Biotechnology Ignition Grant (BIG Scheme - BIRAC)
Equity-free grant of up to ₹50 Lakh for 18 months for biotech innovators and early-stage life science startups available across districts in All India.
Quick Eligibility Snapshot
₹Benefits & Entitlement Breakdown
📊Budget Allocation & Beneficiary Reach
Over 850 biotech startups and entrepreneurs funded
As of: 2026-01-20PIB / Official Citation ↗Verified Eligibility Criteria
Indian individual entrepreneurs or biotech startups incorporated for less than 5 years with majority Indian ownership.
Required Documents Checklist
Verify readiness before applying for Biotechnology Ignition Grant (BIG Scheme - BIRAC). Check off your papers or print this list before visiting your local CSC / Cyber Cafe.
Mandatory Documents(3)
Check off as readyKeep self-attested photocopies and clear digital scans (100 KB – 200 KB, PDF/JPG format) ready to avoid portal upload timeouts.
Worried About Application Rejection for Biotechnology Ignition Grant (BIG Scheme - BIRAC)?
Over 30% of applications on official portals get delayed or rejected due to minor certificate authority mismatches or unseeded bank accounts. Our civic research desk compiles a verified 1-page Scheme Blueprint tailored to your state and profile.
- ✓Valid issuing authority rules (Tehsildar/SDM)
- ✓Aadhaar-DBT bank seeding verification
- ✓Direct official portal guide (no middlemen)
- ✓Email delivery in 1–2 hrs during desk hours
🔒 Secure Razorpay Checkout • 100% Independent
Application Effort & Process Friction
Readiness assessment derived from official prerequisites, mandatory documentation, and submission channels.
Effort scores reflect portal accessibility, mandatory document burden, and physical verification requirements.
How to Apply
- 1
Apply online via BIRAC portal (birac.nic.in) through one of the 8 designated BIG Partners across India.
- 2
Preliminary technical screening by technical evaluation committee.
- 3
Pitching before Technical Expert and Investment Committee (TEIC) followed by milestone-based grant release.
✅Before You Begin — Pre-Application Checklist
⚠️Common Rejection Reasons — Avoid These
Non-biotech domain proposals, absence of working hypothesis or IP potential, or company turnover exceeding ₹1 Crore.
Official Government Application Portal
You will be redirected to the secure official portal: birac.nic.in
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Get Scheme Blueprint (₹49)→Frequently Asked Questions (Officially Sourced)
Verified answers sourced directly from official circulars, gazettes, and portal FAQs. Never AI-invented.
Can medical doctors or dental graduates apply for medical device innovations?
Yes, clinicians and medical professionals innovating healthcare devices, diagnostics, or therapies are eligible for BIG.
Source: Official Scheme FAQ ↗Who is eligible to apply for Biotechnology Ignition Grant (BIG Scheme - BIRAC)?
Eligible applicants must satisfy official government criteria for Biotechnology Ignition Grant (BIG Scheme - BIRAC). Age: min 21 max 65 years. Conditions: Indian individual entrepreneurs or biotech startups incorporated for less than 5 years with majority Indian ownership..
Source: Official Scheme FAQ ↗What are the key benefits provided under Biotechnology Ignition Grant (BIG Scheme - BIRAC)?
Under official guidelines for Biotechnology Ignition Grant (BIG Scheme - BIRAC), beneficiaries are entitled to: Non-dilutive grant-in-aid of up to ₹50,00,000 for up to 18 months to establish proof-of-concept, conduct clinical/field validation, and patent breakthrough ideas in healthcare, agriculture, industrial biotech, and green energy.
Source: Official Scheme FAQ ↗How do I apply for Biotechnology Ignition Grant (BIG Scheme - BIRAC)? What is the official process?
To apply for Biotechnology Ignition Grant (BIG Scheme - BIRAC), applicants should follow the official procedure: 1. Apply online via BIRAC portal (birac.nic.in) through one of the 8 designated BIG Partners across India. 2. Preliminary technical screening by technical evaluation committee. 3. Pitching before Technical Expert and Investment Committee (TEIC) followed by milestone-based grant release.
Source: Official Scheme FAQ ↗Can I track my Biotechnology Ignition Grant (BIG Scheme - BIRAC) application status?
Application status for Biotechnology Ignition Grant (BIG Scheme - BIRAC) can typically be tracked through the official portal at birac.nic.in using your Aadhaar number, application reference number, or registered mobile number. Alternatively, contact the scheme helpline or visit your nearest Common Service Centre (CSC).
What should I do if my Biotechnology Ignition Grant (BIG Scheme - BIRAC) payment is delayed or rejected?
First, verify your Aadhaar-bank account seeding status on the NPCI mapper (npci.org.in). If seeding is confirmed and payment is still pending, register a complaint on the Central Public Grievance Redressal System at pgportal.gov.in. You may also file an RTI application at rtionline.gov.in to obtain official rejection reasons within 30 days.
Is there an income tax implication for receiving Biotechnology Ignition Grant (BIG Scheme - BIRAC) benefits?
Agricultural income and certain welfare subsidies may be exempt from income tax under Section 10 of the Income Tax Act, 1961. Tax treatment varies by scheme type and beneficiary income level. Consult a certified tax practitioner or visit incometax.gov.in for scheme-specific tax guidance.
Common Rejection Reasons & Warnings
Non-biotech domain proposals, absence of working hypothesis or IP potential, or company turnover exceeding ₹1 Crore.
Editorial Verification & Change Log
| Date | Field | Description / Update | Source Citation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-10-18 | scheme_type | cs | Official Source ↗ |
| 2026-10-06 | short_description | Equity-free grant of up to ₹50 Lakh for 18 months for biotech innovators and early-stage life science startups available across districts in All India. | Official Source ↗ |
| 2026-09-26 | initial_verification | Baseline verification of Biotechnology Ignition Grant (BIG Scheme - BIRAC) guidelines, benefits, and portal integration. | Official Source ↗ |
⚖Compare with Similar Schemes
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Application Window & Deadlines
Biannual calls in January and July
🛟Grievance & RTI Channels
Scheme Intelligence
How is this calculated? ↗Verified 23d ago from .gov.in source
Requires documentation or office visit
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📅Scheme Milestone Timeline
Equity-free grant of up to ₹50 Lakh for 18 months for biotech innovators and ear...
Official Source ↗Baseline verification of Biotechnology Ignition Grant (BIG Scheme - BIRAC) guide...
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Official Helpline & Nodal Offices
BIG Division, Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC)
1st Floor, MTNL Building, 9 CGO Complex, Lodhi Road, New Delhi 110003
Helpline: 011-47744500
Jurisdiction: Central (All India)Notice a Discrepancy?
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Verification Metadata
Last verified by Eligo researchers on 2026-09-26 against official government documentation.
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