BIRAC Call for Proposal under Product Commercialization Program Fund

The BIRAC Product Commercialization Program Fund, commonly called the PCP Fund, is designed for Indian biotechnology startups that have already developed a product or technology and are ready to take it into the market.

This is an important distinction.

The fund is not primarily meant for early-stage research.

It is not designed to help a startup develop an idea from scratch.

Instead, it targets products that have already reached a high level of technical maturity.

Under the current BIRAC guidelines, the product should generally have reached Technology Readiness Level 7 or above. It should also be close to commercialisation.

The programme supports activities linked to market launch, pilot-market validation and large-scale commercialisation.

It can support eligible Indian startups across areas such as drugs, vaccines, diagnostics, regenerative medicine, agriculture, industrial biotechnology, bioinformatics, bio-based chemicals, functional foods, biofuels and other biotechnology fields.

For startups sitting between successful product development and full market launch, that gap can be difficult to finance.

The PCP Fund was created to address that gap.

What Is the BIRAC Product Commercialization Program Fund?

The BIRAC Product Commercialization Program Fund is a funding programme established by the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) under India's Department of Biotechnology.

BIRAC supports biotechnology innovation through several programmes.

These programmes can help startups develop and validate technologies.

However, reaching technical validation does not automatically mean a product is ready for the market.

A startup may have a working product but still need money for:

• Market launch
• Pilot deployment
• Target-market validation
• Certification
• Equipment
• Manufacturing preparation
• Commercial testing
• Scaling
• Other activities needed to reach customers

The PCP Fund was created to help address this stage of development.

The objective is therefore straightforward:

Help promising biotechnology products move from advanced validation into commercial markets.

What Is the Main Objective of the BIRAC PCP Fund?

The main objective is to accelerate the market launch, pilot-market validation and large-scale commercialisation of biotechnology products and technologies developed by Indian startups.

This makes the programme different from many conventional research grants.

The focus is not simply:

"Can this technology work?"

The question is closer to:

"The technology works. What does the company need to do to get it into the market?"

That difference matters.

A startup applying to the PCP Fund should already have evidence that its product works.

It should also have a clear business case.

The company should know its customers.

It should understand its competitors.

It should have a realistic revenue model.

It should also understand the regulatory requirements that apply to its product.

These factors form part of the evaluation process.

Who Is the BIRAC PCP Fund For?

The programme is intended for Indian startups with biotechnology products or technologies that have reached TRL 7 or above.

The current 2026 scheme document states that eligible Indian startups should have been incorporated within 10 years from the completion of the relevant call, based on their certificate of incorporation.

The startup must also have at least 51% Indian shareholding.

That ownership must be certified by a Chartered Accountant or Company Secretary with a UDIN, and the shareholders counted toward the 51% requirement must be Indian citizens with valid Indian passports.

This means that incorporation alone is not enough.

A company must also meet the ownership requirement.

What Is Technology Readiness Level 7?

One of the most important requirements is TRL 7.

Technology Readiness Level is a scale used to describe how mature a technology is.

The scale generally runs from early-stage research through to a fully proven commercial product.

At TRL 7, a technology has reached the stage where a system prototype has been demonstrated in an operational environment.

For the PCP Fund, BIRAC requires the product or technology to be at TRL 7 or above.

This requirement is central to the programme.

A startup with only laboratory research may not be ready.

A startup with an untested prototype may also be too early.

The PCP Fund is intended for companies much closer to deployment.

Can a Product Developed Without BIRAC Funding Apply?

Yes.

This is one of the attractive features of the programme.

BIRAC's 2026 guidelines state that Indian startups with a nationally relevant product at TRL 7 or above can be considered even if the product was not developed using BIRAC funding.

That means a startup does not necessarily need to have previously received BIRAC funding.

However, the product must still satisfy the programme's requirements.

It must be sufficiently mature.

It must have commercial potential.

It must be ready for the next stage of market development.

This opens the opportunity to startups that developed their products using:

• Private investment
• Venture capital
• Angel investment
• Internal company funding
• Other government funding
• Research partnerships
• Other legitimate sources

What Areas Does the BIRAC Product Commercialization Program Cover?

The PCP Fund covers a broad range of biotechnology areas.

1. Drugs

Drug development is one of the covered areas.

This includes drug delivery technologies.

A startup working on a commercially promising drug-related technology may therefore find the programme relevant if the technology meets the required maturity level.

2. Biosimilars

Biosimilar products are also covered.

These products can involve significant development, testing and regulatory work.

The PCP Fund can potentially help eligible startups bridge the gap between validated technology and commercial deployment.

3. Regenerative Medicine

Regenerative medicine is another eligible area.

This includes technologies aimed at repairing, replacing or regenerating cells, tissues or organs.

Because such products can involve complex validation and regulatory requirements, commercialisation funding can be particularly important.

4. Vaccines

Vaccines are specifically included in the programme.

A startup with a sufficiently mature vaccine technology may be considered, provided it meets the other requirements.

5. Devices and Diagnostics

The programme also covers devices and diagnostics.

This creates opportunities for startups developing:

• Diagnostic platforms
• Medical devices
• Testing systems
• Point-of-care technologies
• Biotechnology-enabled instruments

Regulatory readiness is important here.

BIRAC specifically considers the availability of necessary regulatory clearances during evaluation.

6. Climate-Resilient Agriculture

The current guidelines include climate-resilient agriculture.

This can cover biotechnology solutions that help agriculture respond to climate-related challenges.

Potential areas may include biological inputs, improved crop technologies and other biotechnology-based agricultural solutions.

The product must still meet the programme's commercialisation requirements.

7. Aquaculture and Fisheries

Aquaculture and fisheries technologies are also covered.

This could include biotechnology products designed to improve:

• Fish health
• Aquaculture productivity
• Disease management
• Feed efficiency
• Water management
• Sustainable production

8. Veterinary Sciences

Veterinary biotechnology is another eligible area.

This can include products and technologies related to animal health and disease management.

9. Industrial Biotechnology

Industrial biotechnology is specifically included.

The guidelines cover industrial products and processes.

This is a broad area.

It can include biotechnology used to develop industrial materials, biological processes, enzymes and other commercially useful products.

10. Secondary Agriculture

Secondary agriculture is also included.

This creates opportunities for technologies that add value to agricultural products after primary production.

11. Bioinformatics and Software

The PCP Fund also covers bioinformatics and software related to life sciences.

The guidelines specifically mention:

• Artificial intelligence
• Big data analysis
• Internet of Things
• Software development

The important qualification is that the technology should be related to life sciences or biotechnology.

Therefore, a generic software company would not automatically qualify.

The software should have a clear biotechnology or life-science application.

12. Bio-Based Chemicals and Enzymes

Bio-based chemicals and enzymes are also eligible areas.

This can include technologies that use biological systems to produce commercially valuable chemicals or industrial inputs.

13. Functional Foods and Smart Proteins

The programme covers functional foods and smart proteins.

This is increasingly relevant as biotechnology is used to develop new food products and ingredients.

14. Precision Biotherapeutics

Precision biotherapeutics are also included in the current guidelines.

These technologies may involve targeted approaches to treatment and advanced biological therapies.

15. Biofuels and Carbon Capture

The PCP Fund also covers biofuels and carbon capture.

This expands the programme beyond traditional healthcare biotechnology.

It creates opportunities for companies developing biotechnology solutions for energy and climate-related applications.

16. Marine Biology, Space Biology and Synthetic Biology

The latest scheme document also lists:

• Marine biology
• Space biology
• Synthetic biology

as covered areas.

This shows how broad the programme has become.

It is no longer limited to conventional pharmaceutical or medical biotechnology.

What Activities Does the PCP Fund Support?

The fund is intended to support the final stages before and during commercialisation.

BIRAC identifies activities such as:

• Market launch
• Pilot-market validation
• Large-scale commercialisation

as the core purpose of the programme.

Depending on the approved project, allowable costs can include:

• Equipment
• Manpower
• Consumables
• Contract manufacturing organisation services
• Consultancy
• Travel
• Certification
• Contingency

The guidelines state that contingency should not exceed 10% of the total project cost.

However, applicants should not assume that every expense will automatically qualify.

BIRAC determines eligible costs based on the approved project and applicable funding rules.

What Does the PCP Fund Not Support?

This is another important part of the programme.

The 2026 scheme document specifically excludes:

• R&D/product modification
• Patent filing
• Legal disputes

This means applicants should not present the PCP Fund as a general product-development grant.

If the product still needs substantial research and development, the startup may be too early for this particular programme.

The product should already be mature.

The money is meant to help move that mature product towards commercialisation.

How Long Can PCP Fund Support Last?

The maximum duration of support is 24 months.

This gives startups up to two years to complete the approved commercialisation activities.

However, the actual project duration will depend on the approved proposal.

Applicants should therefore create a realistic timeline.

For example:

Months 1–6

Complete market preparation and required validation.

Months 7–12

Begin pilot deployment and customer validation.

Months 13–18

Expand market testing and production readiness.

Months 19–24

Move towards wider commercial deployment.

The exact activities will depend on the technology.

How Much Funding Does BIRAC Provide?

The PCP Fund does not state a single fixed maximum grant amount in the current 2026 scheme document.

Instead, the amount of support is determined on a case-by-case basis.

The Screening and Selection Committee considers the project requirements and recommends the level of support.

The applicant is expected to contribute at least 30% of the total project cost.

However, the final contribution from BIRAC and the applicant is decided by the Screening and Selection Committee.

This is important.

Applicants should not advertise the programme as providing a fixed amount to every successful startup.

The funding depends on the project.

Is the PCP Fund a Grant or a Loan?

The programme provides Grant-in-Aid assistance.

However, there is an important benefit-sharing mechanism.

The support should not be viewed as ordinary commercial debt.

At the same time, BIRAC does expect recipients to share benefits when the supported product is successfully commercialised.

The current 2026 scheme document provides a specific royalty mechanism.

Under that document, if the project is successful, the recipient pays royalty equivalent to 1.5 times the BIRAC contribution over five years, with a minimum of 20% per year.

This is an important financial obligation that applicants should understand before accepting funding.

What Happens If the Product Is Not Commercialised?

The financial implications are different if commercialisation does not occur.

Under the current 2026 scheme document, recipients are required to remit royalty equivalent to the BIRAC contribution over five years in the non-commercialisation case, with a minimum of 20% per year.

The earlier detailed PCP guidelines also contain benefit-sharing provisions tied to commercialisation and other outcomes.

Therefore, companies should read the specific funding agreement carefully.

The final agreement will govern the obligations of the recipient.

How Is the Funding Disbursed?

BIRAC does not simply transfer the entire approved amount at once.

Funding is released according to approved milestones.

The current guidelines state that fund release is milestone-based and follows BIRAC's norms.

The allocation between budget heads and instalments is determined following expert recommendations and approval by the competent authorities.

This means the startup must meet its agreed milestones.

Good project management therefore matters.

Who Evaluates PCP Fund Applications?

The process involves several stages.

First, BIRAC checks the application for administrative eligibility.

A Screening and Selection Committee (SSC) then assesses the proposal.

The committee includes technical, financial and regulatory expertise.

The proposal is assessed for:

• TRL
• Commercial potential
• Market potential
• Regulatory readiness
• Commercialisation readiness

Shortlisted applicants may be invited to make a presentation.

What Does BIRAC Look for in a Proposal?

This is where applicants need to be particularly careful.

The evaluation goes beyond the science.

BIRAC examines the commercial case.

Important evaluation factors include:

Commercial Potential

Can the product generate meaningful market demand?

Competitor Profile

Who else is selling a similar product?

How is your product different?

Value Proposition

Why should a customer choose your product?

Product Value

What measurable value does the product create?

Startup Turnover

BIRAC considers the company's existing commercial performance.

Business Plan

Is the plan clear and realistic?

Revenue Model

How will the company make money?

Repayment Capacity

Does the company have the financial strength to meet its obligations?

These criteria show that the PCP Fund is not simply a science competition.

It is a commercialisation programme.

How Does the PCP Fund Selection Process Work?

The process can be broken down into several stages.

Step 1: Online Application

The startup submits the required online application.

Step 2: Administrative Screening

BIRAC checks basic eligibility.

Step 3: Technical and Commercial Screening

The product is assessed for TRL, market potential and commercialisation readiness.

Step 4: Shortlisting

Selected applicants may be invited to submit a more detailed proposal.

Step 5: Presentation

The startup may present the project to the relevant committee.

Step 6: Due Diligence

BIRAC conducts technical and financial due diligence.

Step 7: Final Recommendation

The committee recommends the level of support, milestones, budget and conditions.

Step 8: Approval

The recommendation moves through BIRAC's financial and legal approval processes.

Step 9: Grant Agreement

The selected startup signs the required agreement.

Step 10: Fund Disbursement

Funding begins after the required formalities are completed.

What Makes a Strong PCP Fund Application?

A strong application should make the commercial case very clear.

The reviewer should quickly understand:

What is the product?

Does it work?

What evidence supports it?

What is its TRL?

Who needs it?

Who are the competitors?

What approvals are required?

How much will commercialisation cost?

What will BIRAC funding achieve?

How soon can the product generate revenue?

These questions should have clear answers.

Why TRL 7 Alone Is Not Enough

A startup should not assume that reaching TRL 7 guarantees funding.

BIRAC also considers commercial potential, market readiness and regulatory clearances.

Imagine two startups.

Startup A has a TRL 8 medical device.

However, it has no clear customers and has not developed a regulatory strategy.

Startup B has a TRL 7 diagnostic device.

It has identified its target hospitals, completed key validation, understands its competitors and has a clear revenue model.

Startup B may present the stronger commercial case.

The lesson is simple:

Technical maturity and commercial readiness must come together.

What Should Applicants Include in Their Business Plan?

A good business plan should explain the market.

It should cover:

• Target customers
• Market size
• Competitors
• Pricing
• Distribution
• Manufacturing
• Regulatory requirements
• Sales strategy
• Revenue projections
• Commercial partners
• Expansion plans

Avoid making unsupported claims.

Instead of saying:

"The market is huge."

Explain who the customers are and how many potential customers exist.

Instead of saying:

"Our product is cheaper."

Show the cost difference.

Instead of saying:

"There is no competition."

Identify existing alternatives and explain your advantage.

Why Regulatory Readiness Matters

Regulation can determine whether a biotechnology product can actually reach customers.

This is especially important for:

• Drugs
• Vaccines
• Diagnostics
• Medical devices
• Veterinary products
• Food technologies

BIRAC specifically considers the availability of necessary regulatory clearances during its screening process.

Applicants should therefore explain:

• What approvals are already available?
• What approvals remain?
• Which authority handles them?
• What testing is required?
• How long will approval take?
• What is the estimated cost?

A commercialisation plan without a regulatory pathway can be difficult to defend.

What Is the Role of Intellectual Property?

Intellectual property can be important when taking a biotechnology product to market.

However, the PCP Fund does not fund patent filing or legal disputes.

Therefore, startups should not build a PCP budget around patent filing.

Instead, they should show that the relevant IP position is understood.

This may include:

• Existing patents
• Patent ownership
• Licensing arrangements
• Freedom-to-operate considerations
• Technology ownership
• Third-party rights

The commercialisation plan should be built around a clear IP position.

What Costs Can Be Included?

The current BIRAC guidelines identify several costs that can generally be considered.

These include:

• Equipment
• Manpower
• Consumables
• Contract manufacturing organisation costs
• Consultancy
• Travel
• Certification
• Contingency

Contingency is generally limited to 10% of the total project cost.

Legal costs and overheads are generally treated as non-allowable under the guidelines.

However, applicants should follow the specific budget instructions attached to their application and final agreement.

Can the Same Product Receive PCP Funding Twice?

No.

BIRAC's current guidelines state that an entity that has already received Product Commercialization Fund support once is not eligible to receive the fund again for the same product.

This prevents repeated applications for the same commercialisation project.

What Does Success Mean Under the PCP Fund?

BIRAC defines success in commercial terms.

Commercialisation can occur when the funded product or service reaches the market through:

• Direct sales
• Licensing
• Assignment
• Technology transfer
• Other arrangements that result in monetary transactions or additional investment

This is significant.

The goal is not simply to complete a technical milestone.

The ultimate goal is to create a product that reaches the market.

What Happens During Project Monitoring?

The project is monitored regularly.

The current guidelines provide for progress reporting and monitoring by the relevant committee. A site visit is also planned towards the end of the first year.

The company therefore needs to maintain proper records.

These can include:

• Technical progress
• Financial expenditure
• Milestone achievement
• Market validation
• Regulatory progress
• Customer engagement
• Commercial results

Poor documentation can create problems during monitoring.

BIRAC PCP Fund 2026 Application Status

This point needs special attention.

BIRAC's official website currently states that the PCP Fund call is closed due to unavoidable reasons and that applicants will be informed when the call becomes active. The page was updated on 23 July 2026.

However, the India Science, Technology & Innovation portal currently displays the opportunity with a 31 December 2026 date.

BIRAC's official call listing also records the January 2026 call as a previous call, with an opening date of 8 January 2026 and a submission deadline of 15 March 2026.

Because the primary implementing agency says the call is currently closed, applicants should not rely on the 31 December 2026 listing as proof that applications are currently being accepted.

The safest approach is to monitor BIRAC's official PCP Fund page for the next activation notice.

Is the PCP Fund a Rolling Call?

The underlying PCP Fund scheme is designed as a rolling programme.

The scheme document says applications are submitted online and that the call is open throughout the year, with proposals evaluated at regular intervals.

However, the current BIRAC website says the call is presently closed.

Therefore, there is a difference between the scheme's rolling design and the current application status.

Startups should prepare in advance rather than waiting for the call to reopen.

How to Prepare Before the Call Reopens

If your company has a TRL 7+ biotechnology product, now is a good time to prepare.

1. Confirm Your TRL

Make sure you can demonstrate why the product is TRL 7 or above.

2. Prepare Your Regulatory File

Collect all regulatory approvals, test reports and pending requirements.

3. Prepare Market Evidence

Gather customer feedback, pilot results, purchase interest and market research.

4. Prepare Competitor Analysis

Identify direct and indirect competitors.

5. Prepare Your Revenue Model

Explain how the product will make money.

6. Prepare Financial Statements

BIRAC considers startup turnover and financial strength.

7. Prepare Your Commercialisation Budget

Break down exactly what the funding will pay for.

8. Prepare Your IP Documents

Know who owns the technology and what rights the company has.

9. Prepare a 24-Month Roadmap

Show what will happen during each stage.

10. Prepare for Due Diligence

Make sure your corporate, technical, financial and regulatory documents are organised.

Example of a Strong PCP Fund Project

Consider an Indian startup that has developed a rapid diagnostic platform.

The technology has reached TRL 8.

The startup has completed technical validation.

Several hospitals have tested the product.

The company now needs funding to:

• Complete targeted-market validation
• Obtain final certifications
• Purchase specialised equipment
• Manufacture commercial batches
• Conduct pilot deployments
• Train distributors
• Begin commercial sales

This is much closer to the purpose of the PCP Fund than a project that is still trying to prove whether the diagnostic technology works.

Another Example: Industrial Biotechnology

Imagine a startup has developed a biotechnology-based enzyme for industrial manufacturing.

The enzyme has already been validated.

The startup has customers interested in using it.

However, commercial-scale production requires additional equipment and contract manufacturing.

The company could potentially use PCP support for eligible commercialisation activities.

The application should explain:

• The industrial problem
• The enzyme's performance
• The competing products
• The target customers
• The cost advantage
• The manufacturing plan
• The market opportunity
• The commercialisation timeline

Again, the emphasis is on taking a mature technology to market.

Common Mistakes Applicants Should Avoid

Applying With an Early-Stage Product

A product below TRL 7 may not fit the programme.

Asking for R&D Funding

The PCP Fund is not intended for general R&D or product modification.

Ignoring the Market

Technical achievement alone is not enough.

Weak Competitor Analysis

BIRAC explicitly considers the competitor profile.

No Revenue Model

The startup needs to explain how the product will generate revenue.

Unrealistic Commercialisation Timelines

The company should show how it can realistically reach customers.

Ignoring Regulatory Requirements

Regulatory readiness is part of the screening process.

Assuming a Fixed Grant Amount

The current scheme does not specify one universal grant amount.

Support is determined case by case.

Ignoring Benefit Sharing

Applicants must understand the financial obligations linked to BIRAC support.

BIRAC Product Commercialization Program Fund 2026: Key Facts

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the BIRAC Product Commercialization Program Fund?

It is a BIRAC funding programme designed to help Indian biotechnology startups move mature products and technologies towards market launch, pilot validation and large-scale commercialisation.

Who can apply?

Eligible Indian startups can apply if they meet the programme's incorporation, ownership and technology-readiness requirements.

Does the product need to be developed with BIRAC funding?

No.

BIRAC can consider nationally relevant products at TRL 7 or above even when they were developed without BIRAC funding.

What is the minimum TRL?

The product or technology should generally be at TRL 7 or above.

How much does BIRAC fund?

There is no single fixed grant amount stated in the current scheme document.

The level of BIRAC support is decided based on the project and expert committee recommendations.

How much must the startup contribute?

The applicant is expected to contribute at least 30% of the total project cost, although the final contribution structure is decided by the committee.

How long can PCP support last?

Up to 24 months.

Can the money be used for R&D?

The current scheme specifically excludes R&D/product modification.

Can the money be used for patent filing?

No.

Patent filing is specifically excluded.

What sectors are covered?

The programme covers areas including drugs, biosimilars, regenerative medicine, vaccines, diagnostics, agriculture, aquaculture, veterinary sciences, industrial biotechnology, bioinformatics, bio-based chemicals, functional foods, precision biotherapeutics, biofuels, carbon capture, marine biology, space biology and synthetic biology.

Is the call currently open?

BIRAC's official website currently says the PCP Fund call is closed and will be announced again when active.

Why do some websites show December 2026?

Some government opportunity listings still display 31 December 2026. However, BIRAC's own current page says the call is closed. Applicants should therefore follow BIRAC's latest official announcement.

Final Takeaway

The BIRAC Product Commercialization Program Fund is aimed at a very specific stage of the biotechnology journey.

It is for startups that have already done much of the hard technical work.

The product should generally be at TRL 7 or above.

The company should be ready to move towards customers.

The remaining challenge should be commercialisation rather than basic research.

The programme can support activities linked to market launch, pilot-market validation and large-scale commercialisation. Support can cover eligible expenses such as equipment, manpower, consumables, CMO or consultancy services, travel and certification, subject to BIRAC's rules.

The programme also has a broad biotechnology scope.

Healthcare startups can qualify under areas such as drugs, vaccines, diagnostics and regenerative medicine.

Agriculture and industrial biotechnology companies can also be relevant.

So can startups working on bioinformatics, life-science software, bio-based chemicals, smart proteins, biofuels, carbon capture, marine biology and synthetic biology.

However, the programme is not free money with no obligations.

The startup is expected to contribute at least 30% of the project cost.

Funding is released against milestones.

The company is monitored during implementation.

Most importantly, BIRAC has a benefit-sharing mechanism tied to commercialisation.

Companies should understand these obligations before signing the funding agreement.

For startups with mature biotechnology products, the PCP Fund can be an important bridge between "the technology works" and "customers can buy it."

The current official status, however, should be kept in mind: BIRAC currently lists the call as closed and says it will announce when the call becomes active again.

Therefore, companies should use this period to prepare their TRL evidence, regulatory documents, market validation, competitor analysis, financial records, business plan and commercialisation budget.

When the call reopens, a startup with these materials ready will be in a much stronger position to apply.