BIRAC - Biotechnology Ignition Grant (BIG) Scheme

The Biotechnology Ignition Grant (BIG) Scheme, run by BIRAC (Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council), is a flagship grant program designed to support early-stage biotechnology ventures. It provides funding from ideation through proof of concept, helping entrepreneurs translate scientific ideas into commercially viable products or technologies that address unmet needs in the biotechnology sector. The scheme aims to strengthen India's biotech startup ecosystem and make it globally competitive. Grants are awarded through a competitive process, with national calls issued twice a year.

• Grant of up to ₹50 Lakhs for biotech startups at ideation to proof-of-concept stage.
• National calls open twice a year: January 1st and July 1st.
• Open to Indian citizens and companies with minimum 51% Indian ownership.
• Applicants must be incubated in an incubator with a LoI or MoU.
• Company incorporation date must be within 5 years of the call closing date.
• Equity-free grant – no dilution of ownership.

BIG is open to Indian citizens who act as Project Leaders and must be incubated in an incubator; a letter of intent or memorandum of understanding from the incubator is required. Employed individuals or students need a no-objection certificate from their employer or institution. If the grant is approved, the applicant must give an undertaking to terminate their current association to work on the project full-time. The applicant cannot be a promoter or shareholder of an existing biotech company (though they may apply through a company route). Companies and LLPs must be registered under the Indian Companies Act, 1956 or 2013, with incorporation date not earlier than five years from the BIG call closing date. At least 51% Indian ownership is required. The company must have a Project Leader and either an in-house R&D facility or be incubated. Promoters or partners with a significant stake in other ineligible entities may not be eligible.

BIRAC - Biotechnology Ignition Grant (BIG) Scheme is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.

BIRAC - Biotechnology Ignition Grant (BIG) Scheme accepts applications on a rolling basis — there is no fixed cut-off date, so eligible startups can apply at any time. Because rolling programmes can pause without notice, confirm the window is still open on the official site before you start.

The BIG scheme provides a grant of up to ₹50 Lakhs to support projects from ideation to proof of concept. The grant covers expenses related to research and development, consumables, manpower, equipment, and other project-related costs. Recipients also gain access to BIRAC's network of mentors, industry experts, and potential collaborators, which can help accelerate commercialization.

BIRAC - Biotechnology Ignition Grant (BIG) Scheme 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.

BIRAC issues national calls for proposals twice a year, on January 1st and July 1st. Applications must be submitted online only through the BIRAC website (www.birac.nic.in). The selection process involves a review by experts who evaluate the scientific merit, innovation potential, and commercial viability of the proposed project. Successful applicants are then awarded the grant.

Before you apply to BIRAC - Biotechnology Ignition Grant (BIG) Scheme, 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.

BIRAC - Biotechnology Ignition Grant (BIG) Scheme 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.