The Department of Pharmaceuticals has opened applications for research and innovation projects under its Promotion of Research and Innovation in Pharma-MedTech Sector (PRIP) scheme, a landmark initiative aimed at transforming India into a globally competitive, innovation-led hub. With an approved outlay of Rs 50 billion, the scheme is expected to support around 300 projects, catalysing total R&D investment of about Rs 110 billion in new medicines, complex generics, biosimilars and novel medical devices.

Revised guidelines have been issued to enhance the scheme’s effectiveness. For early-stage projects, MSMEs and startups may seek support of up to Rs 50 million for projects costing up to Rs 900 million. For later-stage projects, companies, MSMEs and startups may apply for assistance up to Rs 10 billion for projects valued at Rs 28.5 billion. Early-stage projects will receive 100 per cent support up to Rs 10 million, and 50 per cent beyond that, capped at Rs 50 million. Later-stage projects will receive 35 per cent support, capped at Rs 10 billion.

In Strategic Priority Innovation (SPI) areas—such as rare diseases, antimicrobial resistance, vaccine-preventable illnesses, tropical vector-borne diseases and pandemic pathogens—later-stage projects may receive 50 per cent assistance, capped at Rs 10 billion.

The scheme also incentivises industry, MSMEs and startups to collaborate with leading academic and government research institutions, offering preferential selection for up to nine early- and late-stage projects involving significant partnerships. Assistance may also be used for in-licensing research outputs from such institutions, linking academic strengths with industry’s capacity to scale technologies to market.

Institutional enablers will be strengthened through Centres of Excellence at seven NIPERs, acting as advanced research hubs. The NIPER Academia-Industry Coordination Committee will further enhance collaboration, while a digital Pharma-MedTech Innovation Exchange will connect innovators with investors, mentors and global opportunities.

The fully digital application process opened on 1 October 2025 via the PRIP portal. By attracting both domestic and international participation, the scheme aims to accelerate affordable, high-quality healthcare solutions, strengthen India’s public health resilience and position the country as a global leader in pharmaceutical and MedTech innovation.