The Biotechnology Industry Partnership Programme (BIPP), under the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), has announced the second special call for proposals for development of affordable healthcare products and technologies as part of its goal to nurture research and development, and innovation in the biotech sector.

The proposals have been invited for developing products of superior levels of quality, safety and efficacy in the areas of diagnostics, vaccines, regenerative medicines, therapeutics, bio-medical devices and other allied areas. The proposals can be submitted till August 1, according to the official note.

“Collaborative proposals involving a joint effort by biotech industry sector and public sector institutes, universities and other organisations towards developing innovative, affordable solutions to existing healthcare problems in the country are encouraged,” the announcement said.

BIPP, an advanced technology scheme approved by the government, is a unique initiative of the DBT to nurture R&D in the industry. Biotech Consortium India Limited (BCIL) is the management of the programmes under the BIPP.

“This new scheme will be one of the most enabling mechanisms to promote biotech industry R&D and public private partnership programmes. The scheme provides for a government contribution of 30-50 per cent to the industry for discovery linked innovation. Under this advanced technology scheme, support would be provided only for futuristic areas, transformational technology and product development for public good. Grant in aid support would also be provided for evaluation and validation of biotechnology products that are based on indigenous discovery and innovation. The scheme will support major research facilities and platform technology centres as core facilities that are readily accessible to SME’s and public sector scientist,” it said.