Health, Pharma & Biotech Startup Grants and Funding Programs in India — June 2026
Discover 8 active funding programs for health_pharma_biotech startups in India as of June 2026. From BIRAC's diagnostics call to MAP-Health's market access, find grants, incubation, and competitions with deadlines through October 2026.
As of June 2026, 8 active grants, accelerators, and competitions are open to health_pharma_biotech startups in India. These include government-backed innovation challenges (BIRAC GCI, DBT BioE3), sector-specific incubators (MAP-Health, SAMRIDH), and deep tech competitions (SLINGSHOT, NERVE CoE). Funding ranges from ₹4 lakh to ₹4.2 crore per program, with rolling and fixed deadlines through October 2026.
Active health_pharma_biotech Grants and Programs
| Program | Type | Deadline | Funding |
|---|---|---|---|
| GRO8 Cohort 2 by 888VC | Incubation | Rolling | Up to ₹4.2 crore |
| BIRAC GCI — Screening & Diagnosis Innovations Open Call | Grant | 1 July 2026 | Up to ₹2 crore |
| SAMRIDH Impact Accelerator Program 2026 | Grant | 30 June 2026 | Up to ₹1 crore |
| MAP-Health | Grant | Rolling | Varies |
| NUZEN Agri-Startup Grant for Student Innovators – NaaViC (ICAR-NIVEDI) | Grant | 30 June 2026 | Up to ₹4 lakh |
| Open Challenge Program (OCP) Cohort 1 at NERVE CoE, Nagpur | Competition | 15 July 2026 | Up to ₹50 lakh |
| SLINGSHOT 2026 Deep Tech Startup Pitching Competition at SWITCH, Singapore | Competition | 30 June 2026 | Prize pool ~₹16.34 crore |
| D.E.S.I.G.N. for BioE3 Challenge | Competition | 31 October 2026 | Up to ₹25 lakh |
GRO8 Cohort 2 (888VC)
The GRO8 Cohort 2 by 888VC is a 12-week AI-enabled venture accelerator that provides execution-focused support integrating AI into daily operations. Each cohort admits 12 startups. Participants receive a minimum $25,000 direct investment, with potential for $50,000–$100,000 for standout companies, and access to seed funding up to $500,000. The program includes a startup kit valued at $60,000 and connections to over 200 seed/early-stage investors. Health_pharma_biotech startups that leverage AI in their operations or products are eligible.
BIRAC GCI — Screening & Diagnosis Innovations Open Call (BIRAC)
The BIRAC GCI — Screening & Diagnosis Innovations Open Call supports indigenous innovations in infectious disease diagnostics for tuberculosis, emerging pathogens, syndromic panels, and enteric pathogens. It emphasizes near point-of-care and ultra-low-cost solutions. Two funding tiers exist: the Exploratory tier (up to ₹50 lakh, 12 months) and the Solution/Innovation/Product/Technology tier (up to ₹2 crore). The deadline is 1 July 2026. Indian innovators and startups working on high-risk diagnostic technologies are eligible.
SAMRIDH Impact Accelerator Program 2026 (SAMRIDH Impact Solutions)
The SAMRIDH Impact Accelerator Program 2026 backs early-to-mid-stage healthcare and climate-tech startups with measurable real-world impact. Selected startups receive up to ₹1 crore in financial support, structured as grant, debt, or equity. The program is run by SAMRIDH Impact Solutions Pvt. Ltd., a market access and scale-up platform. The deadline is 30 June 2026. Healthcare startups including those in pharma, biotech, and medical devices are eligible.
MAP-Health (Villgro)
The MAP-Health program by Villgro accelerates market entry for social enterprises in Indian healthcare. It provides strategic interventions, expert guidance, and access to Villgro's network. Funding varies based on stage and need. The application is rolling. Social enterprises addressing critical healthcare challenges are eligible.
NUZEN Agri-Startup Grant for Student Innovators (NaaViC, ICAR-NIVEDI)
The NUZEN Agri-Startup Grant for Student Innovators – NaaViC (ICAR-NIVEDI) is a grant-in-aid program for student entrepreneurs with ideas in agriculture and allied sectors, including animal health and veterinary pharma. Selected participants receive up to ₹4 lakh for prototype development. The deadline is 30 June 2026. Only student innovators are eligible.
Open Challenge Program (OCP) Cohort 1 at NERVE CoE, Nagpur (NERVE CoE)
The Open Challenge Program (OCP) Cohort 1 at NERVE CoE, Nagpur is a MeitY-backed deep tech incubator offering GPU infrastructure, seed funding up to ₹50 lakh, and hands-on mentoring. The 18-month program includes bootcamps, GTM support, IPR assistance, and investor introductions. HealthTech, AgriTech, and other deep tech startups are eligible. Deadline: 15 July 2026.
SLINGSHOT 2026 Deep Tech Startup Pitching Competition (Enterprise Singapore)
The SLINGSHOT 2026 Deep Tech Startup Pitching Competition at SWITCH, Singapore is Asia's leading deep tech pitch competition with a total prize pool over S$2.2 million (~₹16.34 crore). Grand winner receives S$400,000. Categories include Advanced Computing, Digital Technologies, and Environment, Energy & Sustainability. Health and biotech deep tech startups can apply. Deadline: 30 June 2026.
D.E.S.I.G.N. for BioE3 Challenge (DBT)
The D.E.S.I.G.N. for BioE3 Challenge is a government initiative under India's BioE3 policy, targeting young students and researchers. It runs monthly from November 2025 to October 2026 with rolling submissions. Monthly winners receive ₹1 lakh cash, and top 12 annual winners get incubation support worth up to ₹25 lakh. Biotechnology and health-related innovations are eligible. Deadline: 31 October 2026.
Before Applying
Several programs have eligibility constraints. SAMRIDH targets early-to-mid-stage healthcare and climate-tech startups; the NUZEN grant is limited to student innovators, while MAP-Health focuses on social enterprises. The D.E.S.I.G.N. for BioE3 Challenge is open only to students and researchers. BIRAC GCI requires indigenous innovations and prioritizes infectious disease diagnostics.
Deadlines are imminent: SAMRIDH, NUZEN, and SLINGSHOT close on 30 June 2026. BIRAC GCI follows on 1 July, and NERVE CoE on 15 July. GRO8 and MAP-Health accept rolling applications. For cohort-based programs like GRO8 and NERVE, early submission is advised.
