Call For Proposal

Futuristic Marine Research has been identified as one of the thematic sectors under the BioE3 Policy for ‘fostering high-performance biomanufacturing’. Marine environments provide a plethora of ecosystem services besides being home to a variety of biological resources. Various bacteria, fungi and micro- and macro-algae with proven bioprospecting potential have been isolated from marine waters for many years. Marine/aquatic systems are also an abundant source of biomass which feeds into several downstream industries such as food additives, biostimulants, biomaterials etc. The rapid growth of Blue Economy has positioned it as a cornerstone for sustainable development. India is a fortunate nation with a coastline of 11,098 km and an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of 2.1 million sq. km. However our share of global seaweed production is currently low and there exists significant untapped potential.

Hence, DBT and BIRAC envision developing a biomanufacturing ecosystem based on futuristic marine research to tap the oceanic resources and oceanic space for meeting the growing needs of food, energy, chemicals, materials and helping to reduce our continuous dependency on land and terrestrial resources. In view of this, DBT and BIRAC, invite proposals on ‘Futuristic Marine Research’

The proposals are invited under two categories where first category i.e. “Discovery and application oriented Integrated Network research” focuses to advance cutting-edge innovative research with applied knowledge, for accelerating innovations in the area of marine biotechnology. The proposals are expected to reach Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 3-5.  The proposals under this category should focus on:

• R&D in Seaweed Cultivation: Breeding for traits such as high yield; disease resistance and climate tolerance; strain improvement through genome assisted approaches for indigenous species of seaweed; novel methods for cultivation & maintenance of germplasm; continuous production and supply of seedlings/ establishment of seed banks; developing land-based cultivation strategies for high-value or edible seaweeds; microbiome associated with seaweeds and exploration for their commercial applications, rapid analytical methods for assessment of seaweed quality for various applications
• Developing integrated multi -trophic aquaculture system
• Developing recombinant thermo- and halostable enzymes for efficient conversion of algal feedstock or primary biochemical constituents’ to diverse value-added products
• Developing scalable farming techniques for large scale production of seaweeds/algae in offshore waters and onshore
• Development of value added products such as biofuels; animal feed supplements for animal health and methane reduction; agri inputs & fertilizers; pharmaceuticals such as drugs/immunomodulators; nutraceutical products; biodegradable plastics etc. from micro & macro algae.

Under the second category i.e. “Bridging the gaps for scale-up”, proposals should focus on demonstrating scale up of technologies from proof of concept to early/late stage validation/ pre-commercialization. The proposals are expected to advance in The proposals should focus on:

• Ocean Farming: Sensors for in-situ measurement of seaweed crop health and real time monitoring of farm integrity; depth cycling for harnessing deep sea water nutrients; dewatering of seaweed on site in energy efficient manner
• Innovative and green process for production of industrially important polysaccharides including phycocolloids (agar/agarose, alginates and carrageenan); nutraceuticals, cosmaceuticals; therapeutic molecules; pigments; food additives; plant protection/growth promoter chemicals; bio-crude oil/ microbial oil/ bio-fuel from marine biomass
• Biomanufacturing of aquatic animal health management products such as probiotics; immunostimulants/modulators, bio augmenters etc

BIRAC TRL definitions - https://www.birac.nic.in/desc_new.php?id=443

• Companies established under the Companies Act 2013 and Startups.
• The Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) incorporated under the Limited Liability Partnership Act,2008.
• Academic from various Institutions/ Universities/ Societies/ Trusts/ NGOs/ Foundations/ Voluntary Organizations, recognized as a Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (SIRO).

• Proposals for the Scheme is required to be submitted online only. To submit a proposal online, please log on to the BIRAC website (www.birac.nic.in).
• No Hard Copy to be submitted. Proposals submitted online only would be considered.
• Last date for Submission of Proposals: 14th August, 2025 (midnight)
• Details of the scheme including eligibility requirements, categories for proposal submission; guidelines for support as grant and loan; agreement templates etc. are available at www.birac.nic.in

Announcement Date: 16-07-2025
Last Submission Date: 14-08-2025