Biotechnology Ignition Grant Scheme 2026
The Biotechnology Ignition Grant (BIG) Scheme supports innovative biotech ideas from individuals and startups, helping them move Read More... from initial concept to a proven concept. Read less
Details
Are you an aspiring entrepreneur or a budding startup with a groundbreaking idea in biotechnology? The Biotechnology Ignition Grant (BIG) Scheme, a flagship initiative by the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), is here to turn your innovative concepts into commercially viable products and technologies.
What Is This Scheme?
The BIG Scheme is designed to recognize and invest in promising ideas within the biotechnology sector. It acts as a crucial stepping stone, supporting individual entrepreneurs and startups from the very initial stages of an idea right through to developing a Proof of Concept (PoC). It's all about nurturing entrepreneurship to bring real-world solutions to the market.
Who Can Benefit From This Scheme?
This scheme is aimed at:
- Individual entrepreneurs with innovative biotech ideas.
- Startups, including Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs), looking to develop commercial products.
- Scientists, faculty, research scholars, and graduates interested in translating their research into commercial ventures, provided they meet the incubation and other criteria.
Why This Scheme Is Important
The BIG scheme plays a vital role in strengthening India's biotech startup ecosystem. By providing financial support and continuous mentorship, it helps translate novel ideas into tangible solutions that address unmet needs. This not only fosters entrepreneurship but also contributes to making the Indian biotech sector globally competitive.
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Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible, you or your entity must meet the following criteria:
- For Individuals:
- Must be an Indian citizen.
- Must be the Project Leader.
- Should be incubated or have a confirmed Letter of Intent (LoI)/MoU with an incubator.
- If employed by an academic/research organization, a No Objection Certificate (NOC) is required, confirming policies that allow you to accept funding, manage funds separately, undertake the project in an incubator, and create an enterprise. Alternatively, you must provide an undertaking to terminate your current association and pursue the project full-time.
- If employed by a for-profit company/LLP, you need to provide an undertaking to terminate your association and pursue the project full-time, or the application must be submitted by the company/LLP.
- Individuals who are already promoters or shareholders of a biotech company/LLP are not eligible to apply as individuals.
- For Companies/LLPs:
- Must be registered under the Indian Companies Act, 1956/2013.
- Incorporation date should not be more than 5 years prior to the closing date of the BIG call.
- At least 51% of the capital must be beneficially owned by resident Indian citizens and/or Indian companies ultimately controlled by resident Indian citizens.
- The company/LLP must have its own adequate in-house R&D facility or be incubated at an incubator.
- If a promoter holding 20% or more shares in the applicant company also promotes another ineligible company (non-biotech domain is an exception), the application may be ineligible. Similar rules apply to LLPs.
- Project Leader Requirements:
- Must be technically qualified and responsible for the project.
- Must have completed basic undergraduate training.
- Must be a shareholder in the applicant company if applying as a company.
- The proposed objectives and deliverables should not have received funding from any other agency.
- BIG support can be provided only once to any individual/startup.
How To Apply
Applications for the BIG Scheme are accepted strictly online:
- Register as a 'New User' on the BIRAC website: https://www.birac.nic.in/desc_new.php?id=327.
- Ensure you use a unique username and email ID, even if you have registered for other BIRAC programs.
- Complete and submit your application form online through the portal.
- Selected candidates will be guided through further steps by BIRAC’s BIG Partners.
Documents Required
You will need to provide various documents at different stages:
For Verification by BIG Partners (Before Technical Expert Panel)
- Letter of commitment from Scientific Advisors/Mentors.
- Letter of intent from key members of the technical team.
- Letter of interest/intent from your chosen incubator.
- Proof of access to unique facilities needed for the project.
- Evidence of access to key samples (e.g., bio-fluids).
- Any other relevant supporting document.
After Expert Selection Panel (ESC) Approval
- Letter of acceptance or MoU with the incubator.
- Formal agreements/ MoUs with facility providers/suppliers.
- Undertaking that the project has not received funding from other agencies for the same objectives.
- Any other due diligence documents requested by BIG Partners (e.g., IP rights clarification, NoC from institute).
FAQ’s
What is the Biotechnology Ignition Grant (BIG) Scheme all about?
The BIG Scheme is BIRAC's key program that offers grant-in-aid to individuals and startups in biotechnology. It focuses on funding innovative ideas with the potential to become commercial products or technologies. The scheme supports you from the initial idea stage right up to developing a Proof of Concept, providing funding of up to ₹50 Lakhs and essential mentorship.
Can I apply if I'm currently employed by a company?
Yes, you can apply as an individual. However, you'll need to submit an undertaking stating that you will leave your current job to dedicate yourself to the project full-time if selected. Alternatively, your employer company can apply under the Company/LLP category.
What kinds of biotech areas are supported by BIG?
The scheme covers a broad spectrum, including Healthcare, Life Sciences (drugs, biologics, medical devices, diagnostics), Industrial Biotechnology (enzymes, bioprocesses), Agriculture and allied sectors, Waste to value, Clean Energy, and Bioinformatics, especially when integrated with technologies like AI and Machine Learning.
What does the grant money of up to ₹50 Lakhs cover?
The grant can be used for purchasing equipment, reagents, hiring skilled staff, travel, incubator fees, and other project-related expenses over the 18-month period. BIRAC also facilitates networking, training, and connects you with experts and investors.
Who is eligible to apply for the BIG scheme?
Individual entrepreneurs, registered startups, and Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs) with innovative biotech ideas are eligible. Faculty, scientists, and scholars can also apply if they are pursuing translational research and meet specific institute NOC requirements or plan to form a startup.
How long is the project supported under BIG?
The funding and support provided under the BIG project are for a duration of up to 18 months.
What is the age limit for a startup to be eligible?
For a Company or LLP, the date of incorporation should not be earlier than 5 years from the launch date of the BIG call.
Do I need to be part of an incubator when applying?
No, it's not mandatory to be incubated at the time of application. A Letter of Intent (LoI) from an incubator you plan to join is sufficient to start with.
What is an Incubator and a BIG Partner?
An Incubator is a facility that provides lab space, equipment, and support services for startups. Certain incubators are designated as BIG Partners by BIRAC. These partners play a crucial role in screening proposals, conducting due diligence, monitoring projects, and disbursing funds.
Can I apply if I hold an OCI card or am of Indian origin with a foreign passport?
No, only Indian citizens holding Indian passports are eligible to apply. Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs) and individuals of Indian origin holding foreign passports are not eligible.
Does the Project Leader need to be a shareholder in the company?
Yes, if the application is submitted by a company, the Project Leader must be a shareholder in that company.
Is there a minimum shareholding percentage required for the Project Leader?
No, there is no specific minimum percentage of shares that the Project Leader must own.
Can a faculty member or scientist apply?
Yes, faculty members, scientists, and research scholars can apply, provided they obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their institute. If you are not planning to form a startup within the BIG tenure, other BIRAC schemes might be more suitable.
What happens after the final decision by the Expert Selection Committee (ESC)?
The final results for BIG are typically announced within 4 months of the call closing. You will be kept informed about your application's status at each stage by the BIG Partners.
Can I submit more than one project proposal?
While there's no limit on the number of proposals you can submit, it's strongly advised to submit your best, most prioritized project. Submitting multiple proposals might reflect poorly on your ability to focus and prioritize effectively. Ultimately, only one proposal will be funded.
What are the main criteria for selecting BIG Grantees?
Applications are evaluated based on factors like the unmet need your idea addresses, its unique value proposition, technical feasibility, the strength of your team, and its commercialization potential.
Where can I find the list of BIRAC-supported incubators?
You can find the list of BIRAC supported BioNEST Bio Incubators at: https://www.birac.nic.in/bionest.php.
If I am an individual applicant, who will receive the grant money?
As an individual applicant, you will receive the funds in a dedicated, auditable no-lien bank account. Fund disbursement will be milestone-based and managed through BIRAC’s BIG Partners.
Do I need to pay royalty if my product becomes successful?
Yes, upon successful commercialization, BIG grantees are required to pay a 5% royalty on net sales of the product developed through BIRAC support, until the total royalty paid equals the grant amount disbursed by BIRAC.
Is the information I provide kept confidential?
Yes, all information submitted is kept confidential. External reviewers sign non-disclosure agreements before reviewing proposals to ensure privacy.
Can a society or trust apply for the BIG scheme?
No, only companies registered under the Companies Act are eligible. Firms registered under the Societies Act or Trusts are not eligible to apply.
Is DSIR recognition necessary for applying?
No, DSIR (Department of Scientific and Industrial Research) recognition is not a mandatory requirement to apply for the BIG scheme.
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