D.E.S.I.G.N. for BioE3 Challenge

The D.E.S.I.G.N. for BioE3 Challenge is a nationwide, 12-month initiative under India's BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment and Employment) framework. It is jointly run by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), BIRAC, and BRIC-ILS, inviting young students and researchers to create innovative, sustainable, and scalable biotechnological solutions. The theme is "Empowering Youth to Solve Critical Issues of their TIMES."

Applications open on the 1st and close on the 20th of each month, from November 2025 to October 2026. Each month, the top 10 concept proposals win a Round 1 cash appreciation grant, with up to 120 winners over the year. Winners also receive mentorship from DBT-BIRAC, access to 15 iBRIC+ institutions and 95 Bio-NEST incubators nationwide, and recognition on DBT, BIRAC, and MyGov digital platforms.

After winning Round 1, participants can apply for a Round 2 RDI grant of up to ₹25 lakhs, disbursed in two tranches (₹15L and ₹10L) based on completing milestones. Up to 100 projects can be supported under Round 2.

• Receive ₹1 lakh cash grant in Round 1 and up to ₹25 lakhs RDI grant in Round 2.
• Get mentorship from DBT-BIRAC and access to 15 iBRIC+ institutions and 95 Bio-NEST incubators.
• Open to students, innovators, and startups working on bio-based solutions in health, agriculture, or climate.
• No entry fee and no institutional affiliation needed for Round 1.
• Application cycle: 1st to 20th of every month from November 2025 to October 2026.

The challenge is open only to Indian nationals with a valid Aadhaar number. Individuals or teams of up to 5 members can apply. For Round 1, no institutional affiliation is required, making it accessible to students, innovators, and others. In Round 2, applicants must be affiliated with an institution, bio-incubator, or DSIR-recognized startup. PhD scholars, researchers, scientists, and startup founders or employees are strongly encouraged to apply. There is no entry fee. Plagiarism leads to immediate disqualification.

D.E.S.I.G.N. for BioE3 Challenge is open to startups at the idea and product stage working in health pharma biotech, agri food rural and climate energy ev. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India. Applicants should be registered as individual, academic and private limited.

Applications for D.E.S.I.G.N. for BioE3 Challenge are open and the current deadline is 31 Oct 2026. Deadlines can change — always reconfirm on the official source before submitting.

• Round 1 winners (up to 120 over 12 months) each receive a cash appreciation grant of ₹1 lakh.
• Round 1 winners may then apply for a Round 2 RDI grant of up to ₹25 lakhs per project, paid in two tranches (₹15L then ₹10L) upon achieving milestones; up to 100 projects can be funded.
• Winners also get mentorship from DBT-BIRAC, access to 15 iBRIC+ institutions and 95 Bio-NEST incubators across India, and visibility on DBT, BIRAC, and MyGov digital platforms.

D.E.S.I.G.N. for BioE3 Challenge is offered by Department of Biotechnology (DBT), a government body. As a government-backed competition, 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.

Each month, concept proposals are shortlisted based on quality and innovation; the top 10 ideas win Round 1 cash grants. Round 1 winners then have 3 months to submit a detailed proposal to BIRAC for Round 2 evaluation. Round 2 funding is milestone-driven, with two tranches released upon achieving the set milestones.

Before you apply to D.E.S.I.G.N. for BioE3 Challenge, keep these documents ready — note the program-specific requirements at the top:

• Certificate of incorporation showing your startup is registered as individual and academic
• 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.

D.E.S.I.G.N. for BioE3 Challenge is best suited for idea and product-stage health pharma biotech, agri food rural and climate energy ev startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹1L – ₹25L. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.