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The Scheme Register / SITARE

Department of Biotechnology (DBT)

Students Innovations for Translation & Advancement of Research Explorations (SITARE)

GrantIdeation · Prototype / PoCStartup-relevant
Support type
Grant
Best suited for
Ideation to Translation (Students)
How much
Translational support commonly up to ₹15 lakh, subject to call
Where you apply
birac.nic.in

What is this scheme?

SITARE supports student innovators in biotechnology with funding, training, and mentoring so they can turn promising research ideas into practical solutions or startups.

Objectives

  • Students Innovations for Translation & Advancement of Research Explorations (SITARE) Scheme aims to promote and support innovative student projects in the area of biotechnology.
  • The scheme has two components, SITARE-Gandhian Young Technological Innovation Award Grant (SITARE-GYTI), and SITARE-Appreciation Grant.

Who can apply (eligibility)

  • SITARE-GYTI: An Indian Student pursuing Ph.D./Masters in any discipline.
  • SITARE-Appreciation Grant: Students pursuing undergraduate programme in any discipline, preferably from Tier II/Tier III cities and aspirational districts within India.

What do you get?

  • SITARE-GYTI: Innovative student projects receive funding support of up to ₹15 lakh each for projects with commercial potential leading to creation of biotech startups.
  • SITARE-Appreciation Grant: Students selected to attend Biotech Innovation Ignition School (BIIS) workshops are eligible to receive funding support of up to ₹1 lakh each, followed by training and mentoring.

How to apply

  1. 01For SITARE-GYTI: The call for application opens once a year in August/September for 45-60 days. Proposals shall be submitted online only.
  2. 02SITARE-Appreciation Grant: Applications need to be submitted online only. Call for applications are invited against advertisement by SITARE Partner

Status as stated in the playbook (June 2026):
“For SITARE-GYTI: The call for application opens once a year in August/September for 45-60 days.”

Apply on birac.nic.in (opens in a new tab)

You will leave iHub India. Applications are made directly to Department of Biotechnology — iHub India is not part of the process.