Biotechnology Industry Partnership Programme (BIPP)

Introduction 

The Biotechnology Industry Partnership Programme (BIPP) is an initiative launched by the Government of India in January 2009 to foster innovation in the biotechnology sector. It is a public-private partnership scheme that supports high-risk, breakthrough research and development projects, focusing on advanced technologies with significant economic and social impact. BIPP aims to make Indian industry globally competitive by encouraging the creation of intellectual property owned by Indian companies and collaborating scientists. The programme addresses critical national priorities, including agriculture, healthcare, bioenergy, and green manufacturing, where large-scale challenges require innovative solutions.

BIPP provides funding on a cost-sharing basis, mainly targeting Indian companies with in-house R&D capabilities, research organizations, and institutions working jointly with industry. It supports projects in frontier technologies that are transformational rather than incremental and covers activities such as product development, clinical and agricultural trials, and large-scale validation.

This scheme benefits entrepreneurs, startups, and industry players engaged in biotechnology innovations, enabling them to develop novel, patentable products and processes. It is part of India’s broader effort to strengthen the biotech industry, support high-risk research, and address urgent national needs through technological advancement. BIPP is recognized as a key agriculture scheme and innovation platform empowering India’s biotechnology ecosystem. Eligibility, benefits, and application details are outlined officially by Indian government bodies and BIRAC.

Overview of the Scheme

The Biotechnology Industry Partnership Programme (BIPP) was launched by the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, in January 2009 as a public-private partnership to support high-risk, breakthrough research in advanced biotechnology. The scheme is implemented through the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), a government agency under the Department of Biotechnology. BIPP provides funding on a cost-sharing basis to Indian companies and research institutions engaged in innovative technology and product development.

The funding pattern under BIPP typically involves shared costs between the government and industry partners. It mainly supports viability gap funding for projects with high economic potential but uncertain market demand. This ensures financial backing for transformational research that might be too risky for private investors alone.

BIPP covers broad sectors including agriculture, health (drugs, vaccines, clinical trials), bioenergy, green manufacturing, biosimilars, stem cells, devices, diagnostics, and bioinformatics. For example, agricultural projects can receive support for large-scale field trials of new biotech products, helping take lab innovations to real-world use.

Currently, BIPP is an ongoing scheme known for promoting intellectual property creation and ownership by Indian industry. It strengthens India’s biotech ecosystem by accelerating product development focused on national priorities.

Key points – 

• Launched by: Department of Biotechnology, Government of India (Central)
• Implementing agency: BIRAC
• Funding pattern: Cost-sharing (government and industry)
• Coverage: Drugs, vaccines, agriculture, bioenergy, diagnostics, and more
• Status: Ongoing, advanced technology scheme supporting breakthrough innovation

Objectives 

The Biotechnology Industry Partnership Programme (BIPP) has clear objectives designed to support breakthrough biotechnology innovation in India. Its main goals focus on encouraging high-risk, advanced research that addresses national needs in sectors like agriculture, health, bioenergy, and green manufacturing. The programme aims to make Indian industry globally competitive by promoting intellectual property creation owned by Indian companies.

Key Biotechnology Industry Partnership Programme (BIPP) objectives include:

• Support high-risk, transformational technology and process development with a focus on breakthrough research.
• Promote innovation in critical sectors such as drugs, vaccines, biosimilars, stem cells, agriculture, industrial biotechnology, and diagnostics.
• Facilitate product evaluation and validation through clinical trials for healthcare products and large-scale field trials for agriculture.
• Encourage the development of novel intellectual property with IP rights retained by Indian industry.
• Provide viability gap funding for advanced technologies lacking assured market demand but having major social and economic impact.
• Enable partnerships between Indian companies and research organizations to translate basic research into commercial products.
• Enhance India’s biotechnology ecosystem by accelerating product development toward commercialization.
• Focus on national priorities to solve large-scale problems impacting social and economic development.

Key Features / Benefits 

The Biotechnology Industry Partnership Programme (BIPP) offers several important benefits that help advance high-risk biotechnology research and innovation in India. These features support breakthrough technologies in areas like agriculture, health, bioenergy, and green manufacturing, making it a crucial agriculture scheme and innovation enabler.

Support for High-Risk Innovation: BIPP funds costly, risky projects focused on transformative technologies that traditional investors may avoid. (Example: A company developing drought-resistant seeds can get funding to prove its technology.)

Cost-Sharing Grant: The programme shares project costs with industry players, reducing financial burden. This allows companies to undertake expensive research with government assistance.

Intellectual Property Retention: Companies retain ownership of the intellectual property they develop, encouraging innovation and market competitiveness.

Coverage Across Sectors: BIPP supports seven broad categories including drugs, vaccines, biosimilars, stem cells, devices & diagnostics, agriculture, industrial biotechnology, and bioinformatics.

Validation and Trials Support: The scheme funds clinical trials for health products and multi-location agricultural field trials to validate new technologies before market launch.

Emphasis on Product Commercialization: BIPP assists in moving research from lab to commercial-ready products and processes, focusing on technologies at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 7 or above.

Transparent and Confidential Process: Proposal evaluation maintains high confidentiality to protect innovative ideas during selection and funding.

Regular Proposal Calls: BIPP announces at least two calls annually for proposals, enabling continuous support availability for eligible projects.

Promotion of Public-Private Partnerships: The scheme encourages collaboration between Indian companies and research institutions to translate innovation into useful products.

By offering these benefits and features, the Biotechnology Industry Partnership Programme (BIPP) helps Indian biotech firms reduce risks and accelerate product development, ultimately benefiting farmers, entrepreneurs, and the overall industry ecosystem.

Eligibility Criteria 

The eligibility for the Biotechnology Industry Partnership Programme (BIPP) is designed to ensure that support reaches qualified entities capable of advancing high-risk biotech innovations. Here is a clear breakdown of who can apply and the criteria involved:

• Eligible Companies and LLPs: Only Indian companies incorporated under the Companies Act, 2013, with at least 51% shares held by Indian citizens (holding Indian passports) can apply. Limited Liability Partnerships must have at least half of their partners as Indian citizens. This ensures the programme supports Indian-owned enterprises driving innovation.
• Academic and Research Collaborators: Eligible academic institutions, universities, NGOs, and research labs must have proper government accreditation or registration (e.g., UGC affiliation, CSIR/DSIR/SIRO certificates). Collaborations between industry and accredited academic bodies are encouraged to translate research into products.
• In-House or Incubated Facilities: Applicant companies or LLPs should have adequate in-house R&D facilities or be incubated at recognized incubation centers. This criterion ensures applicants have capacity for project implementation.
• Entrepreneurs, Startups, MSMEs: Eligible as Indian-owned companies or LLPs meeting the above criteria. Registration under relevant acts and compliance with necessary norms is mandatory.
• Special Categories: Official sources do not specify separate eligibility relaxations for women, SC/ST, NE/Hilly areas, or marginal farmers under BIPP as it primarily targets companies and research bodies.
• Not Eligible: Entities with previous defaults on BIRAC schemes, such as withdrawal after approval or non-repayment of loans, are barred from reapplying for a year. Proposals without strong proof-of-concept or preliminary data are rejected.
• Mandatory Documents: These include company/LLP registration certificates, proof of Indian citizenship for shareholders/partners, facility/infrastructure details, project proposals (DPR), quotations, and other relevant certifications. These documents verify applicant legitimacy and project feasibility.

This eligibility framework ensures that Biotechnology Industry Partnership Programme (BIPP) benefits capable Indian innovators and organizations committed to developing impactful biotechnology solutions.

Application Process

The application process for the Biotechnology Industry Partnership Programme (BIPP) is structured to be conducted online through the official Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) portal. This ensures transparency and ease for applicants developing advanced biotech innovations.

Where to Apply:

Applicants must submit their proposals online on the BIRAC official website at https://birac.nic.in under the BIPP section during an active call for proposals.

Registration/Login:

New users (companies or LLPs) must register on the BIRAC portal by filling out the registration form. After registration, a password is sent via email, which can be changed later. Existing users can log in using their credentials.

Filling the Application:

The application form requires details such as applicant company information, project summary, detailed project proposal, thematic category (e.g., agriculture, drugs, diagnostics), budget estimates, and collaborator data if any.

Documents to Upload:

Applicants must upload supporting documents including company registration certificates, project proposal documents (DPR), quotations for budget items, proof of Indian ownership, board resolution, no-lien account letter, letter of authorization, and if applicable, previous audit/utilization certificates.

Application Fee:

No application fee is charged for submitting proposals under BIPP.

Acknowledgment:

After submission, applicants receive an acknowledgment with a unique application ID for reference.

Proposal Evaluation and Site Visit:

Proposals undergo peer review by expert panels, followed by technical expert committee review. Shortlisted projects are called for presentations and site visits to verify claim feasibility.

Approval and Fund Release:

Final approval is granted by an apex committee. Funds are disbursed in installments linked to completion of defined project milestones upon submission of utilization certificates.

Offline Support:

No official offline application route exists. However, queries can be addressed at Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council offices or via their helpline.

Helpline and Support:

For assistance, applicants can contact BIRAC through official emails and helpline numbers available on https://birac.nic.in/contact.php.

Tips for a successful application:

• Ensure all applicant names and registrations exactly match official documents to avoid rejection.
• Upload clear, complete proposals with all required budget and technical details.
• Check deadlines carefully; late submissions are not accepted.
• Review all uploaded documents for accuracy and completeness before submitting.

Challenges or Limitations 

The Biotechnology Industry Partnership Programme (BIPP) has played a significant role in promoting high-risk biotech innovation in India. However, like any advanced research support scheme, it faces some common challenges and limitations. Understanding these can help applicants and beneficiaries navigate the process better.

Challenge: Lengthy Verification and Approval Process
→ What to do: Prepare thorough documentation and ensure clarity in the project proposal to speed up technical reviews and minimize delays.

Challenge: Limited Budget Headroom
→ What to do: Prioritize key project activities and seek co-funding from other sources to manage costs effectively alongside BIPP support.

Challenge: Strict Eligibility and Documentation Criteria
→ What to do: Carefully check all eligibility requirements and upload accurate, complete documents like company registration and detailed project reports to avoid rejection.

Challenge: Seasonal or Timed Window Calls for Proposals
→ What to do: Stay updated on official BIRAC notifications and submit applications well before deadlines to ensure timely consideration.

Challenge: Intellectual Property (IP) Ownership Requirement with Industry Retention
→ What to do: Understand IP terms clearly; collaborate with legal advisors early to structure IP rights and agreements suitably.

Challenge: High Risk, Breakthrough Research Only (No Incremental Innovation)
→ What to do: Align projects towards transformational technology development; avoid submitting incremental or minor improvement proposals.

Challenge: Possible Mismatch in Names or Details in Submitted Papers
→ What to do: Double-check that all names, registrations, and details match official certificates and IDs exactly to bypass administrative hurdles.

Challenge: Need for In-House or Recognized Incubation Facilities
→ What to do: Establish clear R&D capabilities or formal links with incubators before applying, as projects lacking these may not qualify.

Government Support & Future Outlook 

The Biotechnology Industry Partnership Programme (BIPP) connects with other agricultural and developmental missions by supporting high-risk, innovative biotechnology projects that complement broader government schemes focused on farmers, rural enterprises, and sustainable agriculture. Although not directly linked with schemes like PM-KISAN or PMFBY as per official mentions, BIPP’s focus on cutting-edge agricultural biotech innovations can enhance outcomes for farmers and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) when combined with these missions.

For example, an FPO adopting a drought-resistant seed variety developed under BIPP can better benefit from crop insurance schemes like PMFBY or financial support under PM-KISAN by improving yield stability and reducing risk. This kind of convergence helps optimize resources and strengthens rural livelihoods with modern science and government assistance working hand-in-hand.

Official updates show BIPP as an ongoing central government scheme managed by BIRAC under the Department of Biotechnology. It continues to receive calls for proposals twice yearly and adapts to national priorities around agriculture, health, bioenergy, and green manufacturing without recent revamps or merges. This steady focus indicates a clear future path aimed at expanding India’s biotech ecosystem through convergence with existing agriculture and innovation missions.

Key points on BIPP’s linkage and road ahead:

• Supports transformational biotech aligned with national priorities in agriculture and health
• Complements schemes like PM-KISAN, PMFBY by delivering innovative agri-technologies
• Encourages FPOs and startups to use next-gen biotech for improving farm productivity
• Ongoing scheme with bi-annual proposal calls and focus on commercialization
• Future growth linked to strengthening India’s innovation ecosystem and startup culture

Conclusion 

The Biotechnology Industry Partnership Programme (BIPP) plays a vital role in India’s biotechnology landscape by supporting high-risk, transformational research that addresses national priorities in agriculture, health, bioenergy, and green manufacturing. It mainly benefits Indian companies, startups, and research institutions working on breakthrough innovations with significant economic potential. Farmers and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) stand to gain indirectly through new agricultural biotech products that improve productivity and resilience. To explore the benefits, interested applicants should check their eligibility and prepare necessary documents on the official BIRAC portal at birac.nic.in. Engaging with local agricultural offices or biotech incubation centers can also provide guidance on applying and project development. Always verify the latest scheme details and calls for proposals directly on the official portal or through the BIRAC helpline to ensure updated information.
Explore detailed resources on this scheme and the full suite of programmes at ALL ABOUT AGRICULTURE. For one-on-one assistance, call us at +91 8484002620.