D.E.S.I.G.N. for BioE3 Challenge (2026): Apply by 31 Oct

About this grant

The D.E.S.I.G.N. for BioE3 Challenge is a government initiative under India's BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment and Employment) policy framework, driven by the Department of Biotechnology, BIRAC, and BRIC-ILS. It aims to inspire innovative, sustainable, and scalable biotechnological solutions from young students and researchers across India, with the theme "Empowering Youth to Solve Critical Issues of their TIMES." The challenge runs for 12 months with rolling monthly submissions open for 20 days each month, from November 2025 to October 2026.

Round 1 awards a cash appreciation grant of INR 1 lakh to the top 10 concept proposal winners every month — up to 120 winners over 12 months. Winners receive mentorship from DBT-BIRAC, access to 15 iBRIC+ institutions and 95 Bio-NEST incubators nationwide, and visibility on DBT, BIRAC, and MyGov digital platforms. Round 2 offers Round 1 winners a follow-on RDI grant of up to INR 25 lakhs disbursed in two tranches of INR 15 lakhs and INR 10 lakhs based on milestone completion, supporting up to 100 projects nationwide.

Benefits & Funding

Amount: ₹1 Lakhs – ₹25 Lakhs
Fund type: Grant
Equity: Equity-free
Repayment: Non-repayable

What You Get

Cash appreciation grant of INR 1 lakh (Round 1) and RDI grant up to INR 25 lakhs (Round 2). Benefits include mentorship from DBT-BIRAC, access to 15 iBRIC+ institutions and 95 Bio-NEST incubators nationwide, plus visibility on DBT, BIRAC, and MyGov digital platforms.

Bootstrap friendly: Yes

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.
Open draft workspace
2
See the questions before you start
Download every question this programme's application form asks, so you can prepare your answers offline before opening the portal.
3
Line up your documents
Keep every document from the checklist ready in one folder. Missing docs are the #1 reason applications get bounced.
4
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
5
Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply to the D.E.S.I.G.N. for BioE3 Challenge?

Any Indian national with a valid Aadhaar number can apply — individuals or teams of up to 5 members. PhD scholars, researchers, scientists, and startup founders or employees are all encouraged. Institutional affiliation is not required for Round 1.

How much funding can I receive?

Round 1 winners receive a cash appreciation grant of INR 1 lakh. Round 1 winners who qualify for Round 2 can receive an RDI grant of up to INR 25 lakhs, disbursed in two tranches of INR 15 lakhs and INR 10 lakhs based on milestone completion.

Is the grant equity-free?

Yes. Both Round 1 and Round 2 grants are non-dilutive and fully equity-free. There is also no entry fee to apply.

How does the monthly submission cycle work?

Applications open on the 1st of each month and close on the 20th, from November 2025 to October 2026 — a 12-month rolling window. Up to 10 concept proposals are selected per month, for up to 120 Round 1 winners over the year.

What must my Round 1 submission include?

A 1500-word concept proposal covering six elements: Concept Summary, Design Logic, BioE3 Linkage, Feasibility and Safety, Sustainability and Impact, and Novelty. Submissions with plagiarism will be disqualified.

What support do Round 1 winners get beyond cash?

Winners receive mentorship from DBT-BIRAC, access to 15 iBRIC+ institutions and 95 Bio-NEST incubators nationwide, and visibility on DBT, BIRAC, and MyGov digital platforms.