Deadline: 30-Apr-25
The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) are inviting proposals on “High Performance Biomanufacturing for Climate Resilient Agriculture” with the objective to develop technologies and bio-based solutions for climate resilient circular Agri-economy.
DBT and BIRAC, intend to foster an innovative ecosystem for enabling development and deployment of sustainable & scalable, industry ready technologies to revamp the agricultural value chain from farm to fork to landfill.
The focus is on leveraging precision genomics/genome editing, synthetic biology, advanced engineering of free living/symbiotic microbiota, in-field imaging, artificial intelligence and bio-based agri-solutions.
Key Features
- 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).
- The proposals are invited to develop proof-of-concept and/or translation of leads to demonstrate biotechnological and bioprocess solutions for ‘Climate Resilient Agriculture’ in controlled settings (laboratory, greenhouse conditions, growth chambers). The established PoC should have the potential for scale up and field deployment with a sustainable advantage over the existing technologies. The following are the major areas of intervention under this category:
- Genomic & Synthetic Biology Innovations – Breed climate-resilient crops using genomic selection/genome editing; develop synthetic biology-based pheromones and bioprotection molecules.
- Al & ML based peptide/protein prediction platforms and validation of their potential to serve as novel Agri-biological
- Novel formulations/delivery systems for Agri-biologicals
- The second category i.e. “Bridging the gaps for scale-up” focuses on industrial translation i.e. scale up of technologies with established PoC that have reached the early validation stage and are ready for late-stage validation/scale-up. Following are thrust areas under this category:
- Up-scaling of Bio-based Generics with proven market cap including biocontrol Agents, Plant Hormones, Pheromones etc.
- Validating and advancing existing proof of concept for molecules/strains/technologies available in laboratory set ups for scalable production & delivery of Biocontrol agents, Biofertilizers, and Biostimulants
Eligibility Criteria
- The following can apply:
- 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).
For more information, visit BIRAC.