BIRAC–RDI Fund – Research, Development & Innovation Fund
Deep-tech biotech co-investment fund for TRL 4+ Indian entities.
- Funding amount
- ₹5Cr – ₹200Cr (grant)
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- BIRAC (Government)
- Application deadline
- Closed (31 Mar 2026)
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
The BIRAC–Research, Development & Innovation (RDI) Fund is a flagship Government of India scheme designed to accelerate breakthrough deep-tech innovation and indigenous manufacturing in biotechnology and related sectors. Guided by the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision, the fund targets delta-change (not incremental) innovations with global benchmark potential and national strategic importance.
The fund backs technologies at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 4 or above—meaning the proof-of-concept has been validated in a lab environment and is ready for further development, scale-up, and commercialisation. It focuses on ROI-intensive technologies rooted in advanced science and engineering that involve high uncertainty in functionality, production, or adoption pathways. The programme especially welcomes foundational bio-platforms that can spawn multiple applications and intellectual property families, as well as innovations that reduce import dependence and strengthen India's supply-chain resilience.
Through a co-investment model, BIRAC provides patient capital from ₹5 crore to ₹200 crore, covering R&D, scale-up, and innovative manufacturing – including advanced bioprocessing systems, reagents, viral vectors, complex media, and high-value equipment. The fund may support up to 50% co-investment to strengthen private-sector R&D and attract additional capital.
Domains covered include healthcare & biopharma, agriculture & food systems, environment & climate solutions, industrial & synthetic biology, bioenergy & circular bioeconomy, AI/ML applications in biotech, and other emerging interdisciplinary areas aligned with national goals.
Highlights
- Co-investment grants from ₹5 crore to ₹200 crore for deep-tech biotech projects.
- Targets technologies at TRL 4 and above with validated proof-of-concept.
- Covers R&D, scale-up, and indigenous manufacturing of advanced bioprocessing systems and reagents.
- Supports up to 50% co-investment to attract private capital.
- Focused on national relevance, import substitution, and global benchmark technologies.
Who can apply
The applying entity must be a legal entity registered in India under the Companies Act 2013, Indian Partnership Act 1932, Limited Liability Partnership Act 2008, or a startup as per DPIIT Notification G.S.R. 127(E) of 19 February 2019. The entity must have its principal place of business and registered global headquarters in India, and must be under the control of resident Indian citizens as per the DPIIT Consolidated FDI Policy 2020. The project should be at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 4 or above with well-defined milestones, deliverables, and timelines. The entity must be engaged in ROI-intensive technologies in biotechnology or related areas that have national relevance.
BIRAC–RDI Fund – Research, Development & Innovation Fund 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 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.
About the provider
Documents you’ll need
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.
Who this is best for
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.
Frequently asked questions
Who administers the BIRAC–RDI Fund?
The fund is administered by BIRAC (Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council), a Government of India initiative.
What is the funding amount available?
The fund provides co-investment support from ₹5 crore up to ₹200 crore per project.
What is the deadline to apply?
Applications are accepted until 31 March 2026.
What Technology Readiness Level (TRL) is required?
Projects must be at TRL 4 or above, meaning the proof-of-concept has been validated in a lab environment.
Which entities are eligible to apply?
Any legal entity registered in India – companies under the Companies Act 2013, partnerships, LLPs, or DPIIT-recognised startups – with a principal place of business and headquarters in India, and under control of resident Indian citizens.
Does the fund take equity or require repayment?
The fund is structured as a grant (co-investment). The source indicates a grant model; no equity or repayment is mentioned.
What types of biotech areas are supported?
Healthcare & biopharma, agriculture & food systems, environment & climate, industrial & synthetic biology, bioenergy & circular bioeconomy, AI/ML applications in biotech, and other interdisciplinary areas aligned with national priorities.
Is DPIIT or MSME registration required?
For startups, DPIIT registration is mentioned as an allowable form of entity. There is no explicit requirement that MSME registration be held.
How does the co-investment work?
BIRAC may provide up to 50% co-investment alongside private capital, aiming to crowd in additional funding for the project.
Who offers BIRAC–RDI Fund – Research, Development & Innovation Fund?
BIRAC–RDI Fund – Research, Development & Innovation Fund is offered by BIRAC, a government body. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.
How do I apply for BIRAC–RDI Fund – Research, Development & Innovation Fund?
Apply directly through the official application link on this page. Review the eligibility criteria and prepare your startup documents before you begin.
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