The SITARE-Gandhian Young Technological Innovation Award Grant (SITARE-GYTI) is a sub-component of the SITARE Scheme launched by BIRAC, Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science & Technology. It promotes translational research among postgraduate and doctoral students by funding 15 innovative biotech proposals annually, encouraging them to develop market-ready technologies and products.
Scheme Key Highlights (Short Summary)
• Funded by BIRAC under DBT, GoI
• Targeted at PhD/Master’s students with biotech innovations
• Funding up to ₹15 lakhs per project
• Project duration: Up to 24 months
• Focus on product-oriented translational research
Benefits
• Grant-in-aid up to ₹15,00,000/- per selected project
• Released in milestone-based tranches (max ₹5 lakh per phase)
• Mentoring Support in:
• Technical expertise
• IP, Legal, Regulatory advice
• Business mentoring & fundraising support
• Networking & Trainings
• Permitted Expense Allocation:
• Prototype Development – 30%
• Travel – 15%
• Incubator Rent – 15%
• Manpower – 15% (Not for degree students)
• Consumables – 20%
• Training/Conferences – 10%
• Contingency – 5%
Eligibility
• Indian national pursuing PhD or Master’s in any discipline
• Must have a valid institution-issued student ID
• Must submit a No Objection Certificate (NoC) in the prescribed format
• Project should have commercial startup potential
• Only one-time award per student allowed
• Exceptional applications outside eligibility may be considered with BIRAC approval
Application Process
Online
• Submit proposals during active call window (usually Aug–Sep, open for 45–60 days)
Steps:
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Visit www.birac.nic.in
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Register or log in as an individual
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Navigate to Programmes → SITARE-GYTI
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Click on Active Call
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Fill and submit online proposal form
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Upload required documents
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Await review stages (eligibility, technical, and expert presentation)
Documents Required
• Valid Institutional ID
• No Objection Certificate (NoC)
• PAN Card
• Educational Qualification Certificates
• Detailed Project Proposal
• Other relevant documents (if applicable)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the SITARE-GYTI Award Grant?
It is a research translation grant for PhD/Master’s students with biotech innovations, funded by BIRAC.
Q: Is this a research fellowship?
No, this is a milestone-based innovation grant, not a monthly fellowship.
Q: Who can apply?
Indian PhD or Master’s students from any discipline with a valid student ID and an innovative biotech proposal.
Q: Can I submit proposals in non-biotech areas?
Yes, if they have a biotech application (e.g., AI in healthcare, IoT in agriculture).
Q: What is the project duration?
Up to 24 months. Extension is discouraged and allowed only in justified cases.
Q: What is the fund utilization structure?
Funds are distributed across prototype, travel, rent, manpower (non-degree), etc., with capped limits.
Q: How often can I apply?
Only once per student is allowed under this scheme.
Q: What is the mode of application?
Online only at BIRAC Portal.
Q: When is the call for proposal announced?
Usually once a year in August or September.
Q: Is selection based on academic merit?
No, selection is based on novelty, technical strength, commercialization potential, and societal impact.
Sources And References
• Guidelines – BIRAC SITARE-GYTI
• Official Website
• Scheme Details – SITARE Page