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BIRAC Small Business Innovation Research Initiative (SBIRI)

SBIRI Grant

Funds early Indian biotech enterprises in pre-commercial research collaboration with innovation partners.

Opens Sep'26Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC)IndiaDeep-tech · core fit

The SBIRI Grant is BIRAC's PPP-mechanism biotech grant launched in 2005 to support Indian companies, LLPs, and joint ventures undertaking early-stage pre-PoC biotech research. SBIRI was India's first PPP-mode early-stage innovation scheme in biotechnology.

Funding is grant-in-aid disbursed in milestone-based installments. Project sizes typically range from INR 50 Lakhs (₹5 million) to INR 2 Crore (₹20 million). Cumulative impact through 31 January 2024: 337 projects supported, ₹576 Crores committed, 429 beneficiaries, 87 products/technologies commercialized, 48 IP filings, 743 jobs generated.

Eligibility: - Companies incorporated under the Companies Act 2013 - LLPs under the LLP Act 2008 - Joint ventures of the above with private or public partners (universities, institutes) - Minimum 51 percent shares held by Indian Citizens with Indian passport (excludes PIO and OCI) - Adequate in-house facility OR recognized incubation

Programmes target high-risk innovative research in healthcare, food and nutrition, agriculture, and other biotech sectors with societal relevance.

Calls announced twice yearly (1 April-15 May and 1 September-15 October). BIRAC may also announce need-based additional calls.

Indian-citizen-majority companies and LLPs undertaking early-stage pre-PoC biotech research in healthcare, food and nutrition, agriculture, and other biotech sectors with societal impact.

CycleiHow often this grant runs — e.g. annually, on a rolling basis, or a one-off call.Multiple per year
Next deadlineiThe next date applications are due. Rolling means you can apply any time.15 Oct 2026
Decision timeiTypical time from the deadline to the funder's decision.16 weeks
Project durationiHow long the funded work is expected to run.—
Award typeiThe form of funding — grant, equity, loan, tax credit, etc.Grant
Match fundingiThe share of project costs you must cover yourself. 0% = fully funded.0%
Funding pooliThe total budget available across all awards in this round.₹1.5B

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Last verified: 29 Jun 2026Source: birac.nic.in