Competition
₹1L – ₹25LRange
D.E.S.I.G.N. for BioE3 Challenge
by Department of Biotechnology (DBT)
BE3 challenge: cash + RD grant for bio-concept proposals, Indian nationals.
31 Oct 2026
ViewDepartment of Biotechnology (DBT)
Department of Biotechnology (DBT) is a government body with 2 startup funding programmes on startupfunds. Browse every opportunity below, with eligibility, amounts and how to apply.
2 programs1 open nowUpdated regularly
Quick answer
Department of Biotechnology (DBT) runs 2 startup funding programs listed on startupfunds, spanning competition and grant funding ₹1L – ₹25L. 1 is accepting applications right now.
- Programs listed
- 2 (1 open now)
- Funding types
- Competition · Grant
- Funding amount
- ₹1L – ₹25L
- Provider type
- Government body
- Sectors funded
- biotech & health, agritech and climate & energy
- Eligible stage
- idea-stage and prototype / mvp
- Geography
- Startups registered in India
- Equity-free
- Some programs take no equity
About Department of Biotechnology (DBT)
The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) is a government entity. It operates as a central government department.
Through its official website, https://dbtindia.gov.in, DBT provides funding to Indian startups. This support primarily comes in the form of grants.
DBT runs several programs designed to foster innovation. These include:
- DBT-BIRAC Joint Call for Proposals on Bio AI for Fostering High Performance Biomanufacturing under BioE3 Policy: This program offers grant funding, with amounts that vary.
- D.E.S.I.G.N. for BioE3 Challenge: Startups can receive grant funding ranging from ₹1L to ₹25L through this initiative.
What Department of Biotechnology (DBT) funds
Filters that match Department of Biotechnology (DBT)'s programs — tap one to see every grant in that category.
Active programs from Department of Biotechnology (DBT)
Past & closed programs
Recently closed — many run again, so they're worth tracking for the next cohort.
Grant
Varies
DBT-BIRAC Joint Call for Proposals on Bio AI for Fostering High Performance Biomanufacturing under BioE3 Policy
by Department of Biotechnology (DBT)
DBT-BIRAC joint call under BioE3 to set up Bio AI hubs for high-performance biomanufacturing. Open to startups, LLPs, academic SIROs. Rolling applications until June 30, 2026.
Closed (30 Jun 2026)
ViewFrequently asked questions
What founders ask about funding from Department of Biotechnology (DBT).
How many funding programs does Department of Biotechnology (DBT) offer?
Department of Biotechnology (DBT) currently lists 2 startup funding programs on startupfunds, of which 1 is open to applications right now. New cohorts are added as Department of Biotechnology (DBT) announces them.
What type of funding does Department of Biotechnology (DBT) provide?
Department of Biotechnology (DBT) backs startups through competition and grant funding, and some of its programs are equity-free (no equity is taken in return). Funding is typically ₹1L – ₹25L.
How much funding can a startup get from Department of Biotechnology (DBT)?
Department of Biotechnology (DBT)'s programs offer ₹1L – ₹25L. The exact amount depends on the specific program, stage and your startup's needs.
Who is eligible for Department of Biotechnology (DBT) funding?
Department of Biotechnology (DBT)'s programs are open to startups registered in India, typically at the idea-stage and prototype / mvp stage, across biotech & health, agritech and climate & energy. Each program lists its own eligibility — check the one you're interested in below.
How do I apply to Department of Biotechnology (DBT) programs?
Pick the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) program you're interested in from the list below to see its eligibility, funding amount, deadline and step-by-step how-to-apply guide. Applications are submitted through Department of Biotechnology (DBT)'s official channels; you can also reach their official site from the top of this page.
Browse more startup funding
Compare Department of Biotechnology (DBT)'s programs against the wider funding landscape.