The Biotechnology Young Entrepreneur Award (BYE) is a programme designed to promote the commercialization of bioscience ideas among graduate and postgraduate students in Biotechnology, as well as related life sciences. Organized annually by the Kerala Biotechnology Commission in collaboration with the Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE), the competition involves participants developing a Business Plan which is then evaluated by a panel of experts during a dedicated workshop.
Benefits
- Cash Awards:
- First Prize: ₹1,00,000
- Second Prize: ₹50,000
- Third Prize: ₹25,000
- Entrepreneurship Support:
Awardees are encouraged to establish start-ups with facilitation and support after evaluation and recommendation by an Expert Committee. - Workshop:
Selected teams participate in a 3-4 day Entrepreneurship Workshop covering business planning, IP and patenting strategies, finance raising, business strategies, HR practices, and other facets of entrepreneurship.
Eligibility
- Academic Requirements:
Students pursuing postgraduate programmes (including integrated PG degree programmes), doctoral degrees, or B.E./B.Tech. in Biotechnology or related life sciences (e.g., bioinformatics, molecular biology, microbiology, biochemistry, genetics, etc.) from universities/institutes in Kerala are eligible. - Team Formation:
- Applicants must form teams of five students.
- At least three members must have a background in Life Sciences; the remaining members may be from other disciplines.
- Team members may come from different institutes/universities.
- Proposal Focus:
Proposals should be in core areas of biotechnology such as Agriculture, Aquaculture, Bio-energy, Biologicals & Applications, Bioprocess Engineering, Biosensors, Drug Discovery & Development, Environment, Food, Medical Diagnostics/Devices, Nanobiology/Nanobiotechnology, Nutraceuticals, Vaccines, etc. Proposals can focus on products, services, or applications.
Application Process
Mode: Offline
- Nomination and Submission:
- Applications are invited twice a year, in January and June.
- Submit the Concept Note (including general information and a proposed Business Plan) in the prescribed format, available on the official websites (https://dst.gov.in or http://online-wosa.gov.in).
- Submission Address:
- Send five copies of the application form by post to:
Chairman, Kerala Biotechnology Commission,
KSCSTE, Sasthra Bhavan, Pattom,
Thiruvananthapuram – 695004.
- Send five copies of the application form by post to:
- Workshop and Business Plan Development:
- An expert panel evaluates the concept proposals and shortlists 15 teams.
- These teams attend a 3-4 day Entrepreneurship Workshop.
- Post-workshop, teams develop a Business Plan within 3 weeks and subsequently present it to a panel of experts for final evaluation.
Documents Required
- Identity proof of each applicant
- Endorsement certificate
- Educational certificates
- Proposed Business Plan
- Summary of proposed research work
- Consent letter
- Certificate from the Head of the Institution
- Any other document as required
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
-
What is the “Biotechnology Young Entrepreneur Award” programme?
A competition that promotes the commercialization of bioscience ideas among students in Biotechnology and related fields. -
Which is the implementing agency?
The Kerala Biotechnology Commission, in collaboration with KSCSTE. -
Who is eligible for the award?
Students pursuing postgraduate, doctoral, or B.E./B.Tech. programmes in Biotechnology or related life sciences in Kerala. -
What is the prize money for the winning team?
First Prize: ₹1,00,000; Second Prize: ₹50,000; Third Prize: ₹25,000. -
What is the aim of the proposal?
To develop a viable business plan for the commercialization of a bioscience idea. -
In which areas can proposals be submitted?
Core areas of biotechnology including Agriculture, Aquaculture, Bio-energy, Drug Discovery, Nanobiotechnology, etc. -
How many students should be in a team?
Each team must consist of five students. -
Can team members be from different institutes?
Yes, team members may come from different institutes/universities. -
How many times are applications invited each year?
Twice a year (January and June). -
How can an applicant apply for the programme?
Applications must be submitted offline in the prescribed format. -
Where can applicants find the application format?
The format is available on the official DST and online-wosa websites. -
To whom should the application be sent?
The application should be sent to the Chairman, Kerala Biotechnology Commission at the address provided. -
Is the scheme applicable to women scientists in private institutions?
This award is targeted at students in academic or research institutions in Kerala.