The Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) has invited research proposals from biotechnology start-ups and entrepreneurs having a registered company incorporated on or after January 1, 2012 or from academicians, scientists, researchers, PhDs, medical degree holders, biomedical engineering graduates incubating in a technology business incubator who have innovative technology idea with considerable potential for impact/commercialisation.

BIRAC, a section 8 not-for-profit company launched by the government of India to serve as a single window for emerging biotech companies in the country, is implementing this programme under the Department of Biotechnology (DBT)’s Biotechnology Ignition Grant (BIG) scheme.

The scheme enables technology innovators and entrepreneurs to pursue a promising technology idea, and establish and validate proof of concept (POC) for the idea. The BIG scheme is for high level innovation in the biotechnology sector. BIG does not support basic research projects.

This supports only upto proof-of-concept stage. Under this scheme, funding will be in the form of grant-in-aid limited up-to Rs. 50 lakh The period for the study would not exceed 18 months.

This is the sixth call for proposals from BIRAC since the BIG scheme was launched in 2012 for igniting new ideas in biotechnology. Entrepreneurs or potential entrepreneurs from academia, research institute, or researchers, Ph.Ds; and medical degree holders and biomedical engineering graduates can apply under this scheme. The biotechnology start-ups incubated in a technology business incubator with an exciting idea which may be in the nascent and planning stage can also apply under this scheme. The last date for submission of proposals is February 15, 2015.

BIRAC was set up by DBT to stimulate, foster and enhance the strategic research and innovation capabilities of the Indian biotech industry. It is an independent, autonomous, dynamic organisation, applying unique methodologies for nurturing the high risk projects which hold potential for commercialisation. BIRAC as an organisation nurturing and promoting innovation lead research would play an important role of “Connector and Catalyser”.

A unique initiative of the government to promote the growth of biotechnology industry in India, the BIRAC helps establish connectivity with professional and institutional networks and provide financial support for mid-level, quality innovation targeted at affordable solutions and product development.