BIRAC, the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council, announces the 25th Call for Proposal under the BIG Scheme, inviting biotech startups to pursue high-level innovation with strong commercialization potential. As a Section 8 not-for-profit company of the Government of India, BIRAC acts as DBT’s interface to nurture and accelerate the growth of emerging biotech ventures. This funding opportunity provides grant support, along with implementation guidance and mentoring, to help startups establish and validate a proof of concept (POC) for their ideas within a structured framework.

About BIRAC and the BIG Scheme

BIRAC operates as a single-window interface to catalyze biotechnology innovation and entrepreneurship in India. The organization focuses on translating inventive ideas into market-ready solutions by providing strategic funding, mentorship, and access to a network of industry partners. The BIG Scheme, specifically, is designed to accelerate the journey of biotech startups from concept to commercialization, prioritizing technologies with strong potential to create impact and generate early proof of concept. Information and guidelines for the scheme are available on the BIRAC website, and interested applicants are encouraged to review these resources before applying. Eligibility and submission details are clearly outlined to ensure transparent and fair access for eligible startups across the country.

Key features of the BIG Scheme

• Grant-in-aid up to INR 50 lakhs to support high-level biotech innovation with commercialization potential.
• Project duration up to 18 months, providing a clearly defined timeframe for proof of concept development and early validation.
• Focus on innovation in biotechnology rather than basic research, prioritizing solutions with near-term translational prospects.
• Support model includes implementation and mentoring through BIRAC’s BIG Partners, ensuring hands-on guidance and access to networks for scale-up and market readiness.

Funding Opportunity Details

This call represents the 25th iteration of the BIG Scheme, inviting Indian biotech startups with commercially viable ideas to apply for funding and mentorship. The opportunity emphasizes accelerated development of proof of concept and market-readiness, rather than foundational basic research. Applicants should prepare a proposal that demonstrates a credible pathway from concept to commercialization, including technical milestones, regulatory considerations (where applicable), and a plan for leveraging BIG Partners’ expertise to reach key inflection points. The scheme underscores a rigorous but supportive environment designed to turn innovative concepts into viable products or technologies capable of attracting further investment or partnerships.

• Funding objective: High-level biotech innovation with commercialization potential, not basic research projects.
• Funding amount: Grant-in-aid up to INR 50 lakhs to support project activities, instrumentation, testing, or related development costs.
• Project duration: Up to 18 months from project inception to completion of POC validation and related deliverables.
• Delivery and mentoring: Implementation and mentoring through BIRAC’s BIG Partners, enabling structured guidance and access to industry networks.
• Guidelines and registration: Access guidelines via the BIG portal and register to participate in the BIG Scheme through the BIRAC website.
• Target applicants: Biotech startups with innovative ideas having commercialization potential, specifically Indian startups with eligible corporate forms.

Eligibility and Applicant Profile

Eligibility criteria focus on startup-driven innovation with potential for commercialization, linked to a registered entity in India. The scheme seeks to empower biotech startups that can demonstrate a viable pathway to market, including technical feasibility and a credible plan for scale-up in collaboration with experienced partners. Applicants should align their project scope with the goal of developing a robust proof of concept and positioning the technology for future investment or partnerships. Prior recipients of BIG grants are not eligible to apply again under the same cycle, ensuring broad access to new cohorts of entrepreneurs and ideas.

• Eligible entities include Indian biotech startups with a registered Company or LLP incorporated on or after 1 November 2020.
• Geographic scope centers on Indian startups pursuing commercially viable biotech innovations.
• Application eligibility excludes prior BIG grant recipients, maintaining a fresh slate for new participants in each cycle.
• Idea focus emphasizes projects with potential for rapid progression toward POC, regulatory alignment (where applicable), and market entry or partnership opportunities.

Application Process and Contacts

Online submission stands as the sole channel for proposals under the BIG Scheme. Registration occurs on the BIRAC website under the “BIG User” cluster, with registration open round the clock to accommodate diverse start-up schedules. Applicants are encouraged to consult the official guidelines for detailed eligibility criteria, submission requirements, and FAQs before preparing their proposals. For any clarifications, two dedicated email contacts are provided to assist prospective applicants with queries related to eligibility, process, or timelines.

• Submission method: Online-only proposals through the BIG portal.
• Registration: Register on the BIRAC website under “BIG User”; open 24/7 to facilitate convenient access.
• Guidelines: Review the official BIG Guidelines at the BIRAC site (link provided on the BIG portal).
• Registration details: Begin the process on birac.nic.in, under the BIG User section, and follow the prompts to create a proposal.
• Important eligibility note: Prior recipients of BIG grants are ineligible for this cycle.
• Contacts for queries: sped01.birac@nic.in, biracbig.dbt@nic.in.

Important Dates

Timelines anchor this call, providing clear points for preparation, submission, and subsequent evaluation. Prospective applicants should align their proposal development with these milestones to ensure timely and complete submission. The dates reflect the program’s cadence and commitment to a structured, transparent process that supports a broad range of biotech startup ideas across the country.

• Announcement date: 01-11-2025
• Last submission date: 30-11-2025, 05:30 PM