BIRAC GCI — Screening & Diagnosis Innovations Open Call — Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions founders most often ask about BIRAC GCI — Screening & Diagnosis Innovations Open Call — who qualifies, the funding amount, required documents and how the application works.
Frequently asked questions
Who can apply for this BIRAC GCI Call?
Indian academic and research institutions, public and private R&D organisations, start-ups, and not-for-profit foundations can apply. Multidisciplinary teams involving academia, health centres, and industry are strongly encouraged but consortia are not mandatory.
How much grant money is available?
The Exploratory tier provides up to ₹50 lakh for a 12-month project. The Solution / Innovation / Product / Technology tier provides up to ₹2 crore for an 18-month project.
Is the funding equity or debt based?
The funding is an equity-free grant. BIRAC does not take any ownership stake in your venture or intellectual property.
What infectious disease areas qualify for this call?
Your proposal must address screening or diagnostics for one or more of these four areas: tuberculosis, emerging pathogens, syndromic panels, and enteric pathogens. Innovations that are near point-of-care and ultra-low-cost are especially wanted.
Is DPIIT registration necessary?
No, DPIIT startup recognition is not required. MSME certification is also not needed.
Do I need a partner or co-founder to apply?
You may apply individually. However, collaborations that combine academia, clinical practice, and industry are considered beneficial during evaluation.
What is the deadline to submit a proposal?
Applications must be submitted by 1 July 2026 at 2:00 PM IST.
How do I submit my application?
First, register at the BIRAC online portal at birac.nic.in. Then get the full RFP from that same site, read the guidelines, and upload your proposal (including the budget and milestone plan) in the correct format under the relevant tier.
What key criteria will be used to judge proposals?
Scientific merit, innovation level, feasibility, potential public-health impact—especially regarding accessibility and affordability—team strength, and any collaborations are all taken into account.
Can NGOs or section-8 companies apply?
Yes, not-for-profit foundations and section-8 companies are explicitly eligible.
Who offers BIRAC GCI — Screening & Diagnosis Innovations Open Call?
BIRAC GCI — Screening & Diagnosis Innovations Open Call is offered by BIRAC, a government body. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.
How do I apply for BIRAC GCI — Screening & Diagnosis Innovations Open Call?
Applications go through 5 stages, starting with BIRAC Portal Registration. Apply through the official application link on this page.
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