Biotechnology Ignition Grant (BIG) 25th Call
BIRAC's flagship grant supporting early-stage biotech startups from ideation to proof of concept, offering up to ₹50 Lakhs in milestone-based funding.
- Funding amount
- ₹50L (grant)
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- BIRAC (Government)
- Application deadline
- Closed (30 Nov 2025)
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
The Biotechnology Ignition Grant (BIG) is a flagship initiative by BIRAC (Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council) that identifies and funds innovative biotech ideas with strong commercial potential. This grant supports early-stage startups in moving from ideation to Proof of Concept (PoC). The 25th Call specifically focuses on Agri-biotech and allied deep-tech innovations.
Key features of the program include:
- Funding: Up to ₹50 Lakhs as a non-equity grant-in-aid.
- Duration: Up to 18 months.
- Disbursement: Milestone-based, released in 3–4 installments.
- Support: Mentoring from BIG Partners and BIRAC, including technical guidance, IP support, legal advice, and investor connections.
- Focus areas: High-risk, deep-tech proposals in Agri-biotech, Animal Health, Food & Nutrition, Waste to Wealth, Smart Agriculture, and Industrial Biotechnology.
Highlights
- Grant of up to ₹50 Lakhs, non-equity, milestone-based.
- Duration: 18 months with 3–4 disbursements.
- Focus on Agri-biotech and allied deep-tech sectors.
- Mentoring support includes technical, IP, legal, and investor connects.
- Open to startups and individual entrepreneurs with a company/LLP registered after November 1, 2020.
- Requires in-house R&D facility or incubation at an incubator.
Who can apply
Applicants must be a Biotech Startup or an Individual Entrepreneur with an innovative idea and potential for commercialization. The entity must be a Company or LLP registered under the Indian Companies Act, 1956/2013, with a incorporation date on or after November 1, 2020 (i.e., not older than 5 years from the call launch). At least 51% of the capital must be beneficially owned by resident Indian citizens or Indian companies ultimately controlled by resident Indian citizens. NRIs are considered Indian citizens, but OCI/PIO cardholders are not eligible. Startups must have their own functional in-house R&D facility or be incubated at an incubator (confirmed by a BIG Partner). Prior recipients of a BIG grant are not eligible, and the proposed objectives should not have received funding from any other agency.
Biotechnology Ignition Grant (BIG) 25th Call is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Deadline & timing
The most recent application window for Biotechnology Ignition Grant (BIG) 25th Call closed on 30 Nov 2025. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.
What the funding covers
Selected startups receive a grant-in-aid of up to ₹50 Lakhs distributed in milestone-based installments (3–4 tranches) over an 18-month period. The program provides continuous mentoring from BIG Partners and BIRAC, including technical guidance, intellectual property support, legal advice, and investor connect opportunities. Funding is non-dilutive – no equity is taken.
About the provider
Biotechnology Ignition Grant (BIG) 25th Call is offered by BIRAC, a government body. As a government-backed grant, it is publicly funded and open to eligible startups across India. You can verify current details and timelines on the provider's official website before applying.
How to apply
Applications are submitted on the official portal. Confirm the current deadline and document checklist there before you start.
Selection process
Applications are submitted online only through the BIRAC website. After registration, proposals are screened by BIG Partners (a-IDEA) for legal and technical eligibility, scheme fit (ideation to PoC), and plagiarism. Eligible proposals are then reviewed by 3–5 subject matter experts. Shortlisted applicants are invited to present their case before a Technical Expert Panel (TEP) for final selection. Recommended applicants undergo financial and technical due diligence (including site visits) by the BIG Partner, followed by signing of a Grant Agreement. Funds are released in milestone-based installments.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to Biotechnology Ignition Grant (BIG) 25th Call, keep the following documents ready:
- A pitch deck or short business plan describing the problem, product and traction
- Company registration documents and PAN
- Founder identification (PAN / Aadhaar) and brief profiles
- Recent financial statements or projections
- Product details — a demo, prototype or working link if available
Exact requirements are confirmed on the official application portal — treat this as a preparation checklist.
Who this is best for
Biotechnology Ignition Grant (BIG) 25th Call is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹50L. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding is provided under the BIG 25th Call?
Up to ₹50 Lakhs as a grant-in-aid (non-equity).
What is the application deadline?
The deadline for the 25th Call is November 30, 2025.
Who can apply for this grant?
Biotech startups or individual entrepreneurs with an innovative idea that has commercial potential. The entity must be registered as a Company or LLP under the Indian Companies Act, with incorporation on or after November 1, 2020.
Is DPIIT or MSME registration required?
No, DPIIT or MSME registration is not mentioned as a requirement.
Does BIRAC take equity in exchange for the grant?
No, the BIG grant is a non-equity grant-in-aid, so no equity is taken.
What are the focus areas for this call?
Agri-biotech and allied deep-tech sectors including Animal Health, Food & Nutrition, Waste to Wealth, Smart Agriculture, and Industrial Biotechnology.
What documents are typically needed for application?
The application must be submitted online via the BIRAC website. Required documents likely include incorporation certificate, proof of R&D facility or incubation, and a detailed proposal. Specific list is not provided, but registration on the BIRAC portal is mandatory.
How is the funding disbursed?
Funds are released in milestone-based installments – typically 3–4 tranches over the 18-month project duration.
Can previous BIG grant recipients apply?
No, prior recipients of a BIG grant are not eligible.
How do I apply?
Applications must be submitted online only through the BIRAC website (www.birac.nic.in). User registration is open round the clock.
Who offers Biotechnology Ignition Grant (BIG) 25th Call?
Biotechnology Ignition Grant (BIG) 25th Call is offered by BIRAC, a government body. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.
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