BIRAC SEED Fund (STBI) (2026): Up to ₹30L

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of funding does the BIRAC SEED Fund offer?

The BIRAC SEED Fund, administered by STBI, offers capital assistance and equity support of up to ₹30 lakh per startup. This funding is primarily intended to bridge the gap between initial promoter investment and subsequent angel or venture capital rounds.

What are the key eligibility criteria for startups?

Eligible startups must be Indian companies, registered under the Companies Act, 2013, with at least 51% Indian citizen ownership. They should be up to 5 years old from incorporation and have an annual turnover not exceeding ₹25 crore. The startup must be focused on technology or IP-driven innovation, development, deployment, or commercialization, particularly in biotech/biomed sectors.

Is becoming an incubatee at STBI mandatory?

Yes, it is a mandatory condition. Any startup selected for the BIRAC SEED Fund must become an incubatee at the Savli Technology and Business Incubator (STBI) at the time the seed fund investment is made. This ensures they benefit from the comprehensive support ecosystem provided by STBI.

What kind of support does STBI provide besides funding?

Beyond financial assistance, STBI offers extensive support including expert mentoring and active hand-holding, professional consultancy, assistance with IPR issues, access to state-of-the-art laboratory infrastructure (plug & play, shared, common instrumentation), pilot scale-up plant facilities, plant tissue culture laboratory, and well-furnished office spaces (dedicated and shared). Market research analysis and professional consultancy are also key offerings.

What areas can the financial assistance be used for?

The financial assistance can cover broad areas critical for startup growth, including product development, comprehensive testing and trials, initial test marketing, engaging professional consultants (including attracting professors to work with startups), addressing IPR issues, and supporting manpower for day-to-day operations. Other areas may be approved by the Management Committee as deemed necessary.

How can a startup apply for the BIRAC SEED Fund at STBI?

Interested startups should fill out the online application form available via the provided Google Forms link. The application will be evaluated based on the eligibility criteria and alignment with STBI's focus areas, particularly in biotech/biomed product offerings. Shortlisted startups will then proceed through a selection process which may involve presentations and discussions.

The Sustainable Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Development (SEED) Fund, an initiative by the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), is hosted and administered by the Savli Technology and Business Incubator (STBI). This program is strategically designed to provide crucial capital assistance to Indian startups that possess new and meritorious ideas, innovations, and technologies, particularly within the biotechnology and biomedical sectors.

STBI's SEED Fund aims to bridge the critical gap between founders' initial investments and subsequent angel or venture capitalist funding. By offering this essential early-stage support, the program empowers startups to develop their products, conduct necessary testing and trials, and undertake initial market validation. The ultimate goal is to enable these promising ventures to mature to a stage where they are attractive to institutional investors or capable of securing loans from commercial banks, thereby fostering their long-term sustainability and growth within India's vibrant startup ecosystem.

This is more than just an investment scheme; it's a comprehensive support system geared towards ensuring the enduring viability of both the startups and the incubator itself. The fund supports a broad range of activities essential for early-stage development, including core product development, rigorous testing, initial market entry strategies, and critical professional guidance. STBI's focus areas, particularly in biotech and biomedical product offerings, are central to the selection process, ensuring alignment with the incubator's specialized expertise and resources.

The BIRAC SEED Fund, facilitated by STBI, provides substantial financial backing to selected startups, offering up to ₹30 lakh in capital assistance and equity support. This funding is crucial for product development, conducting vital testing and trials, and exploring initial market entry. Beyond direct capital, incubatees benefit from a robust support ecosystem, including active mentoring and guidance from industry experts, professional consultancy to navigate strategic decisions, and specialized assistance with IPR issues. Startups also gain access to STBI's state-of-the-art facilities, including plug & play laboratories and dedicated office spaces, fostering an environment conducive to innovation and growth. Support for market research analysis further helps startups refine their product-market fit and scale their innovations effectively.

BIRAC SEED Fund (STBI)

BIRAC SEED Fund (STBI)

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