BIG is flagship programme of BIRAC, which provides the right admixture of fuel and support to young startups and entrepreneurial individuals. BIG is the largest early stage biotech funding programme in india. Funding grant of upto INR 5 Million (USD 70,000 approx) to best in class innovative ideas to build and refine idea to proof-of-concept.
Bio-incubation allows harnessing of the entrepreneurial potential of startups by providing access to infrastructure as well as mentoring and networking platforms.
The call for proposal is announced twice a year, i.e. on 1st January and 1st July. Call for proposals typically remains open for about 45 days.
The BIG Scheme is currently managed through 8 BIG Partners across the country who works with the Ignition grantees (BIG Innovators) to provide mentoring, monitoring, networking and other business development related activities.
As part of this scheme, successful BIG Innovators receive up to INR 50 lakh (USD 70,000 approx) for research projects with commercialization potential with duration of up to 18 month.
Eligibility
If the applicant is formally employed (or registered as a student) with an academic or research organization, then • the applicant has to produce a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from competent authority of the organization clearly indicating that the organization has policies in place to allow the applicant while in service/ on sabbatical/on Extraordinary Leave: • accept funding support (if successful) as an individual, • manage the funds through a separate no-lien account in individual capacity • undertake BIG project in an incubator • to create an enterprise.