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Startup-relevant scheme · Department of Biotechnology (DBT)

Small Business Innovation Research Initiative (SBIRI)

Between callsChecked 3 October 2026

Runs under BIRAC's i4 programme with BIPP. Last call closed 15 May 2025; watch birac.nic.in/cfp.php.

Amount
100% grant up to ₹50 lakh project cost
Type of support
Grant
Best for
Prototype / PoC, Seed / Early-Stage
Who can apply
Early-stage startups
Go to the official portalSource: DPIIT playbook p. 75

SBIRI supports biotech startups by funding product and process innovation, often with research partners, so they can develop and validate ideas for commercial use.

Who can apply?
  • Biotechnology startups with/without partnerships with public/private universities, public or private research institutions, or societies/foundation/NGO.
What do you get?
  • For a project cost of up to ₹50 lakh, 100% BIRAC grant-in-aid is given to select applicants and collaboration company (if any)
  • For a project cost over ₹50 lakh, BIRAC grant-in-aid would be ₹50 lakh along with 70% of the project cost over and above ₹50 lakh. The remaining cost is to be borne by the applicant.
How to apply

Call for Applications are announced twice a year (1st April – 15th May; and 1st September - 15th October). Besides two regular calls, BIRAC may also announce need-based additional calls whose terms and conditions would be worked out separately and described in their respective RFPs.

Objectives

Small Business Innovation Research Initiative (SBIRI) aims to boost innovation focused Public-Private Partnership (PPP) approach in the area of Biotechnology. SBIRI creates an enabling platform for the creation of product and process development and their commercialisation. It facilitates innovation by enabling collaboration between startups, industry, public institutions, and the Government to promote research and innovation in the Indian biotechnology sector.

Key links

Deadlines, amounts and windows change. Check the official portal before you apply.

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