Jammu: Awareness cum writing workshop on “Biotechnology Ignition Grant (BIG) ”was held on 23rd March 2023 at the School of Biotechnology, University of Jammu as run of activities under the aegis of Azadi ka amrit mohatsav.
Prof. B.K Bajaj, Director School of Biotechnology, University of Jammu, introduced Dr. Aatmeeyata and Ms. Aanchal Verma from Startup Incubation and Innovation Centre, Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur who were the resource persons for the program. Ms. Aanchal Verma enlightened the audience about the BIG grant which is the flagship program of the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC).
This scheme is for potential entrepreneurs from Academia, start-ups or Incubatee (Researchers, PhDs, Medical degree holders, Biomedical Engg. Graduates) who have an exciting idea which may be in the nascent and planning stage and there is an unmet need for mentorship and initial funding. Also, the Biotechnology Ignition Grant would help to support and nurture these high-risk early starters and their concepts by providing a grant in aid upto Rs. 50 lakh for 18 months.
She talked about the various funding opportunities by BIRAC which can act as a catalyst for the advancement of a promising bio-business idea leading to technology licenses, raising investments for the company and eventual commercialization of the product by the start-up companies.
Later, Dr. Aatmeeyata conducted grant writing workshop wherein various aspects about writing a good proposal for easy funding by BIRAC were clarified. It was highly interactive session wherein large number of students, scholars and faculty members from different science departments took part followed by strenuous interaction and discussion. Finally, the program concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Madhulika Bhagat.
