BioSaarthi Global Mentoring Programme 2026 Notification has been released on the official website, www.biosaarthi.org, for the mentoring of biotech startups. Eligible startups and faculty entrepreneurs can apply for the 6-month mentorship cohort.
The Biotechnology Industry Research and Assistance Council (BIRAC), a Public Sector Enterprise under the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), has officially launched the BioSaarthi Global Mentoring Programme. This initiative is designed to provide biotech startups and faculty entrepreneurs with access to global expert mentorship and strategic guidance. Candidates should check the official guidelines to understand the eligibility and selection process.
Also read: CSIR-CCMB Summer Training Program 2026
The program invites online applications from eligible mentees for a 6-month structured virtual mentorship. The application window for the current cohort is open, and details can be found on the official website, www.biosaarthi.org.
DBT-BIRAC BioSaarthi Notification 2026 Out
The program notification and guidelines (Version 1.0: August 2025) have been published on the official website. This is a flagship opportunity for Indian biotech innovators seeking to scale their technologies with insights from international industry leaders. Through the detailed guidelines, candidates can get information about the program structure, eligibility, roles, responsibilities, and the expected outcomes of the mentorship.
BioSaarthi Global Mentoring Programme 2026 Summary
Candidates whose biotech startups are at the Proof-of-Concept (PoC) stage or beyond can apply online. Apart from the innovation criteria, candidates must carefully review the eligibility requirements, including Indian ownership and financial runway, as detailed in the program guidelines.
| Organization | Biotechnology Industry Research and Assistance Council (BIRAC) |
|---|---|
| Program | BioSaarthi – Global Mentoring of Biotech Startups |
| Eligible Applicants | Biotech Startups/SMEs (at PoC stage, TRL 3+) & BRIC Faculty Entrepreneurs |
| Mentorship Duration | 6 Months |
| Mode | Virtual (Monthly meetings facilitated by program admin) |
| Mentor Profile | Senior international executives/CXOs with 10+ years of experience |
| Selection Criteria | Innovation, Team Strength, Commercial Potential, Scalability, Program Fit |
| Official Website | www.biosaarthi.org |
BioSaarthi Programme 2026 Important Dates
As the program runs in cohorts, interested applicants must regularly check the official website for announcements. The general structure and timelines are as follows:
| Events | Details |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | August 2025 (Version 1.0 Guidelines Released) |
| Application Window | Announced for each 6-monthly cohort on the BIRAC and BioSaarthi websites. |
| Onboarding of Mentees/Mentors | Following the evaluation of applications by an expert committee. |
| Mentorship Engagement Period | 6 months, consisting of monthly virtual meetings. |
BioSaarthi Programme 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet specific criteria to be considered for the program. The program is open to two categories: Startups/SMEs and Faculty Entrepreneurs.
For Mentees (Startups/SMEs):
Mandatory:
- Must have 51% or more Indian ownership.
- Must be at the Proof-of-Concept (PoC) stage, equivalent to Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 3 or more.
- Must demonstrate a minimum financial runway of nine months.
Desirable:
- Granted patents or relevant publications supporting the innovation.
- Minimum funding raised of ₹3.5 Cr total, with at least ₹2 Cr from private sources.
- Initial signs of commercial traction.
- Can be affiliated with any recognized incubator/institute.
For Mentees (Faculty Entrepreneurs):
- Faculty entrepreneurs from BRIC (Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council) institutes are eligible initially.
For Mentors:
- Senior executives/CXOs with 10+ years of international industry experience.
- Expertise in areas like Product Development, Clinical Development, Commercialization, Cell & Gene Therapy, Vaccines, Diagnostics, Medtech, Fundraising, IP, Regulations, etc.
- Mentors participate on a voluntary, pro bono basis.
BioSaarthi Programme 2026 Apply Online
Applications for mentees are invited for each cohort through the BIRAC and BioSaarthi websites. Candidates who meet the eligibility criteria must fill out the detailed mentee application form, which includes information about their innovation, business, and specific mentorship goals.
How to Apply for BioSaarthi Mentorship 2026
- Visit the official BioSaarthi website: https://biosaarthi.org/.
- Navigate to the ‘Apply’ or ‘Program’ section for the current call for applications.
- Fill out the comprehensive online mentee application form.
- Upload the required documents, including the latest CVs of founders, proof of PoC, IP status, and details of funding.
- Submit the application before the cohort deadline.
BioSaarthi Programme 2026 Structure
The program is structured to provide focused, goal-oriented mentorship over six months.
- Onboarding: Selected mentees (“Best-in-Class” or “First-in-Class” innovations) are matched with 1-2 international mentors based on their stated goals and the mentors’ expertise.
- Engagement: The BioSaarthi admin team coordinates monthly virtual meetings. A minimum of one meeting per month is expected. A brief feedback form is circulated after each meeting.
- Review and Closure: At the end of six months, final feedback is collected to assess impact. Mentors and mentees may choose to continue their association independently.
- Additional Support: Mentees can voluntarily connect with scientists from BRIC institutes and access BIRAC’s facility network (DBT-SAHAJ portal) by paying applicable institutional charges.
FAQs
What is the duration of the BioSaarthi mentoring program?
The program offers a structured 6-month mentorship opportunity, with a minimum of one virtual meeting scheduled per month.
What is the eligibility for a startup to apply for BioSaarthi?
Startups must be at the Proof-of-Concept (PoC) stage (TRL 3 or above), have a minimum financial runway of nine months, and have at least 51% Indian ownership.
Is there any fee or equity exchange for the mentorship?
No, the mentorship is provided on a voluntary, pro bono basis. Mentees are not required to give any royalty or equity to the mentors during the 6-month program.
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