The Department of Biotechnology (DBT), government of India, has invited innovative proposals of product related pre-proof-of-concept, research & development and evaluation in biotechnology for the third batch of small business innovation research initiative (SBIRI) scheme. The scheme will provide early stage funding for scientists in private industries to enable them for high risk, innovative and commercialisable product proposals.

The scheme aims to strengthen the existing private industrial units whose product development is based on in-house innovative R&D and create opportunities for new technology-based or knowledge-based business by science entrepreneurs. It also intends to stimulate technological innovation and product commercialisation, enhancement of public-private partnerships and increase product development and commercialisation in the public-private sector derived from government funded R&D projects.

According to a spokesperson, the scheme operates in two phases and in the first stage the funding will be provided for the highly innovative, early stage, pre-proof-of-concept research. And in this stage preference will be given to proposals, which address important national and social needs.

In the second phase, funding will be given for the development and commercialisation of available innovative search leads. Projects wherein proof-of-concept is already established with R&D unit of the industry also will be eligible for the direct support, she added.

DBT has already received several projects for the third batch of SBIRI scheme and verification of the projects also started. However, the final approval for the proposals will be given by early next year.

The scheme covers all the areas in biotechnology including health-care, agriculture, industrial products and processes, environmental biotechnology and bio-medical devices and instruments.

In-house R&D units of industrial firms, national R&D organisations, universities and institutions or collaborative projects of common interest sector/area proposed by a group of industries/users, national research organizations, universities and institutions are eligible for funding under the scheme.

If the project involves collaboration among two or more partners, the scope of work and responsibilities of each participating establishment in the project should be clearly highlighted providing exact rationale and justification. The public-private partnership among industry and public funded institutions also will be encouraged under the scheme.

As per the scheme, the units should be registered in India and must fulfill the criteria of small business unit to get the funding. The company should also have well established in-house R&D unit recognised by Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) or have patent rights (National or International) in the proposed activity. Joint ventures and limited partnerships are also eligible for the SBIRI support, where the entity created meets all the requirements, she further added.