The **Biotechnology Ignition Grant (BIG)** scheme is a flagship initiative of **BIRAC** that recognizes and invests in innovative ideas in the biotech sector with clear potential to translate into commercial products/technologies. The program specifically supports **early-stage startups** from **ideation to Proof of Concept (PoC)**. This 25th Call is focusing on Agri-biotech and allied deep-tech innovations. Key features: * **Funding:** Grant-in-aid (non-equity) of up to **Rs. 50 Lakhs** for
About BIRAC
The Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) is a not-for-profit Section 8 Public Sector Enterprise established in 2012 by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India. BIRAC serves as the primary interface agency between the government and the biotech entrepreneurship ecosystem, providing financial, infrastructural, institutional, and mentoring support to emerging biotech ventures. It is headquartered in New Delhi and works through a network of partner institutions across India.
BIRAC has enabled over Rs. 4,200 crore in funding support and has touched thousands of startups, innovators, and companies through its diverse portfolio of schemes and programs.
## Role in the Startup Ecosystem
BIRAC is the single most important institutional enabler for biotech startups in India. It bridges the gap between academic research and commercial product development by providing non-dilutive grants, equity funding, and access to bio-incubation infrastructure. For biotech ventures, which typically face long development cycles and high capital requirements, BIRAC's patient capital and structured support programs are often the difference between a research idea staying in a lab and becoming a viable product.
## Programs and Initiatives
BIRAC's flagship scheme is the Biotechnology Ignition Grant (BIG), the largest early-stage biotech funding program in India, providing up to Rs. 50 lakh for proof-of-concept work over 18 months. The BIG scheme operates through 8 partner institutions nationwide. Other programs include the Small Business Innovation Research Initiative (SBIRI) for late-stage product development, the Biotechnology Industry Partnership Programme (BIPP) for industry-led research, the SEED Fund for equity investment in startups, BioNEST for bio-incubator infrastructure, and E-YUVA for student entrepreneurship in biotechnology. BIRAC also runs the RDI Fund and joint calls with DBT for emerging areas like Bio-AI.
## Notable Alumni
BIRAC-supported startups include Niramai Health Analytix (AI-based breast cancer screening), Bugworks Research (antimicrobial resistance therapeutics backed by the Gates Foundation), and Pandorum Technologies (3D bioprinting and regenerative medicine). Over 118 products from BIRAC-supported startups have been commercialized.
## Who Benefits
Biotech researchers, scientists-turned-entrepreneurs, and startups working in healthcare, agriculture, industrial biotech, and environmental biotech. The BIG scheme is particularly suited for academic researchers taking their first steps toward commercialization, while SBIRI and BIPP serve more mature ventures.
## Strategic Impact
BIRAC has built the institutional plumbing for India's biotech startup sector. By providing non-dilutive funding at the riskiest stages of biotech development, it has de-risked the sector for private investors and helped India grow its biotech economy. Its network of bio-incubators through BioNEST has created physical infrastructure for biotech ventures in cities beyond the metros.
Who they work with
Frequently asked questions
What funding programs does BIRAC run?
BIRAC currently has 6 programs listed in this directory, including Biotechnology Ignition Grant (BIG) 25th Call, GCI-BIRAC Vaginal Health Formulation Innovation Grant, BIRAC GCI , Screening & Diagnosis Innovations Open Call. Each program page covers the funding amount, eligibility and application process.
Is BIRAC a government organisation?
Yes. BIRAC is listed under the government category. Its programs follow official government processes, and applications are submitted through official channels in your own name.
How do I evaluate whether a BIRAC program fits my startup?
Start with the stages and sectors shown on this profile, then open the program pages for eligibility conditions and document checklists. If you want a structured view, send an enquiry below and an IncorpX advisor will walk you through fit and readiness.
Do I apply to these programs through IncorpX?
No. Applications are always submitted in your own name with the respective program authority. IncorpX is independent of BIRAC and provides assistance for application preparation, document organisation and prerequisite registrations such as incorporation, DPIIT recognition, MSME and GST.
Enquire about BIRAC
Tell us what you are building and which BIRAC program you are evaluating. An IncorpX advisor will help you assess fit and get application-ready.
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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.
