Biotechnology Ignition Grant Scheme (BIG)

The Biotechnology Ignition Grant (BIG) Scheme provides early-stage funding and support to biotech innovators and startups so they can turn promising scientific ideas into viable products and businesses.

Biotechnology Ignition Grant (BIG) is a flagship programme of BIRAC, which provides support to young startups and entrepreneurial individuals. BIG is the largest early-stage biotech funding programme in India.

• Individual Entrepreneurs and startups
• The applicant must be incubated in an incubator (may/may not be supported by BIRAC).

• Grant-in-aid of up to ₹50 lakh provided to startup for a period of up to 18 months.
• During the BIG tenure, BIRAC extends several networking opportunities to connect with experts, mentors, industry, investors, peer to peer learning, specialized trainings & workshops, exposure to various platforms on merit basis

BIRAC issues a national call inviting applications under BIG at least twice a year (typically on 1st of January & 1st of July). The Call for Proposals is typically open for a period of 30-45 days. Application for BIG needs to be submitted online only through BIRAC website www.birac.nic.in

Status as stated in the playbook (June 2026):
“BIRAC issues a national call inviting applications under BIG at least twice a year (typically on 1st of January & 1st of July). The Call for Proposals is typically open for a period of 30-45 days.”

• Detailed guidelines: birac.nic.in (opens in a new tab)
• FAQs: birac.nic.in (opens in a new tab)