The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) has invited research proposals focused on T cell-based vaccines, biologics and engineered cellular therapies for major health challenges, including infectious diseases, cancer and autoimmune disorders.
The call aims to support research ranging from fundamental T-cell biology and technology development to preclinical validation and early clinical development.
The programme particularly focuses on infectious diseases, cancer and autoimmune disorders.
The last date to submit proposals is October 6, 2026.
Key Objectives of the Call
The DBT call aims to:
- Develop next-generation T-cell vaccines and vaccine candidates.
- Support biologics and engineered cellular therapies.
- Improve understanding of protective, pathogenic, antitumour and tolerogenic T-cell biology.
- Strengthen antigen, neoantigen and epitope discovery.
- Promote AI-based prediction and immune-response modelling.
- Develop immune-monitoring and biomarker technologies.
- Establish standardized immunological assays and interoperable datasets.
- Develop and validate preclinical models for T-cell research and translation.
Research Areas Covered
The call covers three major disease areas.
1. Infectious Diseases
Researchers may submit proposals addressing areas including:
- Arboviral infections, particularly dengue and neurotropic flavivirus infections
- Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection
- Congenital and perinatal cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection
- Influenza and other respiratory viral infections
- Tuberculosis
2. Cancer
Suggested cancer research areas include:
- HPV-associated cancers
- Colorectal cancer
- Breast cancer
- Lung cancer
- Head and neck cancer
- Ovarian cancer
- Haematological malignancies
- Melanomas
3. Autoimmune Diseases
The call includes research related to:
- Systemic lupus erythematosus
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Vitiligo
- Multiple sclerosis
- Celiac disease
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Type 1 diabetes
- Psoriasis
Three Categories of Proposals
The DBT has divided the research programme into three broad categories.
- Foundational Research and Capacity Building
- Applied Research and Technology Development
- Early Clinical Development
DBT Funding Available
A major attraction of this call is the scale of financial support.
| Project Type | Maximum Funding |
|---|---|
| PI-driven project | ₹2.5 crore |
| Collaborative project with at least 2 PIs | ₹10 crore |
| Network project with 3–5 PIs/institutes | ₹15 crore |
Projects will initially be supported for up to three years, with the possibility of extension by up to two additional years depending on promising research outcomes.
Who Can Apply?
The lead Principal Investigator must be an Indian national holding a regular position in a DSIR-recognized academic or scientific institution.
Eligible Organizations include Central/State Government Institutions, Private Universities/Research Institutions (DSIR-recognized), and NGOs.
Last Date to Apply
The last date for submission of proposals is October 6, 2026.