The Department of Biotechnology (DBT), under its advanced technology scheme Biotechnology Industry Partnership Programme (BIPP), has invited fresh proposals from biotech companies for providing support on a cost sharing basis targeted at development of novel and high risk futuristic technologies mainly for viability gap funding and enhancing existing R&D capacities of start-ups and SMEs in key areas of national importance and public good.

DBT is operating this scheme through Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Programme (BIRAP), a not-for-profit public sector undertaking set up by DBT to nurture the biotech innovation ecosystem, support start-ups and SME’s for innovation research and promote affordable product development through public-private partnership.

The key feature of this programme is that it 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 aims to fulfilling major unmet national needs; new and futuristic technology development for increasing global competitiveness; novel IP generation; and supporting start-ups, SME’s and other biotech companies on cost sharing basis.

A single or consortia of Indian companies small, medium or large having DSIR recognized in-house R&D units, alone or in collaboration with a partner from another company/institute/organization/university are eligible for this programme. Financial support is extended as a grants-in-aid with a matching contribution by company.  The main industry applicant should have DSIR recognized in-house R&D unit or alternatively, the applicant should be incubated at an Incubation Centre/Biotech Park which has a valid SIRO/DSIR Certificate

The interested biotech companies can apply for the proposal till March 31 this year.