The BIRAC Product Commercialization Program Fund (PCP Fund) supports Indian biotech startups and companies in scaling validated technologies to commercial readiness. It provides funding for production scale-up, pilot manufacturing, validation studies, and regulatory preparation for up to 24 months. The program focuses on late-stage innovation and helps bridge the gap from lab-ready prototypes to marketable biotech products.

BIRAC Product Commercialization Program Fund (PCP Fund)

The PCP Fund is a flagship initiative of the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) that provides targeted support to biotech startups and enterprises ready to move their products toward commercial deployment. It focuses on technologies that have reached a mature Technology Readiness Level (TRL) and require strategic assistance for scale-up or market entry.

Purpose of the PCP Fund

The program is designed to support late-stage biotech innovation by:

• Bridging the gap between validated prototypes and commercial rollout

• Funding activities that prepare products for real-world use

• Strengthening India’s biotechnology innovation and commercialization ecosystem

Key Concepts Explained

Technology Readiness Level (TRL):
A standardized scale used to assess how close a technology is to market adoption. The PCP Fund targets innovations at high TRLs, meaning the product has already been validated and is ready for pre-commercial deployment.

Benefit-sharing mechanism:
When funded products begin generating revenue, companies return a portion of the financial gains to BIRAC. This reinvests public funds into future biotech innovation.

Commercialization readiness:
This includes technical validation, regulatory preparedness, market strategy, and the ability to manufacture at scale.

Funding Details

• Funding Type: Grant support

• Duration: Up to 24 months

• Eligible Activities:

  • Production scale-up

  • Pilot manufacturing

  • Validation and field-testing

  • Regulatory pathway preparation

  • Quality systems and compliance

• Financial Model: Includes benefit-sharing once revenue is generated

Who Is Eligible?

Eligibility is restricted to Indian entities, including:

• Registered Indian startups

• Small and medium enterprises (SMEs)

• Indian biotechnology companies and technology firms

Applicants must:

• Have a validated technology at a high TRL

• Demonstrate readiness for commercialization

• Present a detailed plan covering technical scale-up, market entry, financial viability, and regulatory compliance

• Be able to execute pre-commercial or commercial activities within the project duration

Why It Matters

The PCP Fund addresses a critical bottleneck in the biotech innovation cycle — the transition from prototype to market. This stage often requires significant capital, regulatory navigation, and manufacturing validation. By supporting this phase, BIRAC:

• De-risks commercialization

• Accelerates market-ready innovation

• Strengthens India’s biotech sector in diagnostics, therapeutics, industrial biotech, green technologies, and more

How to Apply

1. Review Eligibility: Confirm that your product is at a high TRL and that your company is an eligible Indian entity.

2. Prepare a Commercialization Plan: Include technical milestones, financial planning, market strategy, regulatory pathway, and risk mitigation.

3. Compile Documentation: Corporate details, prior validation data, manufacturing readiness, and IP status.

4. Submit Application: Apply through the BIRAC online portal during the open call period.

5. Evaluation: Proposals undergo technical, financial, and commercialization review.

6. Funding Agreement: Selected applicants sign a grant agreement outlining milestones and benefit-sharing terms.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying with an early-stage prototype rather than a validated, market-ready product

• Weak commercialization strategy or unclear regulatory pathway

• Insufficient data demonstrating real-world readiness

• Lack of clarity on manufacturing scale-up

• Overlooking IP, certification, or compliance requirements

FAQ

1. What type of products does the PCP Fund support?
Diagnostics, therapeutics, industrial biotech, agricultural biotech, green-technology solutions, and other validated biotechnology innovations.

2. What TRL level is expected?
A high TRL — typically validated in relevant environments and ready for pre-commercial or commercial deployment.

3. Can academic institutions apply?
Only if they have created an eligible Indian company to serve as the applicant.

4. Is equity required?
No equity is taken; however, benefit-sharing applies once the product generates revenue.

5. What expenses are allowed?
Scale-up activities, pilot manufacturing, validation, regulatory studies, and commercialization-critical tasks.

6. How long can a project last?
Up to 24 months.

7. Does the program support regulatory approvals?
Yes, funding can support regulatory readiness and related studies.

Conclusion

The BIRAC PCP Fund is a strategic opportunity for Indian biotech companies ready to bring validated technologies to market. By offering targeted support for scale-up, regulatory preparation, and commercialization, the program helps transform scientific innovation into accessible, impactful biotech solutions. It strengthens India’s innovation pipeline and accelerates the growth of high-value biotech enterprises.