BIRAC Biotechnology Ignition Grant (BIG)
Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) · Biotech proof-of-concept grant
$60KGrant-in-aid up to ₹50 lakh for up to 18 months
India's flagship early-stage grant for biotech/medtech startups and researchers to reach proof of concept.
Key terms
- Calls announced twice a year (1 January and 1 July), open ~45 days
- Company/LLP incorporated within ~5 years of the call launch; individuals (researchers, PG students) may apply with intent to form a startup
- Indian citizens only; prior BIG recipients ineligible
- Milestone-based disbursement via BIG Partner incubators
Eligibility
- Where
- India
- Stages
- idea, pre-seed
- Max company age
- 5 years
- Needs VC/accelerator backing
- No
- Needs partner referral code
- No
- Must be incorporated
- No
- AI focus required
- No
- Students / researchers
- Eligible
- Nonprofits
- Not eligible
How to apply
Apply on BIRAC's online portal during the January or July call.
- Benefit
- cash
- Equity-free
- Yes
- Decision time
- —
- Credit validity
- —
- Deadline
- Biannual calls (1 Jan & 1 Jul; ~45 days)
- Status
- Paused — next round TBA
Verified 2026-10 · source