Startup-relevant scheme · Department of Biotechnology (DBT)
Students Innovations for Translation & Advancement of Research Explorations (SITARE)
No change found in Oct 2026 checks; terms as per the June 2026 playbook. Confirm the current call/window on the official link before applying.
- Amount
- Up to ₹15 lakh
- Type of support
- Grant
- Best for
- Ideation, Prototype / PoC
- Who can apply
- Students, Researchers
SITARE supports student innovators in biotechnology with funding, training, and mentoring so they can turn promising research ideas into practical solutions or startups.
Who can apply?
- SITARE-GYTI: An Indian Student pursuing Ph.D./Masters in any discipline.
- SITARE-Appreciation Grant: Students pursuing undergraduate programme in any discipline, preferably from Tier II/Tier III cities and aspirational districts within India.
What do you get?
- SITARE-GYTI: Innovative student projects receive funding support of up to ₹15 lakh each for projects with commercial potential leading to creation of biotech startups.
- SITARE-Appreciation Grant: Students selected to attend Biotech Innovation Ignition School (BIIS) workshops are eligible to receive funding support of up to ₹1 lakh each, followed by training and mentoring.
How to apply
For SITARE-GYTI: The call for application opens once a year in August/September for 45-60 days. Proposals shall be submitted online only. SITARE-Appreciation Grant: Applications need to be submitted online only. Call for applications are invited against advertisement by SITARE Partner
Objectives
Students Innovations for Translation & Advancement of Research Explorations (SITARE) Scheme aims to promote and support innovative student projects in the area of biotechnology. The scheme has two components, SITARE-Gandhian Young Technological Innovation Award Grant (SITARE-GYTI), and SITARE-Appreciation Grant.
Key links
- Apply (BIRAC portal) birac.nic.in
- Guidelines birac.nic.in
Deadlines, amounts and windows change. Check the official portal before you apply.
Related schemes
- PACEBIRAC grants for academia to develop biotech proofs-of-concept and validate them with industry partners — up to ₹50 lakh under AIR.Between calls
- BIGGrant-in-aid of up to ₹50 lakh over 18 months for biotech startups and entrepreneurs to turn scientific ideas into products.Active
- SPARSHGrant-in-aid of up to ₹50 lakh over 18 months to build affordable healthcare products for underserved communities.Active
- SBIRI100% BIRAC grant-in-aid up to ₹50 lakh (partial above that) for biotech startups developing and validating products with partners.Between calls