Grand Challenges India (GCI) and the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) are receiving research proposals focused on breakthrough and cost-disruptive innovations for disease screening and diagnosis.
The initiative aims to support indigenous technologies and transformative healthcare solutions in key infectious disease areas, including tuberculosis, emerging pathogens, syndromic panels, and enteric pathogens. Institutions across India can apply for funding support by July 1, 2026.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Call | Call For Proposals on Breakthrough Solutions and Cost-Disruptive Innovations for Screening and Diagnosis |
| Priority Disease Areas | Tuberculosis (TB), Emerging Pathogens, Syndromic Panels, Enteric Pathogens |
| Type of Innovations Sought | High-risk, high-reward innovations, near point-of-care diagnostics, ultra-low-cost solutions |
| Funding Category 1 | Exploratory Proposal |
| Financial Support | Up to INR 50,00,000 (Under Category 1) Up to INR 2,00,00,000 (Under Category 2) |
| Duration | Up to 12 Months (Under Category 1) Up to 18 Months (Under Category 2) |
| Funding Category 2 | Solution/Innovation/Product/Technology Proposal |
| Application Mode | Online only |
| Last Date to Apply | 01 July 2026 |
Priority Areas Under the Call
The proposals should focus on one or more of the following infectious disease domains:
- Tuberculosis (TB)
- Emerging pathogens
- Syndromic diagnostic panels
- Enteric pathogens
The funding program aims to accelerate innovative solutions that can contribute to faster, affordable, and scalable disease diagnosis.
Funding Support Available
The open call offers two levels of financial support for selected projects:
1. Exploratory Proposals
- Funding support up to INR 50 lakh
- Project duration up to 12 months
2. Solution/Product/Technology Proposals
- Funding support up to INR 2 crore
- Project duration up to 18 months
Who Can Apply?
The call is open to Indian organisations and innovators, including:
- Academic institutions
- Research organizations
- Public and private R&D institutions
- Startups
- Not-for-profit foundations
- Clinical and industry-led collaborations
Interested applicants can submit their proposals online through the official BIRAC website.
Official Notification: https://birac.nic.in/cfp_view.php?id=118&scheme_type=6