BIRAC Femtech Call 2026
By BIRAC
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Quick Answer
BIRAC's Femtech Call empowers Indian women founders developing scalable innovations in women's healthcare with investment opportunities and ecosystem linkages.
- Funding amount
- Varies
- Funding type
- Equity
- Provider
- BIRAC
- Application deadline
- 11d — 23 Nov 2026
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
- Registrations needed
- DPIIT recognition, Private Limited company registration
About this funding program
The Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), an undertaking of the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, has launched the Femtech Call 2026. This initiative is strategically designed to bolster Indian women founders and accelerate the development of impactful, scalable solutions within the critical domain of women's healthcare. Recognizing the significant unmet needs in this sector, BIRAC aims to support startups across various stages, from early growth to scale-up.
The program offers crucial support mechanisms, including valuable investment opportunities, and facilitates essential technology and market linkages throughout the broader innovation ecosystem. The core objective is to nurture a vibrant entrepreneurial environment that specifically encourages and enables women leaders to drive innovation in areas such as reproductive and sexual health, maternal and prenatal care, women's health diagnostics and cancer care (breast/gynecological), digital health solutions including AI for mental well-being, and hormonal health.
By focusing on these vital areas, the Femtech Call seeks not only to provide investment opportunities but also to connect startups with technology and market linkages, thereby accelerating the journey of innovative solutions from concept to commercialization. This national call is a testament to BIRAC's commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive biotechnology ecosystem that addresses pressing healthcare challenges through entrepreneurship.
Eligibility
See if you're eligible
Full eligibility criteria — entity type, stage, sector, founder profile and registration requirements — plus your fit for this program. Sign up to view.
Funding providers
Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) is a not-for-profit Section 8 company and a Schedule B public sector enterprise, set up by the Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India. It describes itself as an interface…
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What You Get
BIRAC offers selected women-led startups investment opportunities, plus market and technology linkages across the ecosystem. The call supports startups from early to scale-up stage; the guideline does not state an investment amount or instrument.
Timelines & Process
Selection Process
Applications will undergo a rigorous assessment based on several key considerations. The Value Proposition will be evaluated for the clarity of the unmet need addressed, the innovativeness of the solution, its differentiation, and potential value. The Technology/Product Development will be assessed based on its stage of development, validation status, and maturity level. For Market & Commercial Demand, evaluators will look at customer needs, target market, business model viability, existing traction, and future growth potential. Team & Execution Capability will focus on the expertise, capabilities, and resources of the founding team, as well as their ability to advance the venture. Finally, Regulatory, IP & Scale-up Readiness will consider relevant intellectual property, regulatory compliance, and requirements for further development, commercialization, and scaling of the solution. Shortlisted applicants may be invited for further presentations or interviews before final selection.
Application Process
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Review Guidelines
Thoroughly read the official Femtech Application Guidelines PDF.
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How to apply
Four steps from draft to disbursement — one action each.
- 1
Draft your application
Answer the form inside the grant tracker — AI drafts each response using your past answers, so you're not starting from a blank page.
- 2
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
- 3
Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.
Program templates & documents
Files the program publishes for applicants — download these and apply in the prescribed format.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary objective of the BIRAC Femtech Call?
The primary objective is to empower Indian women founders and accelerate impactful innovations in women's healthcare by providing critical support, investment opportunities, and technology/market linkages across the ecosystem. It aims to nurture innovation and entrepreneurship in this vital sector.
Which types of companies are eligible to apply?
Eligible applicants include DPIIT-recognized Indian startups registered as a Private Limited Company, LLP, or equivalent. The startup must also have at least 51% shareholding held by resident Indian citizens.
Is there a specific requirement for women's involvement in the startup?
Yes, applicants must have an Indian woman founder, co-founder, or CXO as a key part of their team. This initiative specifically targets supporting women leaders in the femtech space.
What kind of solutions is BIRAC looking to support?
BIRAC is seeking scalable solutions in women's health, with focus areas including Reproductive, Sexual & Menstrual Health; Maternal & Prenatal Care; Women's Health Diagnostics & Cancer Care; Digital Health, AI & Women's Mental Health; and Menopause & Hormonal Health.
What kind of support can selected startups expect?
Selected startups can expect investment opportunities, technology and market linkages within the ecosystem to help develop and scale their innovative solutions addressing women's unmet healthcare needs.
Is this program open to all stages of startups?
Yes, the initiative aims to support women-led startups who may be at different stages of growth, from early-stage development through to scale-up stage, demonstrating a broad spectrum of eligibility based on maturity.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
