This call invites proposals for the DBT BIRAC Joint Call on Bio-AI, aiming to establish मूल ां कु र hubs under the BioE3 Policy for Biomanufacturing. The initiative seeks to foster high-performance biomanufacturing by leveraging Bio-AI for data-driven research in health, agriculture, and the environment. Submit problem statements and research solutions as Concept Note (LoIs).

Scope of the Call

This call focuses on problem statements and research solutions in areas like Biomolecular Design, Sustainable Agriculture, Synthetic Biology, Ayurveda, and Genomics Diagnostics. Multi-disciplinary teams with expertise in synthetic biology, AI/ML, and computation are encouraged to apply. Shortlisted applications will be invited to submit full-length proposals.

The aim is to address challenges through data-driven, cutting-edge research initiatives. The call emphasizes programmatic research support for AI-guided closed-loop platforms, integrating predictions, experiments, and analyses. Proposals focusing primarily on computational programs or AI/ML methods without significant biotech research questions may not be considered.

Inter-institutional and inter-disciplinary teams are encouraged to form hubs in a hub-and-spoke model. Successful applicants should possess the resources and computational infrastructure to host AI-powered tools and drive big data analytics. Research teams are expected to focus on advancing capabilities for developing indigenous Large Language Models (LLMs) utilizing neural network data and ‘omics’ data and foundational models.

Grant Guidelines

The problem statements should be addressed in a two-year period. A maximum grant of Rs 25 crore will be considered based on merit and the proposal's actual requirements. This grant is not for investigator-driven independent research efforts but for inter-disciplinary science teams led by a coordinator with demonstrated expertise.

The programmatic research support is for AI-guided closed loop platforms, in which predictions, experiments and analyses are integrated into the system. Therefore, the research methodology should clearly articulate how the proposed AI based solutions/decisions are analyzed and validated in experimental settings.

It is expected that successful applicants have the strengths, resources and computational infrastructure to host the AI powered tools and drive the big data analytics (computational programmes). Additional AI infrastructure mechanism may be supported through other mechanisms and will not be funded through grants in this program. Research teams are expected to focus on advancing capabilities for development of developing indigenous Large Language Models (LLMs) utilizing neural network data and ‘omics’ data and foundational models.

Eligibility Criteria

Researchers/Scientists working in Government Organizations, Universities, Academic Institutions, National Laboratories, DSIR-recognized Non-Profit Organizations, start-ups, or industries are eligible. They must have sound scientific and technical backgrounds and relevant publications in the proposed areas. Partnerships between academia and industry/start-ups are encouraged.

Academic organizations must be recognized as a Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (SIRO). The Principal Investigator must have at least four years of employment remaining in the institution at the time of proposal submission.

For industry applicants, eligibility criteria will be as per the "Implementation Plan for the Biomanufacturing and Biofoundry Initiative". Companies must have a minimum of 51% Indian shareholding. Pre-requisite documents, including incorporation certificates and audited financial details, must be submitted as per BIRAC norms.

• Academic Organisations
• Industry
• Companies/Startups

Mode of Submission

Proposals can be submitted by both Academia and Industry applicants, either independently or as a collaborative project. Academia/Research Institutions/National Laboratories should submit proposals through the Department’s e-ProMIS portal (www.dbtepromis.nic.in). Industry and Industry-Academia collaborations should submit proposals through the BIRAC website (www.birac.nic.in).

Academia/Research Institutions/National Laboratories should submit proposals through the Department’s e-ProMIS portal (www.dbtepromis.nic.in). Industry and Industry-Academia collaborations should submit proposals through the BIRAC website (www.birac.nic.in).

Ensure that the proposals are duly forwarded by the executive head of the respective institution or company. Adhere to the prescribed format and provide all necessary documentation as required by DBT and BIRAC.

Evaluation Criteria & Funding

Proposals will be evaluated based on existing norms of DBT and BIRAC. Key considerations include the scientific merit of the proposal, its alignment with the call objectives, and its potential to deliver novel research leads. The relevance of AI/ML and biotech methods to the proposed solution will also be assessed.

Projects with academic partners only will be funded by DBT. Projects involving Academia and Industry or only industry will be supported by BIRAC. The extent of funding will depend on the proposed activities and will align with the "Implementation Plan for the Biomanufacturing and Biofoundry Initiative".

Key metrics for assessment include the integration of multiple research partners, research expertise, existing facilities, and the potential to attract partnerships/investments. Specific success stories and resourceful project leads are expected at the end of the two-year period.

Important Dates and Contact

The last date for submission of proposals is 10th May, 2025. For queries regarding the grant, contact Dr. Kalaivani Ganesan, Scientist F, DBT @ k.ganesan@nic.in; bio-enabler@dbt.nic.in or Dr. Amit Katiyar, Chief Manager IP & TM, BIRAC @ akatiyar@birac.nic.in.

For technical queries regarding online submission, contact the DBT Application support – e-promise team at Tel: 011-24365136 or email epromise.dbt@nic.in. Ensure all submissions are completed by the specified deadline.

Ensure all submissions are completed by the specified deadline. For technical queries regarding online submission, contact the DBT Application support – e-promise team at Tel: 011-24365136 or email epromise.dbt@nic.in.

Suggested Research Topics

• Artificial Intelligence in Drug Discovery
• Material Science for Biomanufacturing
• Life Science Applications in Bio-AI
• Microbiology and Synthetic Biology
• Genomics and Personalized Medicine
• Sustainable Agriculture using AI