BIRAC (Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council) of DBT (Department of Biotechnology) has selected ASPIRE-BioNEST (Association for Scientific Pursuits for Innovative Research – Bioincubators Nurturing Entrepreneurship in Scaling Technologies) of UoH (University of Hyderabad) as an Associate Partner for its Biotechnology Ignition Grant (BIG) scheme. As an associate partner, ASPIRE-BioNEST is expected to organize workshops and outreach events for creating awareness of BIG scheme, especially in Tier 2/3 cities, and provide local mentorship for BIG aspirants for their application submission. Mentoring could be provided for areas including but not limited to technical, business, IP, legal, regulatory etc.

BIRAC’s BIG has immensely contributed in bringing a transformative change in the country’s biotech entrepreneurship landscape. BIG scheme provides early stage funding for ideation to proof-of concept (PoC) stage and mentoring. Through BIG, BIRAC has supported close to 500 entrepreneurs and early start-ups so far. This early stage support resulted in commercialization of 50+ products/ technologies.

On this pleasant development, Prof. Appa Rao Podile, The Chairman of ASPIRE, said, “This is another feather in the cap of BioNEST at UoH. I am sure ASPIRE-BioNEST is poised to play a major role in shaping India’s biotech entrepreneurship scenario. It is a shot in the arm for the young BioNEST to be the associate partner for the BIG initiative of the BIRAC.  Innovation ecosystem at UoH under the ASPIRE continues to work non-stop during the pandemic, led by the incubates associated with BioNEST speaks about our commitment to the nation in promoting the entrepreneurship to strengthen the ATMANIRBHAR strategy of the Government of India.”

ASPIRE-BioNEST is a 20,000 square feet plug-and-play life science incubator formed with the support of UoH and BIRAC for promoting translational research through entrepreneurship in the thrust areas encompassing agriculture, biotechnology, healthcare, pharma, and allied areas.

More information about ASPIRE-BioNEST can be found at http://bionest.uohyd.ac.in/

About BIRAC, it’s BioNEST and BIG schemes can be accessed at http://birac.nic.in/