Biotechnology Ignition Grant (BIG) Scheme

The Biotechnology Ignition Grant (BIG) Scheme, a key initiative by the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), Government of India, provides financial and technical support to innovative biotechnology projects at the proof-of-concept (POC) stage. Aimed at empowering entrepreneurs and innovators in the biotechnology sector, the scheme promotes technology development and entrepreneurship by offering grant-in-aid to promising biotechnology ideas. The funding helps in advancing projects towards commercialization, thereby fostering the creation of biotechnology-based start-ups and enabling technology transfer for wider industry applications.

This scheme particularly targets high-risk technology ideas with substantial market potential. The grants are awarded on a milestone-based disbursement system, with a total funding of up to ₹50 lakhs for a project duration of 15 to 18 months. BIRAC BIG Scheme also offers additional support in terms of mentoring, networking, and IP-related services to enhance the project’s feasibility and commercialization prospects.

The Biotechnology Ignition Grant BIG Scheme is designed to support early-stage projects in biotechnology, specifically those that focus on establishing or validating a proof of concept for innovative technology ideas. The scheme aims to reduce technological risks and uncertainties by providing funding to develop prototypes or proofs of concept that can later be commercialized.

The primary purposes of the Biotechnology Ignition Grant (BIG) Scheme include:

• Technology validation: Helping innovators and entrepreneurs prove the technical feasibility of their ideas.
• Start-up promotion: Encouraging the creation and growth of start-up companies based on innovative biotechnology concepts.
• Commercialization: Assisting innovators in advancing their technology towards market readiness, which can involve licensing or raising investments for further development.

Through this initiative, BIRAC BIG seeks to bridge the gap between early-stage research and real-world application, promoting the commercialization of new and promising biotech products, services, and technologies.

The Biotechnology Ignition Grant (BIG) Scheme supports a wide range of projects in the biotechnology sector. The following types of projects are eligible for funding:

Eligible Projects

• Process/Product Innovation: Proposals that focus on developing innovative processes or products with commercial potential.
• Technology Validation: Projects aimed at demonstrating the feasibility of a new biotechnology idea or concept through scientific evidence or working prototypes.
• De-risking Technologies: Proposals that aim to reduce technical uncertainties and risks in biotechnology innovations.
• Scientific Data Generation: Projects that provide essential data to demonstrate the technology's viability to potential investors, licensors, or stakeholders.

Ineligible Projects

• Basic Research: Projects aimed at fundamental scientific discovery without clear commercialization objectives.
• Exploratory Research: Ideas that do not focus on the application of the technology in a commercial context.
• Clinical/Field Trials: BIG funding does not support clinical trials, field trials, or late-stage product validation.
• Academic Research: PhD students and academic researchers working on dissertations or academic research cannot apply for BIG funding.

The BIG Scheme offers comprehensive support to grantees, including financial assistance and mentorship. The key forms of support are:

• Financial Support: BIRAC provides financial assistance up to ₹50 lakhs for a project under the BIG Scheme. The funds are disbursed in four milestones:

1. First Installment (Max 30%): Released after signing the contract.
2. Second Installment (Max 30%): Released after completion of the first milestone.
3. Third Installment (Max 30%): Released after completion of the second milestone.
4. Final Installment (5-10%): Released after project completion and submission of the final report.

• Mentoring and Advisory Support: BIG partners offer mentoring, advisory, and referral services to grantees, assisting in refining the business idea, technology strategy, and commercialization roadmap.
• Networking Opportunities: BIRAC organizes periodic events that provide visibility, networking, and learning opportunities for BIG grantees. This enables innovators to connect with potential investors, collaborators, and experts.
• Intellectual Property (IP) Support: BIRAC's IP Cell offers guidance on intellectual property matters, helping grantees with patent filing, IP strategy, and related services.
• Monitoring and Evaluation: BIG projects undergo periodic reviews by BIRAC and BIG partners. This process ensures that the projects stay on track, meeting agreed-upon milestones and goals.

BIRAC Biotechnology Ignition Grant Eligibility Criteria:

The Biotechnology Ignition Grant (BIG) Scheme has several eligibility criteria depending on the applicant's status. These include individual applicants, companies, and limited liability partnerships (LLPs).

Individual Applicants

• Must be an Indian citizen (as per Section 14).
• The Project Leader must meet the eligibility requirements.
• Must be physically incubated in a recognized incubator; a letter from the incubator is required at the time of application.
• If employed or a student at a non-profit academic/research organization, a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the organization is needed. Alternatively, an undertaking to terminate employment if the grant is approved is required.
• If employed in a for-profit company, an undertaking to leave the employer and work on the project full-time is necessary.
• Promoters or shareholders of a company or partners in an LLP are not allowed to apply as individuals.

Company/LLP Applicants

• Must be registered under the Indian Companies Act, 1956/2013.
• The company/LLP must be incorporated no more than 5 years before the BIG call.
• At least 51% ownership must be with Indian citizens or Indian companies.
• The Project Leader must meet eligibility criteria and represent the company/LLP.
• The company must have functional in-house R&D facilities or be incubated at an incubator with the required facilities.
• Promoters with more than 20% shares in another ineligible company or LLP are not eligible.

Project Leader

• The Project Leader must have appropriate qualifications such as PhD, MTech, BTech, MSc, MPharm, MD, or equivalent.
• If a BSc holder, they must have at least 1 year of full-time work or research experience.
• The Project Leader is responsible for technical and managerial aspects of the project.
• If shortlisted, the Project Leader must present the proposal and sign the project agreement upon grant approval.

Other Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants must demonstrate access to critical resources such as letters of commitment from scientific advisors, technical team members, and incubators, and evidence of access to necessary research facilities.
• Projects that have already received funding from other government sources for the same scope and objectives are not eligible.
• Applicants who have already received BIG support once are not eligible for a second round of funding.

Individual to Company Conversion

• Individual applicants may transfer their application to a newly formed company, which must meet all eligibility criteria.
• The Project Leader must remain the same and be a promoter shareholder in the new company.
• The new company must comply with due diligence requirements and ensure the project aligns with BIG objectives.

BIRAC Biotechnology Ignition Grant (BIG) Apply Online (Application Process)

The application process for the Biotechnology Ignition Grant (BIG) Scheme is fully online. Applicants must follow a series of steps to submit their application:

• Registration on BIRAC Portal: Applicants need to create an account on the BIRAC website by providing basic information and creating a username and password.
• Selection of BIG Partner: Applicants must choose one of the recognized BIG partners from the list on the BIRAC portal. The selected partner will help screen applications and conduct due diligence.
• Preparation of Proposal: Applicants must prepare a detailed proposal describing the technology, the project plan, milestones, budget, and commercialization strategy. The proposal must also highlight the potential impact of the innovation.
• Submission of Application: The completed application, along with all supporting documents (including the project proposal, letters of commitment, access to facilities, etc.), must be submitted through the BIRAC portal.
• Initial Screening and Expert Review: The application undergoes an initial screening by the selected BIG partner, followed by an expert technical review.

The selection process for the Biotechnology Ignition Grant (BIG) scheme is a rigorous and multi-step procedure designed to evaluate the technical feasibility, commercial potential, and overall viability of the proposed projects:

• Initial Screening: Applications are first screened by the BIG partners for eligibility.
• Expert Review: Eligible proposals are assigned to subject experts who review the technical aspects of the project.
• Presentation: Shortlisted applicants are invited to present their projects to the Technical Expert Panel (TEP) for further evaluation.
• Expert Selection Committee (ESC): The final decision is made by the ESC at BIRAC, who recommend projects for funding.
• Due Diligence: Recommended projects undergo financial and technical due diligence, which includes site visits and interviews with the applicant.
• Final Approval: After reviewing the due diligence reports, BIRAC grants final approval for funding.

Applications to the BIG scheme are evaluated based on several criteria:

• Technical Feasibility (10%): The technology's feasibility and the scientific approach to demonstrating the proof of concept.
• Novelty (20%): The uniqueness of the technology and its potential to address market or societal needs.
• Importance and Impact (15%): The technology’s potential impact on industries, society, and the environment.
• Commercialization Strategy (15%): The clarity of the applicant’s strategy to bring the technology to market.
• Team Expertise (20%): The capabilities of the project team, including technical, managerial, and advisory support.
• Barriers and Strategies (10%): The identification of execution barriers and the strategies to overcome them.
• BIG Project Plan (10%): The quality of the project plan, timelines, and feasibility of achieving the milestones with the available funding.

The typical project duration under the Biotechnology Ignition Grant (BIG) scheme ranges from 15 to 18 months. The funding is provided in installments, based on milestone completion. Once the project is concluded, a final report is submitted for evaluation. No extensions will be granted beyond 18 months.

Corpseed is one of the top consulting firms, offering comprehensive assistance on government schemes and benefits, guiding businesses through the necessary processes. In the context of the Biotechnology Ignition Grant (BIG) Scheme, Corpseed can play a crucial role by helping startups and entrepreneurs navigate the application process and secure funding. Some key ways in which we can help include:

• Application Support: Corpseed helps prepare and review applications, ensuring that all required documents are complete and align with the guidelines set by the BIG Scheme.
• Business Plan Development: We assists in creating detailed business plans that highlight the innovation and potential impact of the biotech product, which is a key requirement for the BIG Scheme.
• Compliance and Documentation: We ensures that all necessary legal and regulatory requirements are met, helping businesses stay compliant with the scheme's standards.
• Expert Consultation: We provides expert advice on technology development, market entry strategies, and commercialization, boosting the chances of securing funding.
• Funding Strategy: The firm advises on how to structure the funding proposal to meet the expectations of the BIG Scheme and to maximize chances of approval.