BIRAC Biotechnology Ignition Grant (BIG)
जैव प्रौद्योगिकी इग्निशन ग्रांट
Status not published
The call for proposal is announced twice a year, i.e. on 1st January and 1st July. Call for proposals typically remains open for about 45 days.
Up to INR 50 Lakhs as grant-in-aid per BIG Innovator, for a research project with commercialization potential of up to 18 months duration, to take an innovative idea to Proof of Concept.
Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), a PSE of the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India
public · national
Deadline: cutoff — The call for proposal is announced twice a year, i.e. on 1st January and 1st July. Call for proposals typically remains open for about 45 days.
This funder does not publish a success rate. We rank it using the rate observed across similar programmes and label it as an estimate rather than implying we know.
Major bid — written case, budget, possibly partners.
Who can apply
- Sectors: health, deeptech, agri
- Stage: idea, pre_seed
- R&D activity required
- Locally registered entity required
Aimed at young startups and individual researchers/innovators in biotechnology and life sciences. Administered through 8 BIG Partners (C-CAMP, KIIT-TBI, IKP, Venture Center, FITT IIT Delhi, SIIC IIT Kanpur, a-IDEA NAARM, SINE IIT Bombay) plus 11 associate partners. DPIIT recognition is not stated as a prerequisite for BIG on the official page.
How to apply
- Register on the BIRAC portal following the BIG registration guidelines. — link
- Read the BIG scheme guidelines (revised November 2025) and prepare the proposal in the prescribed proforma. — link
- Submit the proposal online during an open call window (opens 1 January or 1 July, ~45 days). — link
- Shortlisted applicants are evaluated and, if selected, are mentored and monitored through one of the 8 BIG Partner institutions.
What you will need
- BIG proposal in the prescribed proforma
- CV of the applicant / team
- Budget breakdown for up to 18 months
- Company incorporation documents (if applicable)
Source. https://birac.nic.in/big.php — checked 2026-08-14
"BIG provides early-stage funding support of INR 50 Lakhs as grant-in-aid for a period of 18 months to translate their innovative ideas into Proof of Concept. ... The call for proposal is announced twice a year, i.e. on 1st January and 1st July. Call for proposals typically remains open for about 45 "