The Biotechnology Ignition Grant Scheme (BIG), launched by the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), is a flagship initiative designed to support and nurture innovation in the biotechnology sector. BIG aims to help entrepreneurs and startups translate their innovative ideas into commercial products and technologies with the potential to address unmet needs. BIG focuses on helping individual innovators and startups from the ideation phase to the Proof of Concept (PoC).
Purpose of the BIG Scheme
The primary objectives of the BIG Scheme are:
- Supporting ideation to Proof of Concept: Assisting entrepreneurs from the idea stage to proof of concept development.
- Fostering entrepreneurship: Promoting the creation of commercially viable biotech products and technologies.
- Global competitiveness: Enabling the biotech startup ecosystem in India to become globally competitive.
Areas of Focus
The BIG Scheme supports innovation across a broad range of sectors, including:
- Healthcare
- Lifesciences
- Diagnostics
- Medical Devices
- Drugs, Vaccines, and Drug Formulations
- Industrial Biotechnology
- Agriculture, Secondary Agriculture
- Waste Management and Sanitation
- Clean Energy and Related Fields
The projects can be submitted under any of the following categories:
- Devices & Diagnostics
- Drugs and Drug Delivery Systems
- Industrial Biotechnology & Secondary Agriculture
- Agriculture
- Biosimilars & Stem Cells
- Vaccines
- Bioinformatics & Facilities
BIG encourages interdisciplinary innovation by integrating biotechnology with fields like engineering, artificial intelligence, machine learning, sensors, and big data analytics.
Types of Projects Not Supported
- Basic/exploratory research
- Low novelty projects
- Projects involving clinical trials or late-stage validation/certification
- Academic research like PhD work
Project Duration
The projects funded under BIG are expected to be completed within 18 months, with a milestone-based approach.
Benefits of the BIG Scheme
Grantees benefit from:
- Grant-in-Aid: Financial support up to INR 50 lakhs (approx. USD 75,000) for 18 months.
- Continuous Mentoring: Ongoing support provided by BIRAC and BIG Partners, including:
- Technical mentoring and networking with experts
- Intellectual Property (IP) support and legal assistance
- Business and regulatory advice
- Connections with potential investors
- Training and outreach programs
Eligibility Criteria
Individual Applicants
- Indian citizenship is required.
- Applicants must be incubated at a recognized incubator (a Letter of Intent/MoU is needed).
- Those employed with academic, research organizations, or for-profit companies must provide a No Objection Certificate (NOC) or an undertaking to leave their current position if the grant is approved.
- Scientists, researchers, and graduates who intend to incubate their ideas at a bio-incubator are eligible.
Company/LLP Applicants
- Must be registered under the Indian Companies Act, 1956/2013.
- Companies/LLPs should have been incorporated for no more than 5 years from the closing date of a particular BIG call.
- Minimum 51% of capital must be owned by resident Indian citizens or Indian companies.
- Must have a functional in-house R&D facility or be incubated in a recognized incubator.
Application Process
- National Call: BIG calls for applications are issued twice a year (January and July).
- Online Submission: Applications must be submitted through the official BIRAC website (www.birac.nic.in).
- Registration: Applicants must register on the BIG Portal to fill out and submit the online application.
- Proposal Evaluation: Applications undergo a multi-step review process, including eligibility checks, expert reviews, and face-to-face presentations.
Selection Process
The BIG Scheme follows a multi-tier evaluation process:
- Eligibility Check: Screening by BIG Partners to ensure applicants meet criteria.
- Preliminary Selection Committee (PSC): Evaluates proposals on criteria such as scheme fit, technical details, and novelty.
- Expert Panel Review: Proposals are reviewed by subject matter experts.
- Thematic Technical Expert Panel (TEP): Shortlisted proposals are presented for face-to-face review by a panel.
- Final Selection: The Expert Selection Committee (ESC) decides on the cut-off score and final selection based on due diligence.
Evaluation Criteria
BIG proposals are evaluated on the following parameters:
- Unmet Need (max 20 points)
- Value Proposition/Differentiation (max 20 points)
- Technical Viability (max 30 points)
- Team Strength/Passion (max 15 points)
- Business Perspective (max 15 points)
Documents Required
- Letter of commitment from scientific advisors/mentors
- MoU or LoI with the incubator
- Access to required facilities and samples
- Business plans, project reports, and financial documents
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) if applicable
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Who can apply for the BIG Scheme?
Individuals, startups, and companies with innovative ideas in the biotech sector that have commercialization potential can apply.
Q2: What is the maximum grant amount under the BIG scheme?
Applicants can receive a grant of up to INR 50 lakhs.
Q3: How is the selection process conducted?
The application undergoes a multi-step process including eligibility checks, expert reviews, and presentation before a technical panel.
Q4: Is there any age restriction for applying?
There is no specific age restriction, but applicants must be eligible according to the criteria outlined.
Q5: Can my institution act as my incubator?
Yes, your institution can serve as your incubator if it meets the requirements for incubation under the scheme.
For further details on the BIG scheme and to apply, visit the official BIRAC website: www.birac.nic.in.