Bio-RIDE Scheme 2026: Grants, Hubs Funding & Application Guide

At a glance

About the scheme

The Biotechnology Research Innovation And Entrepreneurship Development (Bio-RIDE) scheme is implemented by the Department of Biotechnology and the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council under the Ministry of Science and Technology. It aims to accelerate India's transition towards sustainable green growth and a strong bioeconomy by supporting cutting-edge research, incubation, and large-scale biotechnology infrastructure. Financial backing is extended to startups, academic institutions, and industry players to set up shared facilities such as Bio-Artificial Intelligence Hubs, Biofoundries, and Biomanufacturing Hubs across the country.

Benefits

• Total proposed financial outlay of ₹91,97,00,00,000/- for the period spanning from 2021-22 to 2025-26.
• Seed funding, incubation support, and dedicated mentorship for bio-entrepreneurs and startups.
• Extramural funding and direct grants for researchers, academic institutions, and universities for R&D in modern biology.
• Financial assistance of up to ₹50,00,00,000/- for setting up Bio-Artificial Intelligence Hubs.
• Financial assistance of up to ₹65,00,00,000/- for establishing Biofoundries.
• Financial assistance of up to ₹75,00,00,000/- for establishing Biomanufacturing Hubs.
• Annual budget of up to ₹50,00,000/- for coordinating hubs to cover operational costs of collaborating projects.
• Grant-in-aid support for academic institutions for mission mode projects as per Department of Biotechnology guidelines.
• Co-funding combined with royalty sharing or equity financing for startups, SMEs, and industries seeking funding exceeding ₹50,00,00,000/- (funding beyond ₹50 lakh).
• Capital support for private universities, NGOs, trusts, and foundations with a mandatory 25% capital cost contribution.
• Funding for incubators or companies established by Central Government or private universities with a minimum 30% co-funding requirement.
• Funding for incubators or companies established by State Governments with a minimum 50% co-funding requirement.

Who can apply (eligibility)

• Applicant must be a legally registered entity in India (either for-profit or not-for-profit) with relevant tax and administrative authorities.
• Applicant must possess tangible prior experience in the applied functional area of bio-services or biomanufacturing.
• Applicant must not be blacklisted by any Central Government, State Government, or Government of India Public Sector Undertaking.
• Major promoters and the legal entity must not be involved in major litigation impacting project execution.
• Applicant must comply with data protection, confidentiality, and conflict of interest policies of DBT and BIRAC.
• For startups, SMEs, and industries, at least 51% of stake must be owned and controlled by resident Indian citizens.
• Desirable: Proven expertise, operational track record, and access to pre-existing infrastructure.
• Desirable: Existing or nearly secured regulatory clearances for the proposed innovation.

Who cannot apply

• Entities blacklisted by any Central Government department, State Government, or Public Sector Undertaking.
• Informal research groups or collectives that are not registered as legal entities in India.
• Startups, SMEs, or industry applicants with less than 51% ownership and control held by resident Indian citizens.
• Applicants whose promoters or entities are involved in major litigation that affects project delivery.

Documents required

• Entity Registration Certificate
• Taxation Registration Document
• Proof of Prior Experience in Bio-Services or Biomanufacturing
• Self-Declaration of Not Being Blacklisted
• Shareholding Pattern Document (for startups, SMEs, and industries)
• Detailed Project Proposal
• Sustainability Business Plan
• Expression of Interest (if requested in the call)
• Regulatory Clearances (if applicable)
• Grant Agreement Document (at benefit disbursal stage)

How to apply

1. 1Check the official portals of the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and BIRAC for active national calls for proposals.
2. 2Submit an Expression of Interest if specifically mandated under the active call.
3. 3Prepare and submit the detailed project proposal through the designated online portal before the deadline.
4. 4Undergo preliminary screening by the screening committee to verify foundational eligibility.
5. 5Present the technical and infrastructure details before the Selection Committee for Biofoundries and Biomanufacturing Hubs.
6. 6Complete the financial review by the Financial Evaluation Committee to establish the funding mechanism (co-funding, equity, or royalty).
7. 7Receive final approval from the Apex Committee and execute the formal grant agreement for fund disbursal.
8. 8Comply with ongoing project monitoring and periodic evaluations conducted by the Project Monitoring Committee.

Frequently asked questions