Government Schemes & Bodies

BIRAC

In short

The Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council — a Government of India body under the Department of Biotechnology. BIRAC is India's primary funder of biotech and life sciences startups, offering a ladder of grant programmes from early-stage proof-of-concept (Biotechnology Ignition Grant, up to ₹50 lakh) through to translational and commercialisation support (SPARSH, BIG-BIRAC, and LEAP). BIRAC also runs fellowship programmes, innovation challenges, and international collaborations. Its grants are milestone-based and typically cover R&D costs, consumables, salaries, and equipment. Since inception, BIRAC has supported over 3,000 startups and played a central role in India's COVID-19 vaccine and diagnostic development.

How It Works

BIRAC (Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council) is a Government of India body under the Department of Biotechnology that serves as the primary funder and facilitator for biotech and life sciences startups in India. BIRAC offers a comprehensive ladder of grant programmes that support startups from the earliest stages of ideation through to commercialisation: the Biotechnology Ignition Grant (BIG) provides up to ₹50 lakh for early-stage proof-of-concept research; SPARSH offers up to ₹1 crore for translational research; LEAP (Leading Edge Acceleration Project) supports later-stage product development; and the BIRAC-SRISTI GSVC programme supports social impact innovations. BIRAC also runs fellowship programmes (including the BIRAC Bio-Incubation Fellowship), innovation challenges in partnership with industry leaders, and international collaborations with organisations like the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Wellcome Trust. Since its inception, BIRAC has supported over 3,000 startups, created over 25,000 jobs, and played a central role in India's COVID-19 response by funding vaccine and diagnostic development. BIRAC grants are milestone-based and typically cover R&D costs, consumables, salaries, equipment, and travel.

Application Process

1. Check your eligibility on the BIRAC website — most programmes require a DPIIT-recognised startup with a strong science background. 2. Identify the right programme for your stage: BIG for early-stage, SPARSH for translational, LEAP for later-stage. 3. Prepare a detailed project proposal with clear research objectives, methodology, timeline, budget, and expected outcomes. 4. Demonstrate scientific rigour — BIRAC review committees include leading scientists who evaluate technical merit. 5. If shortlisted, present your proposal to a scientific review committee. 6. Post-award, comply with milestone reporting, financial audits, and scientific progress reviews.

Real-World Example

A synthetic biology startup developing a low-cost, paper-based diagnostic test for dengue and chikungunya applies for a BIRAC BIG grant of ₹50 lakh. The founders include two PhDs in molecular biology with prior research experience at a leading Indian institute. Their proposal details the technology (engineered proteins that change colour in the presence of viral antigens), a 12-month development plan, and a budget covering reagents, equipment, and a research associate's salary. The proposal is reviewed by a scientific committee, and the startup is invited for a presentation. Three months after submission, the grant is awarded. Funds are released in three tranches against milestones: protein engineering (40%), prototype validation with patient samples (30%), and field-testing in primary health centres (30%).

Key Takeaway

BIRAC is the most important funding body for life sciences and biotech startups in India. Its programme ladder allows startups to progress from early proof-of-concept to commercialisation with non-dilutive funding at every stage. Strong scientific methodology and clear translational impact are what distinguish successful applications.

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Related Terms in Government Schemes & Bodies

DPIIT Recognition

Registration with the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade that certifies an entity as a recognised startup under the Startup India initiative. DPIIT recognition is a prerequisite for most central government grant programmes, provides access to the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme, and offers benefits like self-certification under nine labour and environmental laws, tax exemption under Section 80-IAC, and fast-track patent examination. To qualify, a company must be incorporated as a Private Limited, LLP, or Partnership, be less than 10 years old, have annual turnover below ₹100 crore, and work towards innovation, development, or improvement of products or processes. More than 100,000 startups are now DPIIT-recognised as of 2025.

Startup India

A flagship Government of India initiative launched on January 16, 2016 by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) to build a strong ecosystem for nurturing innovation and startups in the country. The initiative operates through three pillars: simplified compliance and hand-holding (self-certification, easy exit), funding support (the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme of ₹945 crore and the Fund of Funds for Startups of ₹10,000 crore), and incubation and mentoring (a network of incubators, innovation hubs, and academic partnerships). Startup India has recognised over 100,000 startups, and the initiative continues to evolve with new schemes, state partnerships, and sector-specific programmes.

DST

The Department of Science and Technology — a Government of India ministry that funds deep-tech, science, and engineering startups through a portfolio of grant programmes. Key schemes include the National Initiative for Developing and Harnessing Innovations (NIDHI, which runs incubator support and seed funding through a network of 50+ Technology Business Incubators), the Fund for Improvement of S&T Infrastructure (FIST), and the PURSE scheme for university research. DST grants are competitive and milestone-based, typically ranging from ₹25 lakh to ₹2 crore for early-stage tech ventures. DST also co-funds innovation challenges in strategic areas like quantum computing, clean energy, and AI with industry partners.

MeitY

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology — a Government of India ministry that funds technology startups, with a particular focus on AI, cybersecurity, electronics, semiconductor design, and digital governance. MeitY administers schemes such as SAMRIDH (which provides funding up to ₹1 crore for IT product startups), the TIDE (Technology Incubation and Development of Entrepreneurs) scheme supporting 50+ incubators, and the Digital India R&D initiatives. MeitY grants are open to startups working on national-priority tech stacks, and the ministry runs challenge-based funding calls that combine equity-free grants with mentorship from government technology departments.

MoFPI

The Ministry of Food Processing Industries — a Government of India ministry that grants and subsidies for startups in food processing, cold chain logistics, agri-processing, and value-added food products. MoFPI administers the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY), which includes component schemes for infrastructure development, quality assurance, and entrepreneurship in food processing. Startups in the agri-food value chain can access grants of up to ₹5 crore for processing units, cold storage, and testing labs. MoFPI also partners with state governments to run food processing incubation centres and innovation challenges.

NABARD

The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development — a development bank that funds startups and enterprises in agriculture, rural development, and allied sectors through a mix of grants, venture capital, and subsidised credit. NABARD runs the Rural Innovation and Startup Promotion Scheme (RISPS) that supports rural and agri-startups with grants of up to ₹1 crore, as well as the Agri-Business Incubation (ABI) programme in partnership with universities and ICAR institutions. NABARD's funding is particularly relevant for startups working in farm technology, supply chain, dairy, fisheries, rural fintech, and handicrafts.