India’s Department of Pharmaceuticals has opened a fresh application window for its flagship Promotion of Research and Innovation in Pharma & MedTech (PRIP) initiative, offering startups, MSMEs, and established manufacturers a renewed shot at government-backed funding for cutting-edge drug and device development.
The scheme, backed by a ₹5,000 crore outlay, is structured to support two distinct stages of innovation. Early-stage applicants working on technologies rated between Readiness Levels 1 and 3 can pursue up to ₹5 crore per project, beginning with a brief concept submission before advancing to a full application if shortlisted. Companies with more mature technologies, spanning Readiness Levels 4 through 6, can apply directly for larger grants of up to ₹100 crore — though funding is capped at 35 percent of total project costs, with applicants expected to cover the remainder.
Officials noted that the portal for submissions will go live in mid-September, and that participants from the scheme’s first round should not resubmit previously considered projects. Priority funding areas include novel chemical and biological medicines, complex generics and biosimilars, and next-generation medical devices — among them AI-driven diagnostic software, genetic-testing equipment, surgical robotics, and telemedicine-enabled tools.
First rolled out in 2023, PRIP was designed to strengthen India’s research infrastructure in pharmaceuticals and build a stronger talent pipeline in emerging fields like artificial intelligence. The programme also connects participants with mentorship resources through associated platforms aimed at helping viable innovations reach commercial markets.
Queries about eligibility or the application process can be directed to the scheme’s dedicated support email.
Written By: Sayan Das
Graphics by: Pramit Hazra
