Biotechnology Ignition Grant (BIG) 25th Call at a-IDEA, ICAR-NAARM | StartupGrantsIndia

Biotechnology Ignition Grant (BIG) 25th Call at a-IDEA, ICAR-NAARM

a-IDEA (Technology Business Incubator of NAARM)

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Details

Amount

Upto: ₹50,00,000

Deadline

November 30, 2025

Provider

a-IDEA (Technology Business Incubator of NAARM)

Stage

early Stage

About this Opportunity

The Biotechnology Ignition Grant (BIG) scheme is a flagship initiative of BIRAC that recognizes and invests in innovative ideas in the biotech sector with clear potential to translate into commercial products/technologies. The program specifically supports early-stage startups from ideation to Proof of Concept (PoC).

This 25th Call is implemented through a-IDEA @ ICAR-NAARM, focusing on Agri-biotech and allied deep-tech innovations.

Key features:

Funding: Grant-in-aid (non-equity) of up to ₹50 Lakhs for a maximum period of 18 months.
Disbursement: Milestone-based funding released in 3-4 installments.
Support: Continuous mentoring support from BIG Partners and BIRAC, including technical guidance, IP support, legal advice, and investor connects.
Focus Areas: High-risk, deep-tech proposals in sectors like Agri-biotech, Animal Health, Food & Nutrition, Waste to Wealth, Smart Agriculture, and Industrial Biotechnology.

Eligibility

Applicant Type: Must be a Biotech Startup or an Individual Entrepreneur with an innovative idea and potential for commercialization.
Entity: Must be a Company/LLP registered under the Indian Companies Act, 1956/2013.
Startup Age: The incorporation date of the Company/LLP should not be earlier than 5 years from the date of the call launch (on or after November 1, 2020).
Ownership: Minimum 51% of the capital must be beneficially owned by resident Indian citizen(s) and/or Indian companies ultimately owned and controlled by resident Indian citizens (NRIs are Indian citizens; OCI/PIO cardholders are ineligible).
R&D Setup: Must have its own functional in-house R&D facility, OR be incubated at an incubator (confirmed by BIG Partner).
Prior Funding: Prior recipients of a BIG grant are ineligible. The proposed objectives and deliverables should not have received funding support from any other agency.

Application Process

Online Submission: Applications must be submitted online ONLY through the BIRAC website (www.birac.nic.in). User registration is open round the clock and is required before submission.
Screening: BIG Partners (a-IDEA) check for legal and technical eligibility, scheme fit (Ideation to PoC), and plagiarism.
Online Review: Eligible proposals are reviewed by 3-5 subject area experts.
Technical Expert Panel (TEP) Presentation: Shortlisted applicants present their case centrally before the TEP (final selection step).
Due Diligence & Agreement: TEP-recommended applicants undergo financial and technical due diligence (including site visits) by the BIG Partner, followed by the signing of the Grant Agreement.
Disbursement: Funds are released in milestone-based installments over the 18-month project duration.