BIRAC–RDI Fund – Research, Development & Innovation Fund

The BIRAC–Research, Development & Innovation (RDI) Fund is a significant initiative from the Government of India, designed to foster high-impact deep-tech innovation and drive transformative indigenous manufacturing within the biotechnology and associated sectors. This fund aligns with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, prioritising substantial, "delta-change" innovations over incremental improvements, with a strong focus on developing globally competitive technologies and those with national strategic importance.

The fund provides support for groundbreaking projects that have reached Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 4 or higher. This means it targets technologies with a validated proof-of-concept, ready for further development, scaling, and eventual commercialisation. It specifically seeks out technologies rooted in advanced science and engineering, which are often characterised by high uncertainty in their functionality, production methods, adoption pathways, and the establishment of industry standards, but promise high returns on investment. The programme particularly champions foundational bio-platforms capable of generating multiple applications and intellectual property families, as well as innovations that aim to reduce India's reliance on imports and strengthen its manufacturing and supply chain resilience.

Operating on a co-investment model, the BIRAC–RDI Fund offers patient capital and risk-mitigating support, with funding amounts ranging from ₹5 crore up to ₹200 crore. This financial assistance is intended to cover research and development, scale-up activities, and innovative indigenous manufacturing efforts. Specific areas of support include advanced bioprocessing systems, reagents, viral vectors, complex media, and high-value equipment. The fund may contribute up to 50% of the project's co-investment, aiming to bolster private sector R&D capabilities and attract additional private capital.

This initiative covers a broad spectrum of application domains. These include healthcare and biopharma, agriculture and food systems, environment and climate solutions, industrial and synthetic biology, bioenergy and the circular bioeconomy, as well as applications of AI and machine learning in biotechnology. Support also extends to other emerging interdisciplinary fields that align with national priorities.

• Co-investment fund by BIRAC, a Government of India enterprise.
• Supports deep-tech biotechnology innovations across various sectors.
• Offers funding from ₹5 crore up to ₹200 crore.
• Targets technologies at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 4 and above.
• Focuses on R&D, scale-up, and indigenous manufacturing.
• Application deadline is March 31, 2026.

The BIRAC–RDI Fund is open to Indian entities engaged in deep-tech biotechnology.

Applicants should be biotech startups that are at the product or revenue stage. A key technological requirement is that the innovation must be at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 4 or above, indicating a validated proof-of-concept and readiness for further development and commercialisation.

BIRAC–RDI Fund – Research, Development & Innovation Fund is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.

The most recent application window for BIRAC–RDI Fund – Research, Development & Innovation Fund closed on 31 Mar 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.

The BIRAC–RDI Fund offers substantial financial support through a co-investment model, providing patient capital and risk mitigation.

Recipients can access funding ranging from ₹5 crore up to ₹200 crore. This support is designed to cover a comprehensive range of activities and needs, including:

• Research and Development (R&D)
• Scale-up activities
• Innovative indigenous manufacturing, which encompasses:
  • Advanced bioprocessing systems
  • Reagents
  • Viral vectors
  • Complex media
  • High-value equipment

The fund can provide up to 50% of the co-investment required, aiming to strengthen private sector R&D efforts and attract additional capital into these critical areas.

BIRAC–RDI Fund – Research, Development & Innovation Fund 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.

Before you apply to BIRAC–RDI Fund – Research, Development & Innovation Fund, 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–RDI Fund – Research, Development & Innovation Fund is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹5Cr – ₹200Cr. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.