AI SummarySITARE-Gandhian Young Technological Innovation Award Grant is a central government scheme run by the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) to help postgraduate and doctoral students turn research ideas into biotech startups. The scheme gives financial support of up to ₹15 lakhs per project to 15 student projects selected every year, with calls announced around August or September as per the latest BIRAC update of 23 July 2026.
The official BIRAC page confirms that the scheme is still active for 2026 and applications are taken online only during an active call. SITARE-GYTI is not a normal research fellowship. It is a competitive grant made for projects that can be turned into commercial biotech products, so students should check the official website regularly for the next call.
SITARE-Gandhian Young Technological Innovation Award Grant - Introduction
The Students Innovations for Translation and Advancement of Research Explorations (SITARE) scheme is BIRAC's programme for supporting new student projects in biotechnology. Under this scheme, 15 innovative student projects receive funding support of up to ₹15 lakhs each, and the fund recipients are recognised as BIRAC's SITARE-GYTI beneficiaries.
The main aim is translational research. The scheme helps students develop products and technologies that meet real needs in healthcare, life sciences, diagnostics, medical devices, drugs, vaccines, agriculture, waste management, clean energy and artificial intelligence. Only proposals with commercial potential that can lead to the creation of biotech startups are considered.
BIRAC also runs a second component under SITARE called the SITARE-Appreciation Grant, which supports undergraduate students selected from the Biotech Innovation Ignition School (BIIS) workshops with up to ₹1 lakh each. This article focuses on the SITARE-GYTI Award Grant.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | SITARE-Gandhian Young Technological Innovation Award Grant |
| Launched By | Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) |
| Nodal Ministry | Ministry of Science And Technology |
| Level | Central |
| Beneficiaries | Postgraduate and doctoral students of India |
| Number of Projects | 15 projects every year |
| Benefit Amount | Up to ₹15 lakhs per project |
| Project Duration | Up to 24 months |
| Application Mode | Online on BIRAC website |
| Call Frequency | Once a year, announced in August or September |
| Official Website | birac.nic.in |
Benefits
Selected students get money and mentoring support to move their project from the lab to the market. The grant-in-aid is released in a milestone-based way, so the focus stays on completing each project stage properly.
- Funding support: Up to ₹15 lakhs per project, released in installments of up to ₹5 lakhs each based on review of milestones achieved.
- Continuous mentoring: BIRAC and the SITARE Partner provide technical mentoring, IP support, legal support, business mentoring, regulatory advice, trainings and fundraising help.
- Recognition and networking: Fund recipients are recognised as BIRAC's SITARE-GYTI beneficiaries and get access to training, orientation and networking opportunities.
The grant money is divided across project heads as per the scheme rules:
| Item | Allocation |
|---|---|
| Development of Prototype | Up to 30% |
| Consumables | Up to 20% |
| Travel | Up to 15% |
| Incubator Rentals | Up to 15% |
| Manpower | Up to 15% |
| Training and Conferences | Up to 10% |
| Contingency | 5% |
Eligibility
SITARE-GYTI is open to students who are currently studying and have a project idea with commercial value. The official criteria are given below.
- Indian student: The applicant must be an Indian student pursuing a Ph.D or Masters degree in any discipline at a recognised institution or university.
- Valid student ID: A valid ID issued by the institution or university is required at the time of application.
- No Objection Certificate: A NoC in the prescribed format must be submitted along with the application.
- Commercial potential: The project should have the potential to be turned into a biotech product or startup. This is the main test for selection.
- One time only: A student can receive the SITARE-GYTI Award Grant only once.
Students with exceptional talent who fall outside the standard eligibility criteria may also be considered with the approval of BIRAC's competent authority. If the grant period extends beyond the degree programme, the grantee is encouraged to incubate at a bio incubator to complete the scheme's mandate.
How to Apply
Proposals are accepted online only when the official Call for Proposals is active. The call comes once a year, normally announced in August or September, and stays open for 45 to 60 days. The process on the BIRAC website is given below.
STEP 1 - Go to the official BIRAC website at birac.nic.in and open the SITARE scheme page.
STEP 2 - If already registered, log in with the credentials. New users must click on New User Registration and create an account as an individual user.
STEP 3 - After registration, a computer generated password is sent to the email ID given at the time of registration. The password can be changed later.
STEP 4 - Log in and look for the SITARE link under Programmes. Click on the SITARE-GYTI link and the active call will be highlighted.
STEP 5 - Click on the active call and upload the project proposal with all required documents before the last date of the call.
Selection Process
Applications are first checked for basic eligibility and then reviewed in stages by expert committees.
STEP 1 - Initial Stage: Proposals are examined for preliminary technical strength and fit with the translational research mandate of the scheme.
STEP 2 - Shortlisting Stage: A team of experts reviews the applications based on online review comments and the specific project or work plan.
STEP 3 - Recommendation Stage: Final shortlisted candidates are called for a presentation before an expert panel. Class II Rail fare can be reimbursed for invited outstation students.
Evaluation is done on novelty, technical rigour, competence of the student, societal and commercial value, and frugality. Selected students have to sign a Grant Award Letter Agreement (GALA), and a No-Lien Account with a scheduled or nationalised bank is required before the first installment is released.
Documents Required
Keep these documents ready before the call opens so that the online submission goes smoothly.
- A valid ID issued by the institution or university.
- A No Objection Certificate (NoC) in the official format.
- PAN card details.
- Educational qualification certificates and transcripts.
- A detailed research proposal or project report.
- Any other document asked by the application portal.
References
Check Official Guidelines | Visit Official Website | View SITARE-GYTI Call Details
FAQ's
What is the SITARE-Gandhian Young Technological Innovation Award Grant?
It is a BIRAC funding scheme that supports 15 student projects every year with up to ₹15 lakhs each to help postgraduate and doctoral students translate research into biotech startups.
Who can apply for this grant?
An Indian student pursuing a Ph.D or Masters degree in any discipline can apply, provided they have a valid institutional ID and a No Objection Certificate from their institution.
How is the grant money used?
The funds are allocated for prototype development, consumables, travel, incubator rentals, manpower, training and conferences, and contingency, with percentage caps defined in the scheme rules.
What if my project needs more time?
The grant duration is up to 24 months. Extensions are discouraged, though a request with proper justification may be considered without extra money in selected cases by the review committee if it reaches BIRAC well before the scheduled completion date.
Do I need to sign an agreement?
Yes, selected students must sign a Grant Award Letter Agreement (GALA) with the SITARE Partner, and a No-Lien Account with a scheduled or nationalised bank is needed before the first installment is released.