Biotechnology Ignition Grant BIG Scheme

The Biotechnology Ignition Grant (BIG) scheme is for potential entrepreneurs from Academia, start-ups or an Incubatee 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 main aim of BIG Scheme is to establish and validate proof of concept and to enable creation of spin-offs.

Biotechnology Ignition Grant would help to support and nurture these high risk early starters and their concepts.

Key features of the programme include:

• To establish and validate proof of concept
• To enable creation of spin-offs

Scope & Support:

• BIG is for high level of innovation in the Biotechnology sector
• BIG scheme supports only up-to Proof-of-Concept stage
• Funding will be in the form of Grant-in-Aid limited up-to Rs 50 lakh
• The period for the study would not exceed 18 months
• 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. Graduates
• Incubated in a Technology Business Incubator with an exciting idea which may be in the nascent and planning stage

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.