New Discovery Track for Pharma Innovation under PRIP Scheme
The Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, has announced a New Discovery track under the Promotion of Research and Innovation in Pharma & MedTech (PRIP) Scheme to encourage startups and MSMEs to venture into high-risk innovation ecosystems for discovering new drugs and therapies. This initiative aims to address critical funding gaps in early-stage novel drug discovery with financial assistance of up to ₹50 crore per company, project, or portfolio of projects, subject to a minimum co-funding requirement of 25% of project costs from bona fide institutional investors.
Eligibility and Technical Requirements
Startups and MSMEs undertaking New Chemical Entities (NCEs) and New Biological Entities (NBEs) projects at Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 1, 2, or 3 are eligible to apply under this exclusive track. The Department will support such projects to progress to higher TRLs, but not beyond TRL 6. The scheme has a total financial outlay of ₹5,000 crore aimed at strengthening India's pharmaceutical and MedTech research and development ecosystem.
Second Call Application Details
The online PRIP portal is now live for submission of applications under the second call, which invites applications across three priority areas: New Medicines (including NCEs, NBEs, and phytopharmaceutical drugs), Complex Generics and Biosimilars, and Novel Medical Devices. Apart from the New Discovery track, applications are also invited under two additional tracks:
- Early Stage: For startups and MSMEs undertaking projects at TRL 1, 2, or 3 to progress to higher TRLs not beyond TRL 5. Financial assistance of up to ₹5 crore per project is provided. No co-funding is required for projects up to ₹1 crore, while for projects exceeding ₹1 crore, half of the amount above ₹1 crore must be co-funded by the applicant.
- Later Stage: For industry, startups, and MSMEs undertaking projects at TRL 4, 5, or 6 to progress to higher TRLs. Financial assistance of up to ₹100 crore per project is provided, subject to a maximum of 35% of the approved total project cost, with the remaining amount to be co-funded by the applicant.
Previous Round Performance and Application Guidance
Under the first call of the PRIP Scheme, 41 projects have already been approved for approximately ₹1,600 crore in financial assistance. Evaluation of remaining applications from the first round is currently underway, with further results expected to be announced over the coming month. Applicants who submitted projects under PRIP Round 1 have been advised not to resubmit the same project. Application forms, supporting guidance, Scheme Guidelines, Guidance for Concept Note, Guidance for Application Form, Milestone Descriptor Catalogue, FAQs, and Application Support Toolkit are available on the PRIP Portal. For queries, applicants may contact support-prip@pharma-dept.gov.in.