DBT-BIRAC Joint Call for Proposals on Bio AI for Fostering High Performance Biomanufacturing under BioE3 Policy — Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions founders most often ask about DBT-BIRAC Joint Call for Proposals on Bio AI for Fostering High Performance Biomanufacturing under BioE3 Policy — who qualifies, the funding amount, required documents and how the application works.
Frequently asked questions
What is the application deadline?
The deadline to submit proposals is June 30, 2026, at midnight. Since evaluation is rolling, early submission is recommended.
Who can apply for this grant?
Eligible applicants include Indian companies (registered under the Companies Act 2013), startups, LLPs (registered under LLP Act 2008), and academic or research institutions recognized as SIRO (e.g., universities, societies, trusts, NGOs). Organizations must be Indian entities.
Do I need DPIIT or MSME registration to apply?
No, neither DPIIT nor MSME registration is required. Startups without these registrations can still apply as long as they meet the entity type criteria.
Does the program take equity in my startup?
No, this is a grant program and is completely non-dilutive. No equity is taken.
Can I apply if my startup is at the idea stage?
Yes, both idea-stage and product-stage entities are eligible. There is no requirement for an existing product launch.
What are the five thematic areas covered?
The five themes are: Biomolecular Design (novel proteins, enzymes, etc.), Sustainable Agriculture (drought-resistant crops, AI disease sensing, dairy genomics), Synthetic Biology (pathway optimization, strain engineering, biosensors), Ayurveda (AI pharmacogenomics, herb-drug interactions, plant-based drug discovery), and Genome Diagnostics (AI risk prediction for diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, single-cell genomics, neurodegenerative disorders).
How do I submit my proposal?
Proposals must be submitted only through the online portal at www.birac.nic.in. Hard copies are not accepted under any circumstances.
Is there any specific funding amount mentioned?
No, the amount is not specified here—it is marked as 'Varies'. You are advised to check the detailed call document on the BIRAC website for funding limits and co-financing norms.
What is the BioE3 Policy?
The BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Employment and Environment) Policy is a national initiative by the Government of India to promote biotechnology-driven economic growth, job creation, and environmental sustainability. This call falls under that policy.
What happens after I submit my proposal?
Proposals are evaluated periodically on a rolling basis. Assessment is based on scientific merit, feasibility, and alignment with BioE3 themes. Successful applicants will gain access to shared biomanufacturing infrastructure and the DBT-BIRAC collaborative network.
Who offers DBT-BIRAC Joint Call for Proposals on Bio AI for Fostering High Performance Biomanufacturing under BioE3 Policy?
DBT-BIRAC Joint Call for Proposals on Bio AI for Fostering High Performance Biomanufacturing under BioE3 Policy is offered by Department of Biotechnology (DBT), a government body. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.
How do I apply for DBT-BIRAC Joint Call for Proposals on Bio AI for Fostering High Performance Biomanufacturing under BioE3 Policy?
Apply directly through the official application link on this page. Review the eligibility criteria and prepare your startup documents before you begin.