Call for proposals for funding support in fields of biotechnology

The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) invites proposals from Indian Companies under the Small Business Innovation Research Initiative (SBIRI) Scheme for support of early stage, pre proof-of-concept research & development of research leads towards commercialization in all fields of biotechnology.Unique features of SBIRI are - Assists small and medium business units including new enterprises with not more than 500 employees in R&D. Offers Phase I funding for early stage, pre proof-of-concept innovative research. Provides Phase II funding towards commercialization of research leads.

Pharma, Biotech companies and any other enterprises focusing on scientific innovations can apply.

Eligibility  - Can be submitted solely by an Indian Company/ies or jointly with public partner (Universities or National Institutes).

More than 51% of the shares of the Company are to be held by Indian Citizens.

Industry should have DSIR recognized in-house R&D unit or have IP related to the proposed activity.

Joint ventures and limited partnerships would be eligible for SBIRI support where the entity created meets the above requirements.

Guidelines for Applications

1. Online submission: Applicants are encouraged to submit their proposals Online (website:http://sbiri.nic.in/forms/frmAppendixA.aspx). If online submission is chosen, no hard copy is required and the applicants will be able to track the status of their proposal during the evaluation process.

2. Hard copy submission: The prescribed format can be downloaded from the website:www.dbtindia.nic.in/docs/sbiriapplication.doc. The Applicants should submit five hard copies of the proposal duly signed + one soft copy [MS Word file and not a PDF file] through E. mail or CD) to: The Managing Director, Biotech Consortium India Limited (BCIL), 5th floor, Anuvrat Bhawan, 210 Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Marg, New Delhi-110 002 (Email: [email protected] or [email protected]), super-scribing "CONFIDENTIAL, SBIRI PROJECT" on the document holder. BCIL has been appointed as the SBIRI Management Agency by the Department of Biotechnology and they will ensure the confidentiality of the documents.

Last date for submission of proposals: 28th February, 2011

For further details contact Dr. (Mrs.) Suchita Ninawe, Scientist 'E', Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science & Technology, CGO Complex, Block - 2, 6-8th floors, Lodi Road, New Delhi-110 003. Email:[email protected]; [email protected]

For more information visit at http://www.dbtindia.nic.in or http://www.sbiri.nic.in.