BIRAC-IKP EDGE Internationalisation
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Quick Answer
Explore international market access, technology internationalisation, partnerships, and commercialisation opportunities through BIRAC EDGE at IKP Knowledge Park.
- Funding amount
- Varies
- Funding type
- Equity
- Provider
- IKP Knowledge Park
- Application deadline
- 5d — 7 Nov 2026
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
About this funding program
The EDGE Centre at IKP Knowledge Park, an initiative supported by DBT–BIRAC, is a strategic platform dedicated to strengthening innovation through entrepreneurship development, internationalization, investment facilitation, technology validation, and commercialization support. It aims to connect promising biotech, life sciences, and deep-tech ventures with industry, investors, and global ecosystems. The program offers structured pathways tailored to a venture's stage, from early-stage technology validation (TRL 2-5) through Pathfinder, to scaling and market-entry preparation (TRL 5-7) through Pathfinder+, and international immersion and soft-landing for market-ready ventures (TRL 7-9). The initiative is designed to help Indian startups, SMEs, and companies navigate international markets, foster technology partnerships, facilitate knowledge exchange, and identify global partners, investors, mentors, and customers across geographic boundaries.
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
IKP Knowledge Park is a science park and incubator on a 200-acre campus in Genome Valley, Hyderabad, founded in 1999. It is run by IKP Knowledge Park, the operating arm of the non-profit IKP Trust, alongside a related early-stage venture fund manager, IKP Ventures. It also has a…
Learn moreThe Department of Biotechnology (DBT) is a central government department under the Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India. It was set up in February 1986. It supports biotechnology through fellowships, research calls and an innovation challenge, and its…
Learn moreTimelines & Process
Selection Process
Applications are assessed based on indicative parameters including Technology & Value Proposition, Technology / Product Readiness (TRL), Market / Commercial Potential, Internationalisation Potential, International Objective, Team & Execution Readiness, Ecosystem / Partnership Fit, and Regulatory / IP Readiness. Shortlisted startups may be subject to additional due diligence, and the final pathway will be determined by EDGE based on readiness and programme fit.
Application Process
- 1
Submit EOI
Submit the Expression of Interest (EOI) form along with all required supporting documents.
You - 2
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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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the BIRAC-IKP EDGE Internationalization Programme?
The program aims to promote the growth of Indian Startups, SMEs, and companies by providing networking, market needs assessment, technology partnerships, and knowledge exchange opportunities to explore international markets, connect with global innovation ecosystems, investors, and technology adopters.
What kind of support does EDGE offer?
EDGE offers guidance on structured market entry, strategic connections with national and global stakeholders, regulatory guidance, and IP readiness support. It also facilitates investor connections, market intelligence, soft-landing opportunities, and cross-border business development.
Who is eligible to apply for the program?
Applicants must be a registered Indian entity (Private Limited, LLP or equivalent) with at least 51% Indian citizen shareholding, incorporated on or after October 13, 2016. Startups should have verified technology maturity, a committed founding team, and clear internationalisation intent. Women-led startups are also specifically supported.
Which technology and sector areas are focused?
The program focuses on areas such as FemTech & Women's Health, AgriTech, Food and Nutrition, MedTech, Digital Health and Diagnostics, Climate & Sustainability, Drug Discovery, Biopharma, AI/Bioinformatics, Deep-Tech, and advanced biomanufacturing including functional foods, bio-based chemicals, precision biotherapeutics, carbon capture, and futuristic marine and space research.
What are the different pathways offered by EDGE?
EDGE offers different pathways based on a startup's TRL and readiness: Pathfinder (TRL 2-5) for global market orientation, Pathfinder+ (TRL 5-7) for product validation and regulatory/go-to-market preparation, Dual Immersion (TRL 7-9) for international ecosystem engagement, and Soft-Landing for international market entry.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
