Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms (C-CAMP)

Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms (C-CAMP)

C-CAMP is India's foremost life sciences innovation hub, established in 2009 as an initiative of the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India. Located adjacent to the NCBS-TIFR campus in Bengaluru, C-CAMP bridges the gap between academic discovery and commercial impact. It is a founding member of the Bangalore Life Science Cluster (BLiSC).

Incubation Facilities

• C-CAMP Bio-incubator (NCBS campus): Wet laboratory space, shared equipment (next-gen sequencers, mass spectrometers, high-resolution imaging systems), biocontainment labs, and co-working facilities.
• K-TECH TBI (GKVK Campus, Bengaluru): Technology Business Incubator with additional lab and office space for biotech and agri-biotech startups.

Programs

• BIG Scheme (Biotechnology Ignition Grant): DBT-funded seed grants of up to ₹50 lakh for early-stage biotech startups.
• C-CAMP Investment Program: Direct equity and grant investments into portfolio companies.
• MeitY SAMRIDH Accelerator: Digital health-focused acceleration.
• Thematic Challenges: Innovation programs with the Gates Foundation targeting Maternal & Child Health, Antimicrobial Resistance, Diagnostics, and AgriTech.
• National Bio Entrepreneurship Competition (NBEC): Annual competition to identify India's best biotech entrepreneurs.

Track Record

C-CAMP has supported 500+ startups across 34 states, invested up to ₹80 crore directly, and helped its portfolio raise over ₹2,000 crore (approx. US$550M) in total funding. Portfolio valuation exceeds $1.6 billion, with 100+ products reaching market, 230+ patents filed, and technologies benefiting over 50 million people. Notable alumni include Strand Life Sciences, Dozee, Qure.ai, and Achira Labs.

Who Should Apply

Biotech, biopharma, medtech, agri-biotech, and digital health startups at the validation through growth stages. PhD/postdoc founders and academic spinouts are particularly welcome. Both wet-lab and computational life science ventures are supported.