FundingRs. 10 lakh to Rs. 30 lakh
Equity-free Idea Logistics & Mobility
ClosesJun 15, 2026
Open Competition Equity-free Students
D.E.S.I.G.N. for BioE3 Challenge
by Department of Biotechnology (DBT)
BioE3 Challenge for Indian citizens with biotech concept proposals.
Check your readinessShare a few details and an IncorpX advisor will walk you through fit, documents and timelines for this scheme. Free, no obligation.
- Students, innovators and startups working on bio-based solutions in health, agriculture or climate.
About this scheme
The D.E.S.I.G.N. for BioE3 Challenge is a government initiative under India's BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment and Employment) policy framework, driven by the Department of Biotechnology, BIRAC, and BRIC-ILS. It aims to inspire innovative, sustainable, and scalable biotechnological solutions from young students and researchers across India, with the theme "Empowering Youth to Solve Critical Issues of their TIMES." The challenge runs for 12 months with rolling monthly submissions open for 20 days each month, from November 2025 to October 2026.
Round 1 awards a cash appreciation grant of INR 1 lakh to the top 10 concept proposal winners every month , up to 120 winners over 12 months. Winners receive mentorship from DBT-BIRAC, access to 15 iBRIC+ institutions and 95 Bio-NEST incubators nationwide, and visibility on DBT, BIRAC, and MyGov digital platforms. Round 2 offers Round 1 winners a follow-on RDI grant of up to INR 25 lakhs disbursed in two tranches of INR 15 lakhs and INR 10 lakhs based on milestone completion, supporting up to 100 projects nationwide.
Who can apply
- Must be an Indian national with a valid Aadhaar number.
- Individual or team applications (up to 5 members) are permitted.
- Institutional affiliation is not required for Round 1.
- For Round 2, affiliation to an institution, bio-incubator, or DSIR-recognized startup is mandatory.
- PhD scholars, researchers, scientists, and startup founders or employees are encouraged to apply.
Eligible entity types: Individual Innovator, Private Limited, LLP, Partnership
Benefits & funding
Headline support
Rs. 1 lakh to Rs. 25 lakh
- Cash appreciation grant of INR 1 lakh (Round 1) and RDI grant up to INR 25 lakhs (Round 2).
- Benefits include mentorship from DBT-BIRAC, access to 15 iBRIC+ institutions and 95 Bio-NEST incubators nationwide, plus visibility on DBT, BIRAC, and MyGov digital platforms.
How the application process works
The journey below is informational, compiled from the official program guidelines. Applications are submitted directly with Department of Biotechnology (DBT), in your own name.
- 1
Evaluation involves selecting top concept proposals monthly for Round 1 cash grants.
- 2
Round 1 winners then submit detailed proposals to BIRAC for Round 2 RDI funding based on milestone completion.
Want a second pair of eyes before you submit?IncorpX provides assistance for structuring proposals and organising the paperwork this process expects.
Official application
Ready to apply? Get the official link
Applications are submitted directly with Department of Biotechnology (DBT), in your own name. Share a few details and we will point you to the official application portal and help you prepare a complete submission.
Here is the official application link
Apply in your own name with Department of Biotechnology (DBT). Want a second pair of eyes before you submit? An IncorpX advisor can help you prepare.
Open the official applicationFrequently asked questions
How much funding does D.E.S.I.G.N. for BioE3 Challenge provide?
D.E.S.I.G.N. for BioE3 Challenge provides rs. 1 lakh to Rs. 25 lakh. The exact amount sanctioned depends on the proposal and the evaluation by the program authority.
Is D.E.S.I.G.N. for BioE3 Challenge currently accepting applications?
Closes Oct 31, 2026 (138 days left). Always confirm the current window with the program authority before preparing your application.
Does D.E.S.I.G.N. for BioE3 Challenge take equity?
No. This program is listed as equity-free, which means the funding does not dilute your shareholding. Review the official terms for any debt or convertible components.
Important disclaimer
IncorpX is a private platform operated by a private company. It is not a government department, agency or official portal, and it is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or acting on behalf of any government body or of any organisation, incubator, accelerator, investor or partner listed in this directory. All program names, logos and trademarks are the property of their respective owners and are used for identification only.
This directory is compiled from publicly available official sources and is provided for general information only. It does not constitute legal, financial, tax or professional advice. Funding amounts, eligibility criteria, required documents, deadlines and availability are determined by each program authority and change with every cycle, so the details shown here may be incomplete or out of date. Always confirm the current terms on the official program source before you apply or take any decision.
IncorpX charges no fee for the information in this directory and does not collect, process, lodge or submit any application on your behalf. Applications are made by you, in your own name, directly with the respective program authority. IncorpX provides assistance only for application preparation and for related registrations such as company incorporation, DPIIT recognition, MSME (Udyam) and GST. Eligibility, approval, disbursement and selection rest solely with the respective program authority, and IncorpX makes no representation or guarantee as to any outcome.
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