BioNEST-PU Launches New Call for Proposals under SEED Fund for Empowering Start-ups to scale innovations beyond the POC stage

Chandigarh, March 5, 2025: BioNEST-PU, a leading incubator and accelerator for innovative startups, today announced the launch of the 3rdCall for proposals under the SEED (Start-up Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Development) Fund funded by BIRAC (Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council).This initiative is designed to provide crucial support to registered startups that have successfully completed the proof-of-concept stage and are ready to take their businesses to the next level. 
"We are thrilled to launch the third call for proposals under the SEED fund" said Prof. Renu Vig, Vice Chancellor of Panjab University, Chandigarh. "Our goal is to foster a vibrant ecosystem of innovation and entrepreneurship, where start-ups can access the resources, they need to thrive. By supporting these promising ventures, we are not only investing in their success but also contributing to the overall economic growth and development of our community".

The SEED Fund, a cornerstone of BioNEST-PU's commitment to fostering entrepreneurship, offers startups access to essential financial resources, mentorship, and a robust ecosystem to help them thrive. This initiative is a significant opportunity for promising start-ups to gain equity based financial support of up to 30 lakhs per start-up for a period of 2 years. BioNEST-PU will be supporting high level innovation in Life Sciences and related areas under this scheme.

"At BioNEST-PU, we recognize the pivotal role that startups play in shaping the future of our economy and society" said Prof. Rohit Sharma, Director of BioNEST-PU. ‘With the launch of this 3rdCall for Proposal sunder SEED Fund, we are excited to support the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs, helping them transform their ideas into tangible solutions that address real-world challenges.’The SEED fund offers a range of benefits to selected start-ups, including financial support, access to state-of-the-art infrastructure, and comprehensive mentorship from industry experts and seasoned entrepreneurs. The program also provides opportunities for networking, collaboration, and exposure to potential investors and partners.

Interested registered start-ups who have established POC of their technology are encouraged to visit the Panjab University’s website athttps://jobs.puchd.ac.in/list-jobs.php and BioNEST-PU’s website atwww.bionest.puchd.ac.in for detailed information on the application form, process and eligibility criteria.The last date for applying to the third call for proposals under the SEED fund is March 21st, 2025 by 5:30 p.m. Submitted applications will undergo screening process by the expert panel and eligible start-ups will be called for presentation.

Prof. Rohit Sharma, the Project Leader of BioNEST said, “The incubator has tosupport some start-ups for equity or operational funding under the SEED Fund. BioNEST-PU will thus be providing financial support to multiple startups through SEED fund” Prof. Sharma also highlighted that this fund supports post proof‐of‐principle/ prototype/ process optimization/ product validation aimed at affordable product/ process development addressing societal needs. The SEED Fund will prove to be one of its kind support systems for start-ups to be made stand-alone entities in the actual market wavering off the value of death for such start-ups.