Biotechnology Ignition Grant Scheme

Biotechnology Ignition Grant Scheme

The Biotechnology Ignition Grant Scheme (BIG) is a premier initiative by the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) aimed at fostering innovative biotechnology ideas in India. This scheme is designed to support individual entrepreneurs and start-ups by guiding them from the initial concept phase to the Proof of Concept (PoC) stage.

Overview of the Scheme

The BIG scheme, established by BIRAC, which operates as a not-for-profit entity under the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India, seeks to identify and invest in groundbreaking biotech concepts. The primary objective is to transform ideas into commercially viable products or technologies, thereby addressing significant market needs and enhancing the global competitiveness of the Indian biotech sector.

Objectives of the BIG Scheme

• Facilitate the journey from ideation to Proof of Concept.
• Promote entrepreneurship, allowing concepts to evolve into market-ready solutions.
• Strengthen the Biotech Startup Ecosystem within the nation.

Supported Project Categories

The BIG scheme accommodates a variety of innovative projects within the following sectors:

• Healthcare
• Lifesciences
• Diagnostics
• Medical Devices
• Drugs and Vaccines
• Drug Formulations and Delivery Systems
• Industrial Biotechnology
• Agriculture and Secondary Agriculture
• Waste Management and Sanitation
• Clean Energy

Proposals may fall under one of these seven distinct categories:

• Devices & Diagnostics
• Drugs including Drug Delivery
• Industrial Biotechnology including Secondary Agriculture
• Agriculture
• Biosimilars & Stem Cells
• Vaccines
• Bioinformatics & Facilities

BIRAC encourages projects that integrate biotechnology with applied sciences such as Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, IoT, and Big Data Analytics, aiming to revolutionize healthcare, agriculture, and related bio-industries.

Excluded Project Types

• Basic or exploratory research projects
• Projects lacking innovative elements
• Projects focused on clinical trials or late-stage validation of technology

It is important to note that the BIG grant does not serve as a research fellowship and is not intended to support PhD or other academic research endeavors.

Project Duration

Funding under this scheme is provided for a maximum duration of 18 months, with project implementation structured around specific milestones.

Benefits of the BIG Scheme

Grantees receive a range of support services, which include:

• A grant-in-aid of up to INR 50 lakhs (approximately USD 75,000) for a period of 18 months.
• Ongoing mentoring from BIG Partners and BIRAC, covering:
• Technical Mentoring (access to experts)
• Intellectual Property Support
• Legal Assistance
• Networking and Outreach Opportunities
• Training Programs
• Regulatory Guidance
• Business Mentorship
• Connections with Investors
• Case-by-case support as needed

Eligibility Criteria

Individual Applicants

• Must be an Indian citizen.
• The primary applicant should serve as the Project Leader.
• Must be incubated in a recognized incubator, with an LoI/MoU required for final approval.
• If employed with an academic or research organization, a No Objection Certificate (NOC) must be provided.
• If affiliated with a for-profit company, an undertaking to terminate employment upon grant approval is necessary.
• Promoter shareholders of a Biotech company or partners in a Biotech LLP cannot apply individually.

Company/LLP Applicants

• Must be registered under the Indian Companies Act, 1956/2013.
• Incorporation should not exceed five years from the closing date of the current BIG call.
• 51% of the company’s capital must be owned by resident Indian citizens.
• The application must be led by a designated Project Leader.
• Must possess a functional in-house R&D facility.

Application Process

To apply for the BIG scheme, follow these steps:

1. BIRAC announces a national call for applications at least twice a year (January 1 and July 1). This is publicized through various channels, including the BIRAC website.
2. Applications must be submitted exclusively through the official BIRAC website www.birac.nic.in.
3. Applicants must register on the BIG User section of the BIRAC website.
4. Eligible applicants can fill out and submit their applications online.

The BIG Scheme is executed nationwide via BIRAC’s network of BIG Partners, ensuring a robust support system for emerging biotech innovators.