Underlining applied research and entrepreneurship among young students, the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) runs the E-YUVA Scheme (Empowering Youth for Undertaking Value Added Innovative Translational Research). The program targets undergraduate students so they may work on creative biotech initiatives with commercial and social ramifications. By means of fellowship awards and research funds, it promotes an entrepreneurial culture and biotech innovation. Additionally aimed to introduce the students to biotech incubators and mentoring in their entrepreneurial activities is the program.
Benefits
BIRAC’s E-YUVA Fellows will receive the following financial support:
- Quarterly Stipend: ₹7,500 per quarter per student of the team.
- Annual Research Grant: ₹2,50,000 per team (released in two installments: 75% and 25%).
- Mentoring Support: Continuous technical mentoring, IP support, legal guidance, networking, business mentoring, training, and fundraising support from EYC (E-YUVA Centers) and BIRAC Knowledge Partners.
Eligibility
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Student Eligibility:
- Indian undergraduate students pursuing any domain in Indian institutes/colleges.
- A team should consist of 3 to 5 students.
- The team should be supported by a mentor/guide.
- Interdisciplinary teams are encouraged.
- Students must pursue research at their College/University labs, with the possibility of spending 3-4 weeks at EYC/EYC Knowledge Partners during the fellowship period.
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Team Composition:
- Teams can consist of students from same or different colleges/institutes, provided each institution has an E-Cell/Institutional Innovation Council/Incubation center.
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Proposal Criteria:
- Proposals must be original and aim to develop innovative biotech products/technologies with potential societal/commercial impact.
Application Process
Online Application:
- Step 1: Applications will be invited through advertisements and on the BIRAC website (BIRAC Official Website).
- Step 2: One team member needs to create a user account on the BIRAC portal and fill out the online application form.
- Step 3: After registration, upload necessary documents and complete the application process.
- Step 4: Once the application is submitted, teams will be shortlisted based on their proposals.
Selection Process:
- Step 1: A list of applicants will be sent to E-cells for eligibility checks.
- Step 2: Shortlisted teams will present their proposals before a Technical Expert Committee at the respective EYCs.
- Step 3: Selected applicants will become BIRAC’s E-YUVA Fellows and sign an agreement with EYC.
Documents Required
- Identity Proof: Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, etc.
- Educational Qualification Certificates
- Other Relevant Documents: As required for the application.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Describe the E-YUVA Scheme.
Designed to inspire and assist undergraduate students in completing biotech research and innovation projects with both commercial and social uses, the E-YUVA Scheme
Q2: What are the “E-YUVA Centers (EYCs)?
EYCs, Biotech incubators, provide the fellows infrastructure assistance and mentoring for their projects and research activity.
Q3: Under which implementing agency this scheme is being carried out?
Under the Ministry of Science and Technology, BIRAC (Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council) a government initiative runs the plan.
Q4: What is the E-YUVA Fellowship sponsored by BIRAC?
Fundamentally, the BIRAC’s E-YUVA Fellowship gives undergraduate teams developing creative biotech ideas financing, research funds, and mentoring.
Q5: What kind of projects funded under the fellowship reflect?
Ideas have to be creative, apply multidisciplinary knowledge, and target the development of biotech goods or technologies with either economic or social relevance.
Q6: At every EYC, how many fellow students can be helped?
With a maximum of five students each EYC sponsors up to five teams.
Q7: The fellowship lasts what length of time?
There is a 12-month fellowship.
Q8: Who qualifies to be applying for the programme?
Indian undergraduate students from approved universities in any field are qualified to apply in groups of three to five members.
Q9: The fellows have a stipend?
For every student, fellows get a quarterly stipend of ₹7,500.
Q10: When will the grant for research come out?
Under management by the mentor or guide, the ₹2,50,000 research money is released in two installments: 75% first and 25% subsequently.
Q11: Under the system, how might an applicant send proposals?
One may submit proposals using the BIRAC online application platform.
Sources and References
- Guidelines: BIRAC Official Website
- Website: India Science, Technology & Innovation
- BIRAC website.