invited at the national level through advertisements in national dailies and on the official BIRAC website. When a call is open, follow these steps:
STEP 1 - Go to the official E-YUVA page at birac.nic.in/e_yuva.php and read the call details, guidelines, and last date for submission.
STEP 2 - Register and log in on the BIRAC registration page to create your user account.
STEP 3 - Fill the online application form and choose up to three preferred E-YUVA Centres (EYCs) where you want to work. You can refer to the official EYC contact list (July 2026) to find the centres. A step by step application guide is also available on the BIRAC website.
STEP 4 - After submission, the centre checks your eligibility. Shortlisted applicants present their proposal before a Technical Expert Committee. Selected candidates sign an agreement with the EYC and begin their tenure. You may also need the authorisation letter and undertaking format for the mentor.
Documents
Keep the following documents ready before you start the application:
- Valid identity proof such as an Aadhaar Card or PAN Card, plus proof of Indian citizenship (passport, or Aadhaar with a declaration attested by a Class I gazetted officer if you do not have a passport).
- Official educational qualification certificates (degree certificates and mark sheets for Master's or Ph.D.).
- Any other documents related to your project proposal, such as the mentor's authorisation letter.
References
Step by Step Application Guide
E-YUVA Centres Contact Details (July 2026)
FAQ's
What is E-YUVA Scheme?
E-YUVA is a central government scheme that encourages applied research and entrepreneurship among Indian students. It provides funding and mentorship to turn academic ideas into real-world biotech solutions.
What are E-YUVA Centres?
These are dedicated hubs inside universities and institutes that offer pre-incubation space, infrastructure, and equipment to test and develop innovations. Each centre is mentored by a BIRAC BioNEST supported bio-incubator.
Who manages this scheme?
The Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) implements the scheme under the Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology.
Who can become a BIRAC Innovation Fellow?
Candidates who have completed a Master's or Ph.D. degree in any science field can apply within 3 years (Master's) or 2 years (Ph.D.) of completing the degree. Women applicants are exempt from these timelines. A strong proposal with commercial potential is important.
How long does the fellowship last?
The standard duration is 18 months, with a possible extension of 6 months for deserving cases where more time is needed to complete product development.
Is there a call open right now?
As per the official BIRAC website, no call for proposals is active as of August 2026. The next call will be announced on the official website and in national dailies, so keep checking birac.nic.in/e_yuva.php.
Are there specific areas of research supported?
Yes, the scheme covers many fields including Healthcare, Diagnostics, Clean Energy, Artificial Intelligence, and Agriculture. Any interdisciplinary proposal that leads to a biotech product is encouraged.