Under its Small Business Innovation Research Initiative (SBIRI) scheme, the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) has invited proposals from Indian biotech companies for funding of research and development in the field of biotechnology.

BIRAC has been set up under the department of biotechnology (DBT) to nurture the biotech innovation ecosystem, support start-ups and SMEs for innovation research and promote affordable product development through public-private partnership.

Under this flagship public-private partnership programme, BIRAC will provide support to the biotech companies for discovery; proof-of-concept and early stage innovations; and R&D aimed at affordable product development.

The major aims of this programme are to nurture and mentor innovative and emerging technologies/entrepreneurs, to assist new enterprises to forge appropriate linkages with academia and government; to create opportunities for starting new technology-based or knowledge-based businesses by science entrepreneurs; and to stimulate technological innovations. Financial support is extended as a grant-in-aid limited to Rs. 50 lakhs with a contribution from the company.

This is an advanced technology scheme for high risk, transformational technology/process development from proof-of-concept to validation leading to high value product commercialisation. It will support new and futuristic technology development with major social bearing but uncertain market driven demand. It will also support start-ups, SMEs and other biotech companies on cost sharing basis. The companies can send their proposals till July 31, 2015.

A single or consortia of Indian company (ies) registered under “The Indian Companies Act 2013” with minimum 51 per cent Indian ownership, and DSIR recognised in-house R&D unit, are eligible to apply either alone, or in collaboration with a partner from another company, institute or university (companies in the process of obtaining DSIR recognition may also apply; however, their funding would be subject to getting DSIR recognition).

The DBT launched the SBIRI scheme to boost public-private-partnership effort in the country. The distinctive feature of SBIRI is that it supports the high-risk pre-proof-of-concept research and late stage development in small and medium companies led by innovators with science backgrounds which is unique in nature to support private industries and to get them involved in development of such products and processes which have high societal relevance. SBIRI has unique process for generating ideas by bringing users and producers of technology together, it has the direct focus on producing product and a sense of urgency for producing defined results that only private sector engagement can produce.