Startup Schemes Playbook
Part A · Startup-specific scheme

Biotechnology Ignition Grant Scheme (BIG)

Department of Biotechnology / Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC)

Grant IdeationPrototype / PoC Biotech, Health & Pharma

The Biotechnology Ignition Grant (BIG) Scheme provides early-stage funding and support to biotech innovators and startups so they can turn promising scientific ideas into viable products and businesses.

Type of support
Grant
Best suited for
Ideation to PoC
Headline amount
Grant up to ₹50 lakh
How much
Up to ₹50 lakh for up to 18 months

Objectives

Biotechnology Ignition Grant (BIG) is a flagship programme of BIRAC, which provides support to young startups and entrepreneurial individuals. BIG is the largest early-stage biotech funding programme in India.

Who can apply?

  • Individual Entrepreneurs and startups
  • The applicant must be incubated in an incubator (may/may not be supported by BIRAC).

What do you get?

  • Grant-in-aid of up to ₹50 lakh provided to startup for a period of up to 18 months.
  • During the BIG tenure, BIRAC extends several networking opportunities to connect with experts, mentors, industry, investors, peer to peer learning, specialized trainings & workshops, exposure to various platforms on merit basis

How to apply

BIRAC issues a national call inviting applications under BIG at least twice a year (typically on 1st of January & 1st of July). The Call for Proposals is typically open for a period of 30-45 days. Application for BIG needs to be submitted online only through BIRAC website www.birac.nic.in

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