The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) under the Ministry of Science and Technology has officially released a Call for Proposals (2025–26) inviting innovative research ideas in Artificial Intelligence (AI) focused on algorithm, product, or software development for the biotechnology domain. This initiative aims to accelerate research and post-research development by leveraging AI-driven solutions that can significantly impact public health, environmental safety, and industrial biotechnology.
📅 Important Deadline
- Last date for proposal submission: 15 February 2026
🎯 Purpose of the Call
Biotechnology research increasingly generates massive volumes of biological and clinical data. AI has the potential to transform this data into actionable insights through advanced prediction, automation, and decision-support systems. Through this call, DBT seeks to:
- Strengthen AI-driven R&D capabilities in biotechnology
- Promote automation and intelligent analytics
- Foster academia–industry collaboration
- Support the startup ecosystem
- Establish AI-based research networks and virtual clusters
Priority Research Areas
Proposals are encouraged in (but not limited to) the following AI-focused biotechnology areas:
- AI algorithms for omics and large-scale clinical data analysis
- AI-driven drug discovery and target identification
- Toxicity and adverse reaction prediction for biopharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals
- Disease association prediction using SNPs and mutation analysis
- Protein design and engineering with enhanced stability or novel functions
- AI models for vaccine and antibody engineering
- Host–pathogen interaction prediction
- AI-based antimicrobial resistance (AMR) prediction and management
- Simulation and analysis of biological pathways and networks
- Large Language Models (LLMs) and AI tools for biotechnology education (school to university level)
⚠️ Note: Routine chemoinformatics-based SAR prediction proposals are discouraged unless they demonstrate exceptional novelty.
Who Can Apply?
The call is open to:
- Indian scientists/faculty members from academic or research institutions
- Applicants eligible for Government of India funding
- Institutions recognized by DSIR (SIRO)
- Collaborative proposals involving industry partners (with clear IPR arrangements)
Preference will be given to network and multidisciplinary proposals with clearly defined roles and strong technology development potential.
💰 Funding & Project Duration
- Funding will follow DBT extramural research guidelines
- Project duration: Up to 3 years
- Financial support is provided to academic/research institutions; industry partners may collaborate
- DBT IP Guidelines 2023 will apply
📊 Evaluation & Monitoring
Proposals will be evaluated based on:
- Industry relevance and national interest
- Multidisciplinary and collaborative strength
- Deliverables achievable within three years
- Alignment with sustainable development goals (SDGs)
Selected projects must submit annual progress reports for expert review as per DBT norms.
📝 Proposal Submission
- Proposals must be submitted online only via DBT’s e-ProMIS portal
- Submissions by email or incomplete applications will be rejected
🔗 Submission Portal: http://dbtepromis.nic.in/login.aspx
Applicants are strongly advised to submit well before the deadline, as no extension will be granted.
📩 Contact for Queries
Dr. Abhishek Singh
Scientist ‘D’, Department of Biotechnology
Ministry of Science and Technology, New Delhi
📧 Email: biai.cb@dbt.nic.in
Official Link Click here
This DBT Call for Proposals represents a major opportunity for Indian researchers, startups, and institutions to contribute cutting-edge AI-powered biotechnology solutions with real-world impact. If your work lies at the intersection of AI, data science, and life sciences, this is a timely and strategic funding opportunity to scale your innovation from lab to society.
