Call for Proposals: BioNEST Scheme – India

BioNEST bioincubators are mandated to provide incubation space to entrepreneurs and Startups along with shared access to high end infrastructure, specialized and advanced equipment, business mentorship, IP, legal and regulatory guidance, and networking opportunities.

Categories

• Category 1 Establishing New BioNEST Incubators at Academic/Research Institutes/Research Hospitals/Organizations fostering Innovation and entrepreneurship
  • BioNEST could be hosted by an existing academic/research organization/university, Research Hospital which does not have a formal Incubation center but support Entrepreneurial activities.
  • The Host Institute (HI) should have adequate expertise and infrastructure to support incubation activity.
• Category 2a Establishing BioNEST Bioincubation facility to strengthen existing non-biotech incubators attached to Academic institutes/ Research institutes/ Research Hospitals / Standalone incubator
  • The Incubator seeking BIRAC support for strengthening should be operational at the time of application
  • The incubator, seeking BIRAC support, hosted in Academic/Technical/R&D Institution/ research Hospitals /standalone incubator/ and other partnering institutions should have proven track record in promotion of technology-based entrepreneurship.
• Category 2b Integration of non BIRAC supported Bioincubators with BioNEST network for promoting Biotech startups
  • Integrate with the BioNEST network for inclusion in the BIRAC supported biotech ecosystem.
  • Funding support to complement existing facilities, enhance capacities for the benefit of biotech startups.
• Category 3 Scaling/Strengthening of BioNEST Incubators
  • Only BIRAC funded BioNEST incubators will be considered under this category
  • Upscaling of operations can be in terms of space expansion or enhancement of capabilities and capacity, including team, infrastructure, equipment and services. It may also include adding of some high-end specialized facilities such as a pilot facility, niche area, fab lab etc.
• Category 4 Establishing new BioNEST Incubators with State Government
  • Category 4 applicants shall provide the built-up space for BioNEST Incubator from the State Government. The incubator may be managed and operated by the private sector.
  • BIRAC funding will cater to refurbishing/ renovation, Capex and operational cost.
• Category 5 Support to BioNEST incubators for activities such as Bioconnect offices
  • Activity centric support to the existing BioNEST incubators shall be considered under this Category. This provision has been created to provide strategic support for the value-added activities that were not part of the original proposal at the time of sanction but may get introduced/ identified during the implementation of existing incubation facility.

Funding

• The funding support will be in the form of grant in aid for both Capital and Operational expenses based on the need and scope of the project as adjudged by the BioNEST committee.
• BIRAC funding will cater to Capex support for refurbishment/ renovation of space, equipment and furniture but not civil construction.

Space: Built-up space of minimum 10,000 Sq. ft or more is to be allocated for the proposed BioNEST Centre.

Duration: 3- 5 years

Eligibility Criteria

• Indian institutions including Universities/ Research Institutes/ Colleges/ Management Institutes/ Business Schools/ Business Incubators/Biotech-Parks/State government S & T bodies/ Biotech State Councils/Research Hospitals
• Incorporation of an Indian legal entity is recommended for Bioincubators, however it is not a must for the new applicants especially from Indian Institutions including Universities/ Research Institutes/Colleges/ Management Institutes/ Business Schools etc.
• Note: Private Company/ Not for profit Section 8 company/Trust/Society – The legal entities under the relevant Law of India having at least 51% Indian (Citizen) stakeholders (owners/partners/trustees/ members/associates/directors etc. as applicable).

For more information, visit BIRAC.