Odisha Government Opens Applications for Biotechnology Research Funding
The Department of Science and Technology in Bhubaneswar has officially announced a significant opportunity for academic and research professionals in biotechnology. The department is now accepting applications from qualified faculty members, scientists, and researchers for substantial research and development grants during the 2025-26 financial year.
Eligibility and Application Details
Applications are open exclusively to professionals working in government-recognized or state-run universities, colleges, research laboratories, or R&D organizations across various biotechnology domains. The submission deadline is firmly set for December 10, with all applications required to reach the Director of Biotechnology at the Science and Technology Department before this date.
The financial support being offered is substantial, with each selected research project eligible for up to Rs 30 lakh in funding distributed over a three-year project period. The implementation timeline for approved projects will commence from the date when the first installment of funds is officially released to the researchers.
Selection Process and Project Scope
The department has established a rigorous selection procedure to ensure only the most promising projects receive funding. A specialized screening committee comprising subject matter experts will initially scrutinize and shortlist all submitted applications. Those researchers whose proposals make the initial cut will then be invited to present and defend their research concepts before the Project Evaluation and Review Committee.
This final review committee will be chaired by the Director of the Biotechnology Cell within the Science and Technology Department. Only a maximum of 10 projects will be selected for funding in a single year, making this a highly competitive grant opportunity.
The research guidelines clearly specify that projects must focus on specific subject areas, technologies, or innovations within biotechnology. The department has identified several interconnected domains where interdisciplinary work is encouraged, including combinations such as genetic engineering with gene editing, aquatic and marine studies, biofuel and bioenergy research, environment and forest conservation, agriculture and food technology, animal and plant sciences, biomedical and biopharmaceutical development, and molecular and genetic diagnostics.
Submission Requirements
Principal investigators, who serve as the lead researchers on projects, must ensure their submissions meet all technical requirements. Applicants need to submit two physical copies of their complete project proposal along with an electronic version containing both Word and PDF formats of the document. All necessary enclosures and supporting documents must accompany the main application, and the proposal must strictly adhere to the prescribed format outlined by the department.
This initiative represents a significant investment in advancing biotechnology research in Odisha and provides a substantial opportunity for researchers to secure crucial funding for innovative projects that could drive scientific progress in multiple biotechnology sectors.
