India has picked the first set of biotech startups for funding under its ₹1 trillion research, development and innovation push, marking an early step in a big national bet on deep-tech growth. The selected companies include Fermbox Bio, Sea6 Energy, Revelations Biotech, 4baseCare and Telluris Biotech, with the first round of support aimed at moving lab work into large-scale commercial products.
The government’s ₹1 trillion RDI fund is now beginning to reach startups, and biotechnology is among the first sectors to benefit. The latest selections were made through the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council, or BIRAC, which manages the biotech side of the scheme.
According to the report, the first biotech projects together could receive about ₹450 crore in support, though companies must also bring in the rest of the project cost on their own. That means the government may cover up to 50% of an approved project, with the rest coming from private capital.
Among the chosen startups, Fermbox Bio plans a large precision fermentation facility to make products such as cellulosic enzymes and active dried distiller’s yeast. Sea6 Energy is working on seaweed feedstock production, while Revelations Biotech is developing synthetic biology methods to produce vitamin MK-7 at scale.
The funding push is important because it is designed to reduce import dependence and build stronger local biotech manufacturing. It also shows that India wants more companies to move beyond research papers and into real-world production, especially in areas like synthetic biology and biofuels.
The biotech round is part of a wider national innovation plan that covers strategic sectors such as AI, robotics, space, healthcare and energy security. For Indian startups, this could open a new long-term source of patient capital for high-risk projects that need time to mature.
FAQs [Frequently Asked Questions]
1. What is the ₹1 trillion RDI push?
It is India’s large Research, Development and Innovation fund meant to support high-risk, high-impact technologies through long-term financing.
2. Which biotech startups were selected first?
The first set includes Fermbox Bio, Sea6 Energy, Revelations Biotech, 4baseCare and Telluris Biotech.
3. How much funding may they get?
The initial biotech projects may receive about ₹450 crore in total support, with the government covering up to 50% of project cost.