August 29, 2026: The second call for applications under the ₹5,000 crore Promotion of Research and Innovation in Pharma & MedTech (PRIP) Scheme, has been opened by The Department of Pharmaceuticals giving startups, MSMEs and industry another opportunity to take new healthcare technologies from research to commercial development.
The announcement, made on August 28, comes as the government looks to strengthen domestic research and development in pharmaceuticals and medical technology and move promising products further along the technology development cycle.
The second round has been structured around two tracks, covering both early stage research and projects that are closer to commercialisation.
Startups can seek up to ₹5 crore in early stage track in the PRIP Scheme
Under the early stage track, startups and MSMEs can apply for projects currently at Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 1, 2 or 3. Selected projects can receive support to move towards higher readiness levels, up to TRL 5.
Applicants will first submit a concise concept note. Shortlisted projects will then be invited to submit a detailed application. Eligible startups and MSMEs can submit applications directly, while ecosystem enablers can also submit concept notes on behalf of promising projects within their networks.
Financial assistance of up to ₹5 crore will be available for each project.
The later stage track is aimed at projects that have already reached TRL 4, 5 or 6. Startups, MSMEs and industry can apply to take these technologies to higher readiness levels and closer to market deployment.
Projects under this track can receive financial assistance of up to ₹100 crore. The government support, however, will be capped at 35% of the approved total project cost, with the remaining amount required to be co-funded by the applicant.
The PRIP scheme covers a wide range of priority areas, including new chemical and biological medicines, phyto-pharmaceuticals, complex generics and biosimilars, as well as novel medical devices.
The medical device category includes AI and machine learning based devices, software as a medical device, advanced diagnostic and screening technologies, robotic surgical devices, telemedicine enabled devices and novel in vitro diagnostic technologies supporting precision medicine.
The PRIP scheme was launched in 2023 with a broader objective of strengthening research capabilities in India’s pharmaceutical sector. Alongside funding, the programme provides access to mentorship and initiatives such as MedTech Mitra and Patent Mitra, designed to help innovators navigate partnerships, intellectual property and commercialisation.
The government is also looking to build research infrastructure and expand the pool of trained talent through the programme.
The submission window for the second call is expected to open on the PRIP portal by mid September. Startups and other applicants that submitted a project during the first round have been specifically advised not to submit the same project again.
Application forms, scheme guidelines and other supporting material are available through the PRIP portal. Applicants can also contact the Department of Pharmaceuticals at support-prip@pharma-dept.gov.in for queries.
For startups working on drug discovery, advanced medical devices, diagnostics and other healthcare technologies, the second call creates another route to access government backed funding as they move from research and validation towards larger scale development.
