Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh has called for enhanced private sector participation in India's biotechnology ecosystem during a meeting with senior officials of the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC). The meeting focused on strengthening industry outreach to promote indigenous biotechnology products and mobilize greater private investment, with particular emphasis on accelerating the commercialization of innovations from research to market.
A key initiative discussed was the BIRAC Research, Development and Innovation Fund (BIRAC-RDIF), which is part of the Government of India's ₹1 lakh crore Research, Development and Innovation Fund launched by the Prime Minister on November 3, 2025. The fund is managed by Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) and Department of Science and Technology (DST), with BIRAC designated as Second Level Fund Manager for biotechnology. BIRAC-RDIF has ₹5200 crore allocated to support indigenous biotechnology innovations, specifically targeting high-risk, technology-intensive projects spanning Technology Readiness Levels 4 to 9.
The fund provides assistance ranging from ₹5 crore to ₹200 crore per project, covering up to 50% of total project cost through collateral-free long-term loans, equity, and hybrid instruments. BIRAC launched the first National Call for Proposals on February 13, 2026, receiving 198 applications that are currently being appraised. Screening of the first 50 applications has been completed, with eight Eligible Technology Entities selected based on recommendations from an external expert Investment Committee. These entities are undergoing detailed due diligence before entering loan or equity agreements.
The meeting also addressed integration of Life Sciences Global Capability Centres (GCCs) with the domestic biotech ecosystem. India currently hosts more than 1,700 GCCs employing approximately 1.9 million professionals, with life sciences and healthcare GCCs emerging as important R&D centers in biopharmaceuticals, medical devices, and digital health. BIRAC will facilitate this integration by mapping GCC requirements for infrastructure, pilot-scale manufacturing, and R&D, and connecting them with India's BioE3 bio-foundries, bio-incubators, and startups.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) was identified as another key avenue for expanding the biotechnology ecosystem. With healthcare accounting for a significant share of India's growing CSR expenditure, BIRAC plans to leverage its scientific due-diligence capabilities and nationwide network to channel CSR investments into biotechnology-led social innovation. Focus areas include affordable healthcare, diagnostics, maternal and child health, nutrition, climate-resilient agriculture, and skill development. BIRAC already has a CSR-implementing-agency framework and has undertaken pilot corporate CSR initiatives.
To enhance visibility and outreach, BIRAC proposed branding initiatives at Jammu and Vadodara airports to showcase DBT-BIRAC achievements and create awareness among corporates, investors, and global partners. Jammu is emerging as a destination for biotech, healthcare, and Agri-innovation, while Vadodara has an established pharma-biotech-manufacturing base.
Addressing the need for growth-stage capital, BIRAC proposed the BIRAC Startup Investor Connect platform to bring together investment-ready biotechnology startups and investors. This platform aims to create greater awareness of biotechnology opportunities, facilitate strategic partnerships, strengthen investment networks, and accelerate commercialization of innovative technologies.
These initiatives collectively aim to strengthen the bridge between India's scientific capabilities, indigenous biotechnology products, industry, and investment, creating greater opportunities for public and private sector participation. The approach is aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 to build a globally competitive biotechnology ecosystem.