BIRAC - Biotechnology Ignition Grant (BIG) Scheme

Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council

(A Govt. of India Enterprise)

Set up by Department of Biotechnology, Government of India

BIRAC Announces 2nd Call for Proposals under the Biotechnology Ignition Grant (BIG) Scheme

Introduction

The Biotechnology Ignition Grant (BIG) scheme is for potential entrepreneurs from Academia, start-ups or an Incubatee (Researchers, PhDs, Medical degree holders, Biomedical Engg. Graduates) who have an exciting idea which may be in the nascent and planning stage and there is an unmet need for mentorship and initial funding. The Biotechnology Ignition Grant would help to support and nurture these high risk early starters and their concepts.

Key Features of the Programme

The main aim of BIG Scheme is:

a.    To establish and validate proof of concept

b.    To enable creation of spin-offs.

Scope & Support

i.    BIG is for high level of innovation in the Biotechnology sector.

ii.    BIG scheme supports only up-to Proof-of-Concept stage.

iii.    Funding will be in the form of Grant-in-Aid limited up-to Rs 50 lakh

iv.    The period for the study would not exceed 18 months.

v.    Funding may also be used for conducting limited market research, patenting costs, working capital during the period, travel, salary etc.

Who Can Apply?

     Biotechnology start-ups

Registered company  incorporated on/after 1st January 2010

Company should have a functional R&D laboratory

If the registered company does not have a functional Laboratory of its own, then it should be incubated in an Incubator which has a functional laboratory.

     Entrepreneurs Or Potential entrepreneurs from Academia, Research Institute, Or Researchers, PhDs, Medical degree holders, Biomedical Engg. GraduatesIncubated in a Technology Business Incubator with an exciting idea which may be in the nascent and planning stage can apply under this scheme.

How to Apply?

Proposals are required to be submitted online only.

To submit a proposal online, please log on to the BIRAC website (www.birac.nic.in).

Online Proposal Submission opens on 1st January, 2013.

No Hard Copy to be submitted. Proposals submitted online only would be considered.

Last date for Submission of Proposals: 15th February, 2013

                                              For further details, please contact:

                                                       

                                                                    Ms. Sibi Sagar

                                                     Programme Manager-IP, BIRAC

                                                        Email: biracbig.dbt@nic.in