Call For Proposal

Smart Proteins has been identified as one of the thematic subsectors under the BioE3 Policy for ‘fostering high-performance biomanufacturing”. Traditional food systems contribute significantly to carbon emissions, resource overuse, and challenges like food insecurity, climate change, and zoonotic diseases. As demand for food rises, scaling these systems threatens sustainability. Smart proteins offer efficient alternatives with reduced land, water, and energy requirements. These proteins address nutritional needs and widespread protein deficiencies while reducing environmental impact. Hence, DBT and BIRAC aim to foster an innovative ecosystem for enabling the development of a sustainable biomanufacturing ecosystem that delivers high-quality, affordable ‘Smart Proteins’ to meet India’s nutritional and economic aspirations. In view of this, DBT and BIRAC invite proposals for the development of ‘Smart Proteins’, including fermentation-derived, plant-based, and cell culture-based proteins. The emphasis is on transformative research to enhance smart protein production efficiency, safety, and affordability while addressing scalability challenges..

The proposals are invited under two categories where first category i.e. “Discovery and application oriented Integrated Network research” focuses on proof-of-concept development and applied research to validate the feasibility of innovative ideas and technologies (TRL: 3-5) and second category i.e. “Bridging the gaps for scale-up” focuses on scaling validated technologies from the laboratory to pilot-scale levels or pre-commercial, focusing on efficiency, techno-economic viability and sustainability of Smart Protein Biomanufacturing (TRL: 5-7)

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.

Extended Last date for Submission of Proposals : 05th April 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: 22-02-2025
Last Submission Date: 05-04-2025