Sarkari Yojana
SITARE-Appreciation Grant
About SITARE-Appreciation Grant
The Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) runs the “Students Innovations for Translation & Advancement of Research Explorations (SITARE)” Scheme to back innovative student projects in biotechnology, encouraging young students to take up translational research that turns into products and technologies addressing real, unmet needs. It has two components — the SITARE-Gandhian Young Technological Innovation Award Grant (SITARE-GYTI) and the SITARE-Appreciation Grant. SITARE-Appreciation Grant: Under this component, undergraduate students attend residential Biotech Innovation Ignition School (BIIS) workshops lasting 3-4 weeks, receiving hands-on technical training and mentorship on identifying problems to solve. From each batch of 30-40 participants, 10 students are chosen and given grant support of up to INR 1 lakh each to keep their curiosity and effort going, earning them recognition as BIRAC’s SITARE-Appreciation beneficiaries. Three such workshops take place every year. > About BIIS:
The Biotech Innovation Ignition School (BIIS) exists to expose undergraduate students — particularly those from Tier II/III cities — to the entrepreneurial journey, through hands-on technical training, interactive expert sessions, and access to a bio-incubation centre, so as to nurture grassroots ideas with social impact. Selected students receive INR 1 lakh in financial support to pursue their entrepreneurial idea, are recognized as SITARE-Appreciation recipients, and may go on to receive further training and mentoring. BIIS is run as a national-level programme offering up to 4 weeks of residential training, with each session benefiting up to 40 students.
Scheme Overview
Central Government
Ministry Of Science And Technology
Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council
Individual
Scheme Details
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for SITARE-Appreciation Grant, applicants must satisfy the following conditions:
Any student enrolled in a Bachelor's programme, regardless…
Any student enrolled in a Bachelor's programme, regardless of discipline, may apply.
A valid ID issued by the student's Institution/University…
A valid ID issued by the student's Institution/University is required.
Each student may attend a BIIS workshop only…
Each student may attend a BIIS workshop only once across all SITARE Partners, except SITARE-Appreciation Award Grantees, who may attend further workshops run by other Partners if recommended by the SITARE Partner or BIRAC. Note: Preference is given to students from Tier II/Tier III cities and aspirational districts within India.
Benefits Provided
SITARE-Appreciation Grant provides the following benefits to eligible applicants:
The scheme organizes 3-4 week residential Biotech Innovation…
The scheme organizes 3-4 week residential Biotech Innovation Ignition School (BIIS) workshops for undergraduate students, offering hands-on technical training and mentorship in identifying problems worth solving.
From every batch of 30-40 students, 10 are…
From every batch of 30-40 students, 10 are chosen for grant support of up to INR 1 lakh each, to sustain their curiosity and effort.
These selected students are recognized as BIRAC's SITARE-Appreciation…
These selected students are recognized as BIRAC's SITARE-Appreciation beneficiaries.
Three workshops of this kind are held each…
Three workshops of this kind are held each year.
Note: Grantees are expected to pursue further research on their topic at their home institution or the SITARE Partner's lab, with mentoring and other support available from the Partner as needed.
Travel/Accommodation:
The following expenses are covered for student participants:
Class II rail fare and local travel costs
Hostel accommodation
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Shuttle service between the hostel and project site
Other activities:
SITARE Partners are encouraged to arrange mentoring for BIIS participants through invited talks by experts from organizations such as TiE, BREC, and management schools, and may also organize visits to nearby reputed colleges, institutions, or incubation centres.
Documents Required
Applicants should keep the following documents ready before starting the application:
An identity card issued by the applicant's institution…
An identity card issued by the applicant's institution or university
Government-issued ID proof such as an Aadhaar card…
Government-issued ID proof such as an Aadhaar card or PAN card
Certificates verifying educational qualifications
Certificates verifying educational qualifications
A document confirming current residential address
A document confirming current residential address
Any other document the authorities may require
Any other document the authorities may require
How to Apply
Online Application
Applicants can apply for SITARE-Appreciation Grant through the online application process outlined below.
Application Process: Here's how proposals are submitted online:
SITARE Partners issue an advertisement inviting applications, which…
SITARE Partners issue an advertisement inviting applications, which must be submitted online only.
Go to the BIRAC website.
Go to the BIRAC website.
Existing registered users can log in with their…
Existing registered users can log in with their credentials; new users must register individually via "New User Registration".
New users receive a computer-generated password at their…
New users receive a computer-generated password at their registered email ID, which can be changed later.
After logging in, you'll be taken to the…
After logging in, you'll be taken to the page showing the SITARE-BIIS link.
Click the SITARE-BIIS application link under Programmes to…
Click the SITARE-BIIS application link under Programmes to see the active call highlighted.
Click on the active call under which you…
Click on the active call under which you want to submit your proposal.
Note 01: The application format along with the Statement of Purpose is available on the website.
Note 02: BIIS Workshops are tentatively held in February, June, and December.
Selection Process:
Selection is based on the student's Statement of Purpose (SoP), assessed on:
Originality (40%)
Clarity of Purpose (20%)
Implementation Plan (15%)
Potential impact (15%)
Note: Selected students are informed 3 weeks before the workshop begins.
SITARE Partner:
The Society for Research and Initiatives for Sustainable Technologies and Institutions (SRISTI), Ahmedabad, is the current SITARE Partner.
Contact Us: Click here.
Official Application & Website
Verify the latest eligibility, dates and instructions before applying.