Central government department driving India's biotech policy, funding, and startup ecosystem since 1986.
The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) is a department under the Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India, established in 1986. It is the nodal agency for planning, promoting, and coordinating biotechnology-related programs and activities across the country. Located at CGO Complex, Lodhi Road, New Delhi, DBT funds research institutions, universities, and industry partners while also setting the regulatory and policy framework for biotechnology in India.
DBT oversees a network of autonomous institutions, public sector undertakings, and interface agencies including BIRAC, which serves as its primary arm for startup and industry engagement.
## Role in the Startup Ecosystem
DBT is the upstream policy and funding body that shapes India's entire biotech innovation landscape. While BIRAC handles direct startup engagement, DBT sets the strategic direction, allocates budgets, designs national programs, and coordinates with international partners. Its role extends beyond startups to encompass basic research, regulatory frameworks, and human resource development in biotechnology. For the startup ecosystem, DBT's most important contributions are the creation and funding of BIRAC, the BioNEST incubator network, and sector-specific programs that channel research into commercializable products.
## Programs and Initiatives
DBT runs and funds several key programs relevant to startups. The Biotechnology Ignition Grant (BIG) and other BIRAC-administered schemes are funded by DBT. The BioNEST program creates bio-incubation centres at universities and research institutions across India. The E-YUVA program promotes student entrepreneurship in biotechnology. DBT also runs the Biotechnology Industry Partnership Programme (BIPP) for industry-academia collaboration, the BioE3 Policy for biomanufacturing, and joint calls with BIRAC for emerging areas like Bio-AI. DBT's international collaborations bring global partnerships and funding opportunities to Indian biotech ventures.
## Who Benefits
Biotech researchers, academic institutions setting up incubators, and startups at all stages working in healthcare, agriculture, environmental biotechnology, and industrial biotech. DBT programs particularly benefit institutions seeking to create bio-incubation infrastructure and researchers looking for translational research funding.
## Strategic Impact
DBT has been the architect of India's biotech growth story, taking the sector from a nascent industry in the 1980s to a $130+ billion industry today. Its creation of BIRAC in 2012 was a turning point for biotech entrepreneurship in India, and its continued investment in incubation infrastructure, research funding, and international partnerships ensures a steady pipeline of biotech innovations from lab to market.
Department of Biotechnology (DBT) currently has 2 programs listed in this directory, including DBT-BIRAC Joint Call for Proposals on Bio AI for Fostering High Performance Biomanufacturing under BioE3 Policy, D.E.S.I.G.N. for BioE3 Challenge. Each program page covers the funding amount, eligibility and application process.
Yes. Department of Biotechnology (DBT) is listed under the government category. Its programs follow official government processes, and applications are submitted through official channels in your own name.
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.
No. Applications are always submitted in your own name with the respective program authority. IncorpX is independent of Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and provides assistance for application preparation, document organisation and prerequisite registrations such as incorporation, DPIIT recognition, MSME and GST.
Tell us what you are building and which Department of Biotechnology (DBT) program you are evaluating. An IncorpX advisor will help you assess fit and get application-ready.
Thanks! An IncorpX advisor will reach out shortly to talk through Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and your next steps.
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.
Free Zoho Account + Exclusive Discounts
$2,500–$5,000+ in API Credits
Claude API credits
Stay informed with our latest insights on business, compliance, and growth strategies.
Rated 4.9 out of 5 on Google
The team was very responsive and helpful. I received daily updates from the WhatsApp group, and their guidance made everything much simpler to comprehend. If you want a simple and hassle-free way to launch your business, I would highly recommend them!
I recently used IncorpX to register my limited liability partnership, and I had an amazing experience! There were no hidden fees, and the team was helpful, quick to respond, and open. They provided thorough explanations of each step, and their services are reasonably priced without sacrificing quality. The entire process was made simple by IncorpX's professionalism, attention to detail, and sincere support. Strongly advised!
The experience was flawless; the team completed each task with care and always responded quickly. Throughout the process, I never felt stuck. We would especially like to thank Saksham and Sriram for making everything run so smoothly! The IncorpX team offers extremely competitive pricing; anyone just starting out should definitely get in touch with them.
I'm really grateful to the wonderful team at IncorpX for helping bring my co-founder's and my dream to life. The whole process was super smooth - fast service, great support, and no hassles at all. I'd highly recommend IncorpX to any new entrepreneur or founder looking to register their company. Excited to continue working with them in the long run. Thank you, IncorpX!
One of the best agency I have ever experienced. Team members are very friendly as if we know each other from before and came communicate and share easily. My work has been done in a very short period and I am so happy. Thank you so much.
Highly recommend... IncorpX services regarding incorporation of our company and roc filing and all are very impressive.. the team IncorpX is polite and friendly. Our Lands Time pvt ltd has incorporated through IncorpX... And thanks to IncorpX team..
Trouble free service, Rendering good co-operation for company incorporation. Trust worthy team to have better knowledge.
IncorpX is providing best service... And user experience! Thank You IncorpX Team
I recently got my Private Limited Company incorporated through IncorpX, and the experience was seamless! The team was professional, supportive, and quick to respond throughout the process. Highly recommend IncorpX for a smooth and stress-free company registration experience.
I'd been planning to register my Private Limited Company for months but didn't know where to start - until I found IncorpX. The team guided me step by step, explained everything clearly, and completed the registration smoothly within the promised timeline. Their pricing was transparent with no hidden charges. Highly recommend IncorpX to anyone starting a business!
Fill out the form and our team will connect with you to understand your requirements and recommend the best way forward.
Talk to our business executives in minutes
Talk to our business executives in minutes
Nebin Binoy 
