BIRAC Call for Proposals on Screening and Diagnosis Innovations

Table of Contents
About BIRAC
About the Call for Proposals
Objectives of the Programme
Priority Areas
Funding Support
Who Can Apply?
Eligibility Criteria
Proposal Duration
How to Apply
Important Dates
Why Apply?
Frequently Asked Questions

About BIRAC

The Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), a Public Sector Enterprise under the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, promotes innovation and entrepreneurship in biotechnology. Through Grand Challenges India (GCI), BIRAC supports breakthrough research and transformative technologies that address major public health challenges in India.

About the Call for Proposals

Grand Challenges India (GCI-BIRAC) has announced a Call for Proposals on “Breakthrough Solutions and Cost-Disruptive Innovations for Screening and Diagnosis.” The programme seeks innovative, affordable, and scalable technologies that can improve screening and diagnostic capabilities for infectious diseases in India.

The initiative focuses on developing high-risk, high-impact solutions that increase accessibility to screening and diagnostic services, particularly in resource-limited settings.

Objectives of the Programme

The programme aims to:

Support breakthrough technologies for infectious disease screening.
Promote affordable and near point-of-care diagnostic solutions.
Encourage disruptive innovations that improve healthcare accessibility.
Accelerate translation of innovative research into real-world healthcare solutions.
Foster collaboration among academia, startups, industry, and research organisations.
Priority Areas

Proposals are invited in areas including:

Tuberculosis (TB)
Emerging infectious pathogens
Syndromic diagnostic panels
Enteric pathogens
Near point-of-care diagnostic technologies
Ultra-low-cost diagnostic platforms
AI-enabled diagnostic solutions
Innovative screening technologies suitable for decentralized healthcare settings.
Funding Support

Selected projects may receive funding of up to ₹2 crore, depending on the scope, technical merit, and programme requirements. The funding is intended to support the development and validation of innovative diagnostic technologies.

Who Can Apply?

Eligible applicants include:

Indian Startups
Biotechnology Companies
Academic Institutions
Universities
Research Institutions
Public and Private R&D Organisations
Hospitals
Not-for-profit Foundations
Consortia involving eligible organisations.
Eligibility Criteria

Applicants should generally:

Be an eligible Indian organisation.
Demonstrate technical capability to undertake the proposed research.
Submit an innovative proposal aligned with programme objectives.
Possess adequate infrastructure or collaborative partnerships.
Meet all requirements specified in the official Request for Proposal (RFP).
Proposal Duration

Projects are expected to be completed within the duration specified in the official Request for Proposal. Applicants should review the programme guidelines for project timelines, milestones, and reporting requirements.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should:

Carefully read the official Request for Proposal.
Verify eligibility.
Prepare the technical and financial proposal.
Complete the online application through the official BIRAC portal.
Submit all required documents before the deadline.
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Required Documents

Applicants may be required to submit:

Detailed Project Proposal
Budget Estimate
Institutional Registration Documents
Technical and Scientific Information
Team Profile
Supporting Documents specified in the official RFP.

Why Apply?

This funding opportunity provides innovators with the resources to develop affordable diagnostic technologies that can significantly improve disease detection and healthcare delivery. Beyond financial support, the programme offers an opportunity to contribute to India’s public health ecosystem through impactful scientific innovation.

Official Website: Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) link below for more details: https://www.birac.nic.in

Official Call for Proposals

https://www.birac.nic.in/cfp_view.php?id=118&scheme_type=6

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply for this BIRAC Call for Proposals?

Indian startups, academic institutions, research organisations, biotechnology companies, hospitals, public and private R&D organisations, and eligible not-for-profit foundations.

What is the focus of this programme?

The programme supports innovative and cost-disruptive technologies for screening and diagnosing infectious diseases.

What is the funding amount?

Selected projects may receive funding of up to ₹2 crore, subject to programme guidelines.

What are the priority disease areas?

Priority areas include tuberculosis, emerging pathogens, syndromic diagnostics, enteric pathogens, and innovative point-of-care diagnostic technologies.

Where can I apply?

Applications must be submitted through the official BIRAC online portal after reviewing the Request for Proposal. https://www.birac.nic.in/cfp_view.php?id=118&scheme_type=6

Application Deadline: 15 July 2026 (4:00 PM IST) (Extended Deadline)