Kanpur: The BFI-BIOME Network and IIT Kanpur Startup Incubation and Innovation Centre (SIIC) have jointly launched the BFI-BIOME and IIT Kanpur Bioinnovation Program.
This national initiative aims to support individual innovators and biomedical startups developing cutting-edge healthcare technologies, including diagnostics, medical devices, and surgical innovations.
Also Read: CSIR-IGIB Opens India’s First National Biobank to Advance Precision Medicine
With India facing pressing healthcare challenges, the IIT Kanpur bioinnovation program is designed to translate novel biomedical ideas into impactful, market-ready solutions through funding, mentorship, infrastructure access, and expert guidance.
BFI-BIOME IIT Kanpur Bioinnovation Program: Two Flagship Tracks
Bioinnovation Fellowship for Individual Innovators
- Monthly support of up to ₹50,000 for 6–9 months
- Access to IIT Kanpur’s state-of-the-art labs, resources, and mentorship
- Focus areas: in-vitro diagnostics, medical devices, surgical tools
Kickstarter Initiative for Startups
- Up to ₹10 lakhs (inclusive of GST) in grant support
- Designed to help startups advance product development, de-risk technology, and pilot solutions
- Eligibility: Indian-registered startups with ≥51% Indian equity ownership, TRL 3+, and a strong roadmap to commercialization
Key Focus Domains:
- Diagnostics: Point-of-care and molecular devices
- Medical Devices: Implantables, prosthetics, critical care tools
- Surgical Technologies: Minimally invasive, robotic, or telemedicine-enabled tools
BFI-BIOME IIT Kanpur Bioinnovation Program Benefits:
- Infrastructure access at IIT Kanpur
- Tailored business and tech mentorship
- Skill-building workshops
- Investor networking and pitch opportunities
- Legal and IP support
- Test-bed opportunities for product validation
Selection Process:
- Round 1: Application shortlisting based on innovation, feasibility, and healthcare impact
- Round 2: Pitch presentations to expert jury
- Round 3: Final selection and onboarding
Also Read: Catalyst AIC Startup School Innovation Challenge 2025 Open for Idea-Stage Ventures
With a $15 million fund dedicated to biomedical innovation, BFI-BIOME – originally established during India’s COVID-19 crisis – has now evolved into a structured intervention platform addressing India’s public health and medical technology needs.
The IIT Kanpur collaboration signifies a pivotal step toward self-reliance in medical technology and scaling indigenous innovations.
