Key features of the scheme are as follows:
The Biotechnology Ignition Grant (BIG) scheme is for potential entrepreneurs from Academia, start-ups or an Incubatee (Researchers, PhDs, Medical degree holders, Biomedical Engg. Graduates) who have an exciting idea which may be in the nascent and planning stage and there is an unmet need for mentorship and initial funding. The Biotechnology Ignition Grant would help to support and nurture these high risk early starters and their concepts.
· The main aim of BIG Scheme is:
a. To establish and validate proof of concept
b. To enable creation of spin-offs.
· Eligibility:
i. Biotechnology start-ups / entrepreneurs OR Incubatee; Students, Academician and Scientists (Research Institute/University/Public, Not for profit Organization, Private funded) with an exciting idea which may be in the nascent and planning stage can apply under this scheme.
ii. The Applicant must be either an Incubatee located in an incubator OR have a registered company with a functional R&D laboratory
iii. If the registered company does not have a functional Laboratory of its own, then it should be incubated in an Incubator which has a functional laboratory.
a. A Company is defined as one which is registered under the lndian Companies Act 1956 and in which more than 51 % of the ownership is held by lndian Citizens (including NRls)
b. Start-up Company is defined as one which is incorporated in the last 3 years.
Scope & Support
i. BIG is for high level of innovation in the Biotechnology sector.
ii. BIG scheme supports only up-to Proof-of-Concept stage.
iii. Funding will be in the form of Grant-in-Aid limited up-to Rs 50 lakh
iv. The period for the study would generally not exceed 18 months.
v. The funding to the BIG Innovator by the BIG Partner will always be in the form of Grant-in-Aid.
vi. No royalty will be charged on the disbursed fund to the BIG Innovator by the BIG Partner.
vii. Funding may be used for conducting limited market research, patenting costs, working capital during the period, travel, salary etc.
Modalities of Implementation:
1. Overview of Application and Selection Process
a) BIRAC will issue a national call for BIG at least 2 times each year.
b) The BIG Scheme would be implemented through our Partners called the BIG Partners, across the country.
c) The Call will mention the BIG Partners for the particular year.
d) The applicant needs to submit an online application for funding by registering and logging-on the BIRAC website www.birac.nic.in
e) The applicant has to select one of the 3 BIG Partners in their application form. The applicant Incubatee need not necessarily be incubated with any of these BIG Partners. They may be incubated in any other Incubator.
f) The eligible applicants will be initially short listed by the BIG partners.
g) The shortlisted applicants would be then asked to make a detailed presentation to BIRAC Apex Committee.
h) The final selection of the BIG applicants will be done by the BIRAC Apex Committee.
2. The current BIG Partners are:
§ Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms (C-CAMP), Bangalore;
§ Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer (FITT), New Delhi;
§ IKP Knowledge Park, Hyderabad
3. The responsibilities of the BIG Partners:
a. To identify and select potential applicants for the Ignition Grant. This could be through special workshops, competitive programmes, network meetings etc. A Technical Committee would be constituted to shortlist such potential applications that fulfil the eligibility criteria.
b. To carry out the technical and financial due diligence of the selected applicant.
b. To monitor the targeted milestones and disburse the funds accordingly.
c. To provide mentorship and handholding for activities related to IP management, legal and contract, mobilizing resources and other business development related activities to all recipients of ignition grant (BIG innovators).
d. The expected deliverables would be readiness of the BIG innovator to move into the next phase of funding – SBIRI, BIPP etc.
4. An Annual workshop/meet would be organized by BIRAC, which would be attended by all the recipients of the Ignition Grant (BIG Innovators), who will then present their work before an Advisory Committee. This will also be a platform for interaction with Senior Experts and other academic Partners.
5. The BIRAC-IP Cell can assist the BIG Innovators with IP related services.
6. The BIRAC Legal Cell can provide necessary support for specific contracts and other related activities.
7. The BIG Partners would be authorized to sign an Agreement with the BIG Innovators on behalf of BIRAC. For the management of the Ignition grant, BIRAC will sign an agreement with each BIG Partner for fulfilling the roles and responsibilities.
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