The Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP) has announced the second call for applications under the Promotion of Research and Innovation in Pharma and MedTech (PRIP) Scheme, aimed at strengthening India’s pharmaceutical and medical technology research and development ecosystem.
Launched in 2023 with a financial outlay of INR 5,000 crore, the PRIP Scheme seeks to support startups, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and large companies in advancing innovative products and technologies up the innovation value chain.
The second application call will cover two tracks — early-stage and later-stage projects.
Under the early-stage track, projects from startups and MSMEs involving products or technologies at Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) 1, 2 or 3 can seek support to advance them to higher TRLs, up to TRL 5. Eligible projects can receive financial assistance of up to INR 5 crore per project.
The early-stage application process will be conducted in two stages, beginning with submission of a concise Concept Note. Shortlisted applicants will subsequently be invited to submit a detailed application. Concept Notes can be submitted directly by eligible startups and MSMEs or by ecosystem enablers on behalf of promising projects within their networks.
Under the later-stage track, projects from industry, startups and MSMEs involving products or technologies at TRLs 4, 5 or 6 can seek support to advance them to higher TRLs. Financial assistance of up to INR 100 crore per project will be available, subject to a maximum contribution of 35% of the approved total project cost. The remaining project cost will have to be co-funded by the applicant. Late-stage projects can apply directly through the detailed application form.
According to DoP, the submission window on the PRIP portal will open by mid-September. Application forms and supporting guidance are available on the PRIP portal. Applicants who submitted projects under the first round have been advised not to resubmit the same projects.
PRIP priority areas
The scheme covers several priority areas, including new medicines, complex generics and biosimilars, and novel medical devices.
The new medicines category includes new chemical entities (NCEs), new biological entities (NBEs) and phytopharmaceuticals.
The novel medical devices category covers devices that have not previously been approved by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO). This includes AI/ML-based medical devices, software as a medical device (SaMD), software in medical devices (SiMD), genetic technology-based diagnostics and screening devices, robotic surgical devices, medical devices with telemedicine capabilities, and novel in vitro diagnostic devices, including biomarker-based technologies that enable precision medicine.
The PRIP Scheme also seeks to build world-class research infrastructure and strengthen India’s pool of skilled research talent. Industry and startups can benefit from mentorship support to improve the prospects for commercialisation of viable research outputs.
Initiatives such as MedTech Mitra and Patent Mitra, along with the scheme’s online platform, are intended to facilitate collaboration and partnerships among various stakeholders.
