The document outlines the application process for proposals related to biotech and biomed projects under the BIG initiative, detailing key stages such as eligibility screening, proposal evaluation, and final review by BIRAC. It emphasizes the importance of novelty, technical feasibility, and team capabilities, with timelines for each phase of the process. The document also describes monitoring and reporting requirements post-funding approval, ensuring project accountability and adherence to milestones.

1. BIG Process Flow
Annexure A1

2. Call for Proposals
Opens
Call for Proposals
Closes
BIG Partners
assigned proposals
to review
Preliminary
screening by BIG
Partner
BIG Partner
requests reviewers
to evaluate
Proposal
not eligible
1 Jan 1 July
~ 14 Feb ~14 August
Application process
Slide 1 of 4
• Basic eligibility
• Topics relevant to biotech/biomed
• POC project for tech vs. basic
research

3. Receipt of reviewers
comments
BIRAC screening
BIRAC shortlists
applicants for
presentation to
TEP in Delhi
Proposal
not eligible
Proposal
recommended to
BIRAC
2 pos/ 2; 2 pos/3
Proposal
not eligible
2 neg/ 2
2 neg/ 3
Application process
Slide 2 of 4
• Novelty or unmet need
• Technical feasibility of idea; do-
ability; any prelim indication that
it might work
• Can the team deliver? Technical
capability. Project mgmt
experience
• Potential to create IP or existing
IP; Estimate of FTO based on
reviewer’s experience.
• Can the project achieve impt goals
in 18 months and Rs 50 lakhs? Are
budget and timelines realistic?
• Does the topic fit within scope of
BIG?
• Does BIRAC concur with
reviewer’s comments?
• Some prior art search is reqd?
1 April 1 Sept

4. Presentation in
Delhi to TEP.
Decision by ESC
Due diligence by
BIG Partner; site
visit; detailed
discussion
BIG Partner
provides due
diligence report to
BIRAC
Proposal
not eligible
In principle approval
decision by ESC
Proposal
not
selected
~ 15 May ~ 15 Oct
~ 1 June ~1 Nov
~ 1 July ~1 Dec
Delays possible here if
applicant needs time
to produce
documents
Application process
Slide 3 of 4
• Novelty or unmet need
• Technical feasibility of idea
• Technical credibility of PI
• Proposal budget/timelines
realistic
• Company legal and financial
documents
• Project milestones/budgets;
quotes
• Commitment of incubator
• Adequacy of facility available
• Tech transfer agreement;
scientific support contracts

5. BIRAC does final
review
Agreement signed
between Grantee
and BIG Partner
First installment
released by BIG
Partner.
BIG Project can
begin.
BIRAC okays final
terms and signing of
agreement by BIG
Partner
Proposal
not
selected
~ 1 Aug ~ 1 Jan
~ 1 Sept ~1 Mar
Application process
Slide 4 of 4
• All scheme requirements met

6. Project Review and Monitoring

7. First installment
Next installment
released
Monitoring Phase
Slide 1 of 1
Milestone “N” (Targets met!)
+
Utilization certificate
Final Milestone (Targets met!)
+
Utilization certificate
Last installment (~5%)
(after end of project)
BIG Partner
• All capex projected was
purchased; set-up and working;
logs maintained; insurance taken;
AMC
• Sufficient staff engaged formally in
project; all hiring against formal
contracts
• Proper accounts maintained
• Project mgmt and business
mentoring if asked/required
Project Reviewing Committee
• Whether milestones met?
• Consider requests for moving
timelines or milestone targets?
• Provide inputs to BIRAC on
changes requiring BIRAC
decisions. Ex – any budget
changes.
• Technical mentoring