Under its Biotechnology Ignition Grant (BIG) scheme, the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) has invited research proposals from potential entrepreneurs from biotechnology for igniting new ideas from biotechnology start-ups, entrepreneurs or academicians, scientists, researchers, PhDs, medical degree holders and biomedical engineering graduates.

The scheme is aimed for high level of innovation in the biotechnology sector and does not support basic research projects. It will only support upto proof-of-concept stage and grant-in-aid limited upto Rs.50 lakh for the period of 18 months.

Biotechnology start-ups which are registered company incorporated on/after January 1, 2013 can apply under this scheme. Academicians, scientists, researchers, PhDs, medical degree holders and biomedical engineering graduates, incubating in a technology business incubator, who have innovative technology idea with considerable potential for impact or commercialisation can also participate in the programme.

The purpose of the BIG scheme is to support projects that aim to establish or validate proof of concept (POC) for a promising and innovative technology idea and also to promote the creation of new start-ups based on innovative technology ideas and/or to support early start-ups to establish and validate their technology ideas up to the POC stage.

Under this scheme, BIRAC will support projects that propose a process/ product innovation with significant potential impact or commercial potential; projects with clear technology objectives; projects focused on establishing or validating proof-of-concept for a technology idea; projects aimed at technology de-risking i.e., reducing uncertainties in the technology; and projects focused on generating and providing the scientific data needed to demonstrate an idea to potential licensors/ investors, etc.

This is the nineth call for proposals from BIRAC since the BIG scheme was launched in 2012 for igniting new ideas in biotechnology. The last date for submission of proposals is August 16, 2016.

The scheme is for potential entrepreneurs from academia, start-ups or an incubatee (researchers, PhDs, medical degree holders, biomedical engineering graduates) who have an exciting idea which may be in the nascent and planning stage and there is an unmet need for mentorship and initial funding. The scheme will help to support and nurture these high risk early starters and their concepts.

The main aim of the scheme is to establish and validate proof of concept and also to enable creation of spin-offs. The scheme is for high level of innovation in the biotechnology sector and it supports only upto proof-of-concept stage. Biotechnology start-ups/entrepreneurs or incubatee; students, academician and scientists (research institute/university/public, not for profit organization, private funded) with an exciting idea which may be in the nascent and planning stage are eligible for the scheme.