Organisation Name:
Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC)
Application Deadline:
Around 15 August 2026
About Organisation
The Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) is a Public Sector Enterprise established by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India. BIRAC promotes biotechnology innovation and entrepreneurship by supporting startups, researchers and innovators through funding, mentoring, incubation and business development. Its flagship Biotechnology Ignition Grant Scheme (BIG) helps early-stage innovators convert promising biotechnology ideas into commercially viable products and technologies. Working through a network of BIG Partners across India, BIRAC strengthens the country’s biotechnology ecosystem by providing financial assistance along with technical guidance, networking opportunities and mentoring to accelerate innovation and startup growth.
About the Grant
The Biotechnology Ignition Grant Scheme (BIG) 2026 is BIRAC’s flagship funding programme designed to help young biotechnology startups and innovators develop proof of concept for commercially promising ideas. The scheme provides grant-in-aid of up to ₹50 lakh for projects lasting up to 18 months. BIG encourages researchers and entrepreneurs to translate innovative technologies into market-ready solutions while supporting enterprise creation and commercialization. In addition to financial support, selected innovators receive mentoring, monitoring, networking and business development assistance through BIRAC’s network of BIG Partners, helping startups build sustainable biotechnology ventures and strengthen India’s innovation ecosystem.
Who can Apply?
The Biotechnology Ignition Grant Scheme 2026 primarily supports early-stage biotechnology startups and innovators working on ideas with strong commercialization potential. Researchers, entrepreneurs and startup founders developing innovative biotechnology solutions are encouraged to apply under the scheme, subject to BIRAC’s eligibility criteria. Proposed projects should focus on validating proof of concept and advancing technologies toward commercialization. Selected innovators receive mentoring through designated BIG Partners. Applicants should carefully review the current call guidelines and eligibility requirements before submitting proposals, as detailed conditions may vary depending on the specific funding call announced by BIRAC.
How to Apply?
Applicants should submit their proposal during an active BIG funding call through the official BIRAC application portal. The proposal should clearly explain the innovation, commercialization potential, proof-of-concept objectives, implementation plan and expected outcomes. Applications are evaluated according to the programme guidelines, and shortlisted innovators receive support through one of BIRAC’s designated BIG Partners for mentoring and project implementation.
Application Deadline
The application deadline is 15 August 2026
Last Date To Apply
For more information, please visit the grant website here.
