Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR) Programme

28.11.2025

Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR) Programme

Context

At the 2025 BRIC AGM, Minister Jitendra Singh highlighted the EIR Programme as a key driver of biotech innovation, enabling researcher-entrepreneurs to convert advanced biological research into viable, scalable solutions.

Programme Overview

The EIR Programme under BRIC–BIRAC supports young innovators in transforming high-risk biotech ideas into proofs of concept, prototypes, or early-stage startups. It provides funding, incubation, mentorship, and industry linkages to bridge the lab-to-market gap and strengthen India’s biotech innovation pipeline.

Key Features

1. Early-Stage Innovation Support

• Fellowships and grants for high-risk, high-impact biotech concepts.
   
• Training in entrepreneurship, regulations, and IP management.
   

2. Mentorship & Incubation

• Access to scientific mentors, industry experts, incubators, and investors.
   
• Encourages patent filing, prototype creation, and technology validation.
   

3. Industry & Private Sector Integration

• Promotes collaboration with biotech firms, MSMEs, and investors.
   
• Supports bioeconomy goals aligned with BioE3 policy priorities.
   

Significance

• Addresses India’s research-to-market gap via early commercialisation support.
   
• Boosts the fast-expanding bioeconomy projected to reach USD 300 billion.
   
• Builds a culture of risk-taking, innovation, and scientific temper.
   
• Complements BRIC’s achievements in patents, publications, and translational research.
   
• Enhances India’s global biotech standing through stronger public-private integration.
   

Way Forward

• Expand EIR seats and encourage multidisciplinary areas like AI-biotech and med-tech.
   
• Strengthen regional incubators for tier-2/3 participation.
   
• Improve training in biosafety, regulations, and IP systems.
   
• Deepen long-term industry partnerships for faster tech deployment.
   

Conclusion

The EIR Programme strengthens India’s biotech ecosystem by empowering young scientists to convert research into scalable solutions. Continued expansion, industry collaboration, and strong incubation networks will accelerate India’s innovation capacity and bioeconomy growth.