BIRAC–RDI Fund: ₹2,000 Crore Boost to India’s Biotechnology Innovation Ecosystem

The Centre has announced the first national call for proposals under the ₹2,000 crore BIRAC–RDI Fund, part of the government’s ₹1 lakh crore RDI initiative.

• The ₹2,000 crore financing window under the government’s ₹1 lakh crore RDI initiative aims to support high-impact biotechnology innovations.
• India’s bioeconomy has expanded significantly, rising from $10 billion in 2014 to $165.7 billion in 2024, and aims to reach $300 billion by 2030.

Explore Combo (GS+Optional) Courses

Explore Combo (GS+Optional) Courses

About BIRAC–RDI Fund

• BIRAC–RDI Fund stands for Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council – Research, Development and Innovation Fund.
• The BIRAC–RDI Fund is part of the broader national RDI initiative approved by the Union Cabinet in July 2025 under the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF).
  • Launched in November 2025 under the aegis of Department of Science and Technology.
• Fund Manager: The Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC)
• Objectives:
  • Provide financial support for early-stage biotech innovations.
  • Promote entrepreneurship in biotech and life sciences.
  • Encourage development of affordable healthcare, agriculture, and industrial biotech solutions.

• • Strengthen India’s bioeconomy and innovation ecosystem.
• The fund will provide support for technology across Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 4 to TRL 9 using a combination of equity, convertible debt instruments and long-term loans.

Check Out UPSC CSE Books

Visit PW Store

Significance

• Impact on Startups and Research Institutions: This is expected to help startups and research institutions transition from proof-of-concept stages to market-ready products.
• Alignment with National Policy: It is Complementary to the BioE3 Policy, supporting biotechnology-led growth.
• Lab-to-Industry Bridge: The fund focuses on scaling biotech research from laboratory prototypes to industrial deployment, addressing a critical gap in India’s innovation ecosystem.
• Strategic Push: Part of India’s broader goal to become a global biotechnology leader, similar to its IT-led growth trajectory.

DOWNLOAD PDF