Biotechnology
Ignition Grant
Fuelling early-stage biotech innovations from ideation to Proof of Concept — up to ₹50 Lakh for 18 months
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BIRAC BIG Scheme
A flagship initiative recognising and investing in innovative ideas in the biotech sector with clear commercial translation potential.
Ideation → PoC
What is the BIG Scheme?
The Biotechnology Ignition Grant (BIG) is a flagship scheme of BIRAC which recognises and invests in innovative ideas in the biotech sector. The ideas should have clear potential to translate into commercial products and technologies.
BIG supports individual entrepreneurs and startups from ideation to Proof of Concept (PoC), providing grant-in-aid of up to ₹50 lakhs (approx. USD 75,000) for a period of 18 months.
Grant Details at a Glance
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Total Grant
Up to INR 50 lakhs (approx. USD 75,000) provided as grant-in-aid to eligible startups and innovators.
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Project Duration
The grant covers an 18-month period from signing of contract to project completion and final report submission.
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Fund Type
Non-dilutive funding — no equity stake taken. Purely a government grant to support innovation and commercialisation.
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Installments
Funds released in 4 milestone-based installments ensuring structured progress and accountability throughout the project.
Milestone-Based Installments
Each installment is tied to a defined milestone, ensuring disciplined execution from contract to completion.
Up to 30%
Contract Signing
Released upon signing of the grant contract with BIRAC. This first tranche helps kickstart the project activities and initial R&D setup.
~30%
Milestone 1 (M1) Completion
Released after successful completion and verification of the first defined milestone. Progress is reviewed by BIRAC before release.
~30%
Milestone 2 (M2) Completion
Released after achieving the second defined milestone. This typically corresponds to mid-project technical deliverables and prototype development.
5–10%
Project Completion & Final Report
Last installment released after submission of the project completion report. This is typically in the nature of reimbursement.
Sectors & Innovation Areas
BIG supports early-stage biotechnology innovations with commercialisation potential across multiple domains.
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Healthcare
Healthcare Biotech
Diagnostics, vaccines, biologics, medical devices — innovations addressing critical healthcare challenges in India and globally.
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Agriculture
Agricultural Biotech
Biofertilizers, biopesticides, crop improvement technologies that enhance productivity and sustainability in farming.
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Industrial
Industrial Biotech
Enzymes, bio-based chemicals, fermentation technologies for sustainable industrial processes and manufacturing.
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Environment
Environmental Biotech
Bioremediation, wastewater treatment, and pollution control innovations for a cleaner, greener environment.
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Food
Food Biotech
Probiotics, nutraceuticals, functional foods — next-generation food science innovations for health and nutrition.
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Lifesciences
Lifesciences & Diagnostics
Medical early-stage biotechnology innovations including diagnostics tools and lifescience technologies with clear commercialisation potential.
Supported TRL Levels
BIG supports innovations at Technology Readiness Levels 3 to 6 — from proof of concept through prototype development.
Basic Research
Principles observed
Concept Formed
Technology concept
PoC
Proof of concept
Lab Validated
Validated in lab
Relevant Env.
Validated in environment
Prototype
Demonstrated prototype
System Demo
Operational environment
Outside BIG Scope
Eligibility & Documents Required
📄 Documents Checklist
- Certificate of Incorporation
- PAN Card of the Company / Firm
- Startup India Certificate (DPIIT Recognition)
- Authorization Letter
- Aadhaar of all Directors
- GST Certificate Optional
- Images of Product / Services
✅ Who Can Apply?
- Individual entrepreneurs with innovative biotech ideas
- Early-stage startups at ideation or PoC stage
- Registered companies / LLPs / firms
- Innovations at TRL 3–6 with commercial potential
- Ideas in healthcare, agri, industrial, food or environmental biotech
- Startups with Startup India (DPIIT) recognition preferred
- Clear commercialisation roadmap and business viability
How Invesbrick Helps You
Invesbrick — a leading startup consultancy — provides end-to-end strategic support to help you successfully apply for and secure the BIG grant.
Founder Grooming
Pitch Deck
Application Assistance
Project Report
Financial Projections
Guidance & Support
“Empowering Startups to Become Fundable, Scalable & Compliant.”
