Deadline: 30-Mar-2026
The Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Ministry of Science & Technology, India, invites proposals from eligible research institutions, universities, and government colleges in the Northeastern Region (NER) for establishing Biotech Hubs. The initiative supports research, training, and capacity-building in Biotechnology and Life Sciences, with funding for equipment, manpower, consumables, and workshops over a three-year period. The deadline for submissions is 30 March 2026.
Overview of the Programme
The DBT Biotech Hub initiative aims to:
-
Strengthen Biotechnology education and research in the Northeastern Region
-
Promote impactful research addressing local challenges
-
Develop skilled human resources for innovation, research, and entrepreneurship
-
Provide capacity-building and training programmes for students, faculty, teachers, farmers, and other stakeholders
The programme is aligned with the Government of India’s objective to enhance regional research capabilities and innovation in Biotechnology.
Programme Duration and Support
-
Duration: 3 years (initially)
-
Funding Support Includes:
-
Laboratory equipment and consumables
-
Manpower support
-
National travel for research and training
-
Research in novel Biotechnology and Life Sciences areas relevant to NER
-
Workshops and training programmes for diverse stakeholders
-
Funding Categories
The Biotech Hub programme provides funding under three categories:
-
State Biotech Hubs
-
Advanced-Level Institutional Biotech Hubs
-
Institutional Biotech Hubs
Selection of proposals is based on:
-
Academic and research credentials of scientific faculty
-
Availability of undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD programmes
-
Existing laboratory infrastructure
-
Scientific merit of proposed research relevant to NER
Eligibility Criteria
Institutions
Eligible institutions include:
-
Research institutions, government colleges, academic institutions, and universities located in the Northeastern Region
-
Institutions offering undergraduate and/or postgraduate programmes in Biotechnology or Life Sciences
-
Research and development institutions actively engaged in biological research
Ineligible entities:
-
Private profit-making agencies, industries, and start-ups
-
Institutions that have already received DBT funding under any Biotech Hub category
Investigators
-
Scientists and researchers in regular positions at recognized institutions in NER
-
Must have relevant research experience supported by high-quality publications in SCI-indexed journals
-
Investigators with five ongoing DBT-funded projects or pending final settlement of completed DBT projects beyond one year are not eligible
Proposal Submission
-
Each proposal must be submitted by a single eligible institution
-
Proposals must be submitted online through DBT’s electronic project management system (eProMIS)
-
Select the call under NER Programme → Biotech Hubs in Northeastern Region
-
Incomplete applications or proposals submitted through other modes will not be considered
Selection Process
The evaluation involves:
-
Shortlisting based on initial eligibility and credentials
-
Screening for compliance with DBT norms
-
Evaluation based on:
-
Competence of principal investigators
-
Scientific merit of proposals
-
Alignment with regional research priorities
-
The activities of each Biotech Hub will be managed by a Project Coordinator and monitored by an Expert Committee of DBT.
Key Dates
-
Proposal Submission Deadline: 30 March 2026
Expected Outcomes
-
Strengthened Biotechnology research and education in NER
-
Highly skilled workforce trained in research, innovation, and entrepreneurship
-
Increased regional capacity to address local biological and life science challenges
-
Enhanced collaboration and knowledge sharing among students, faculty, and stakeholders
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
-
Verify institution and principal investigator meet DBT criteria
-
Ensure no prior disqualifying DBT funding
Step 2: Prepare Proposal
-
Include institutional profile, faculty credentials, research infrastructure
-
Define objectives, research plan, training activities, and expected outcomes
-
Ensure relevance to NER-specific Biotechnology challenges
Step 3: Submit Online via eProMIS
-
Select NER Programme → Biotech Hubs in Northeastern Region
-
Complete all required sections and upload supporting documents
Step 4: Follow Evaluation
-
Track shortlisting, screening, and expert evaluation
-
Prepare for potential clarifications requested by DBT
Common Mistakes to Avoid
-
Submitting proposals through email or offline modes
-
Failing to meet eligibility criteria for institution or investigators
-
Proposals without proper scientific merit or relevance to NER
-
Omitting necessary documents or incomplete submission
-
Proposals from institutions already funded under the Biotech Hub programme
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who can submit a proposal?
Eligible research institutions, universities, and government colleges located in the Northeastern Region of India.
2. What funding categories are available?
State Biotech Hubs, Advanced-Level Institutional Biotech Hubs, and Institutional Biotech Hubs.
3. What support is provided by DBT?
Funding for equipment, consumables, manpower, national travel, research, and capacity-building activities.
4. Who is eligible as a principal investigator?
Scientists/researchers in regular positions with relevant experience and SCI-indexed publications.
5. Are private industries or start-ups eligible?
No, only recognized research institutions, government colleges, and universities in NER can apply.
6. How should proposals be submitted?
Online via the DBT eProMIS portal under the “NER Programme → Biotech Hubs in Northeastern Region.”
7. What is the deadline for submission?
30 March 2026.
Conclusion
The DBT Biotech Hubs initiative empowers research institutions in the Northeastern Region to advance Biotechnology education, innovation, and entrepreneurship. With three years of support for infrastructure, manpower, research, and training, eligible institutions have the opportunity to develop highly skilled researchers and address region-specific biological challenges. Proposals must be submitted online via eProMIS before 30 March 2026 to be considered for funding.
For more information, visit Government of India.