The Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Ministry of Science and Technology has invited innovative proposals for establishment of product related pre-proof-of-concept, product related to research or product development, and evaluation in Biotechnology under the Small Business Innovation Research Initiative (SBIRI) Scheme for the year 2006-2007.

The scheme will provide early stage funding to enable scientists in private industries for high risk, innovative product proposals.

The SBIRI aims to strengthen those existing private industrial units whose product development is based on in-house innovative R&D, create opportunities for starting new technology-based or knowledge-based businesses by science entrepreneurs, stimulate technological innovation and product commercialization, use private industries as a source of innovation and enhancing greater public-private partnerships, and increase product development and commercialization in public-private sector derived from Government funded R&D projects.

The SBIRI scheme is operational in two phases. The funding in Phase I stage will be provided for highly innovative, early stage, pre-proof-of-concept research. Preference will be given to proposals that address important national and social needs. The funding in Phase II stage will be provided for development and commercialization of available innovative research leads. Projects wherein proof-of-concept is already established with R&D institution or R&D unit of the industry could be eligible for direct phase-II support.

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

The proposals can be made solely by in-house R&D unit(s) of industrial firms; jointly by Industry and National R&D Organizations, Universities and Institutions: or collaborative projects of common interest sector proposed by a group of industries / users, national research organizations, universities and institutions etc. Public Private Partnership among industry and public funded institutions model will be encouraged.

In case of private forms, the unit should be registered in India and must fulfil the criteria of Small Business Unit, enterprises with not more than 500 employees. The Company should have well established in-house R&D unit recognized by Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) or have patent rights (National or International) in the proposed activity.