The Kerala Biotechnology Commission (KBC) is the implementing body of the Kerala Biotechnology Board (KBB), constituted by the Government of Kerala in 2003. The Commission plays a pivotal role in creating a thriving ecosystem for biotechnology research, innovation, and industrial growth in the state.

KBC is dedicated to implementing the Kerala Biotechnology Policy and other guidelines laid down by KBB. It manages a wide range of programmes that focus on research and development, industrial collaboration, rural innovation, and human resource development, making Kerala a hub for biotechnology advancement.

Objectives

KBC works with a mission to nurture biotechnology innovation and entrepreneurship in Kerala. Our key objectives include:

• Supporting Research: Empowering young scientists to pursue cutting-edge research in emerging areas of biotechnology.
• Fostering Translation: Promoting translational research with industrial partnerships for real-world impact.
• Encouraging Rural Innovations: Supporting projects that develop biotech-based solutions for rural communities.
• Strengthening Human Capital: Building skilled human resources through training programmes, workshops, and capacity-building initiatives in frontier areas of biotechnology.

Programmes

1. Biotechnology Research Support

1. Young Investigator’s Programme in Biotechnology (YIPB) – Supports early-career scientists in independent research.
2. Kerala Biotechnology Re-entry Fellowship (K-BiREF) – Facilitates talented researchers returning from abroad to establish research in Kerala.

2. Schemes for Industrial Collaboration & Entrepreneurship Development

1. Industry-linked Biotechnology Research Scheme (IBRS) – Strengthens academia-industry partnerships with a focus on commercialization.
2. Biotechnology Young Entrepreneur (BYE) Award – Recognizes and supports young biotech entrepreneurs to translate ideas into ventures.

3. Schemes for Promoting Rural Innovations

1. Biotechnology Innovations for Rural Development (BIRD) – Encourages grassroots innovations that create sustainable, biotech-based rural solutions.

4. Schemes for Capacity Building in Biotechnology

1. Biotechnology Post-Doctoral Fellowship (BPDF) – Supports advanced research training.
2. Biotechnology Training and Workshop (BTW) – Builds skillsets through specialized training and hands-on workshops.
3. Biotechnology Education Programme – Promotes biotech awareness and learning among students.

Our Team

Beena D, Technical Officer, KBC

Dr. Krupa Ann Mathew, Consultant, DBT Skill Vigyan Kerala profile

Drishya P. S, Project Fellow, KBC

Athira C. Nair, Project Assistant

Anju R. K, Data Entry Operator, DBT Skill Vigyan Kerala

Contact Us

Dr. Sarika A. R.
Principal Scientist
Kerala Biotechnology Commission (KBC)
Kerala State Council for Science, Technology & Environment (KSCSTE)
Sasthra Bhavan, Pattom P.O., Thiruvananthapuram – 695 004
Phone: +91-471-2548254 / 406
Email: kbc.kscste@kerala.gov.in

Introduction  

Biotechnology Young Entrepreneur (BYE) Award programme is aimed to raise awareness of  commercialization of bioscience ideas among post graduate students in Biotechnology  and to encourage them to develop biotechnology entrepreneurship. This is an annual  competition organized along with a workshop. The participants will then develop a  Business Plan which will be judged by a panel of experts

Who can apply? 

Students who are pursuing post graduate programmes (including integrated PG degree  programmes), doctoral degree, BE or B Tech in Biotechnology or in the area of life  sciences related to biotechnology (bioinformatics / Molecular Biology / microbiology /  biochemistry / Genetics and/or related subjects) from universities/Institutes in the  State of Kerala are eligible to apply

Time slot to apply?  

Applications are invited twice every year – January and July.

How to apply? 

• The applications are to be submitted online when notified.
• The applicants should form a team of five students.
• At least three members in the team of five should be with Life Science background  and other members can be from disciplines other than life sciences/Biotechnology.  The individual team member may or may not be from the same Institute / University.
• Each team should submit only one entry. A participant can be a member of only one  team. Each team has to nominate a member as the team leader and may identify a  mentor as guide.
• The Proposals need to be submitted in the core areas of biotechnology which include:  Agriculture, Aquaculture, Bio-energy, Biologicals and Applications, Bioprocess  Engineering, Biosensors, Drug discovery & Development, Environment, Food, Medical  Diagnostics/Devices, Nanobiology/Nanobiotechnology, Nutraceuticals, Vaccines and  other related areas. The proposals could be either for a product, service or an  application.
• Each team should submit a Concept Note in response to the notification, to the  Chairman, Kerala Biotechnology Commission, KSCSTE, Sasthra Bhavan, Pattom, TVPM–4.

Apply in prescribed format 

• Format for budget proposal – No need of budget (Award programme) • Attach all relevant documents (viz; endorsement certificate, consent letter, T&C,  certificate from head of institution etc.)

Social Relevance and tangible output 

The selection of problem should be societally relevant

Commercialisation Efforts  

The proposals should aim at possible commercialisation of a product / patent

Maximum grant amount:  

The winning teams will be given cash awards by Kerala Biotechnology Commission. The  first prize will be Rs. 1,00,000/-, the 2nd prize will be Rs. 50,000/- and third prize  will be Rs. 25,000/-.

Procedure of operation of the scheme. 

• Scrutiny of the Application
  An expert panel will evaluate the concept proposals and shortlist 15 teams. These 15  teams will attend a high-quality Entrepreneurship Workshop of 3-4 day’s duration that  will familiarize them on matters related to starting a business venture like Business  Plans, IP & Patenting Strategies, Raising Finance, Business Strategies and HR Practices  and other aspects of entrepreneurship development. After the workshop, each team may  go back, consult among themselves and with their mentor and will develop a business  plan based on their concept and learning experience from the workshop within 3 weeks  after the workshop. Each team then will have to make a presentation to a panel of  Experts. The panel will evaluate each of the business plans and identify three winning  teams.

The winning teams will be given cash awards by Kerala Biotechnology Commission. The  first prize will be Rs. 1,00,000/-, the 2nd prize will be Rs. 50,000/- and third prize  will be Rs. 25,000/-

In case of any specific clarifications, please contact:

Kerala Biotechnology Commission,
Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE),
Sasthra Bhavan, Pattom, Thiruvananthapuram – 695 004.
Telephone:0471-2548406, 2548254
E-mail: kbc.kscste@kerala.gov.in, biotechkerala@gmail.com

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Introduction

The Scheme facilitates Academia-Industry interaction by undertaking projects in collaboration with an industrial partner which should result in commercializing the product or process or service. The selection is through a peer-review mechanism and evaluation by an expert committee.

Procedure for Application

Applications are invited through advertisement.

Features

Maximum grant for a period shall be Rs. 40 lakhs (Rupees Forty Lakhs only) for three years excluding overhead cost and industry share (25%). In addition, the host institution will be eligible for an overhead @ 10% of total expenditure subject to a ceiling of Rs. 2 lakhs.

Eligibility

Scientists and Technologists of R&D Centres / Academic Institutions / Organizations actively involved in biotechnological research with emphasis on areas relating to marine, agriculture, health, and environment.

Contact

The Scientist – in – Charge
Kerala Biotechnology Commission
Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE)
Sasthra Bhavan, Pattom, Thiruvananthapuram – 695 004.
Telephone: 0471-2548406, 2548254
E-mail: kbc.kscste@kerala.gov.in, biotechkerala@gmail.com

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Introduction

Young researchers with Ph.D. in relevant areas of Biotechnology are promoted for independent research mentored by eminent scientists/faculty in reputed institutions by providing fellowship.

Procedure for Application

Applications are invited twice every year during January and June.

Features

• The Post-Doctoral Fellowship carries an amount of Rs. 45,000/- per month + HRA (10%) with an annual contingent grant of Rs. 75,000/-.

Eligibility

• The applicant should possess first class Master’s Degree in Life Sciences including Veterinary Science, Agriculture, and Forestry, Fisheries or Master’s Degree in Medicine followed by PhD in biotechnologically relevant aspects with quality publications in indexed (SCI) journals.
• The candidates with the above qualifications who have submitted their Ph.D. thesis and with quality publications in indexed (SCI) journals.
• 40 years as on the date of application, relaxable for 3 years for OBC and 5 years for SC/ST.

Contact

The Scientist – in – Charge
Kerala Biotechnology Commission
Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE)
Sasthra Bhavan, Pattom, Thiruvananthapuram – 695 004.
Telephone: 0471-2548406, 2548254
E-mail: kbc.kscste@kerala.gov.in, biotechkerala@gmail.com

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Introduction

A fellowship programme to attract well-trained and highly skilled researchers with good track record (Indian nationals) working abroad in various frontier areas in biotechnology (biomedical sciences, agriculture, veterinary science, bioengineering, energy, environment, bioinformatics and other related areas) to research and academic institutions in Kerala, by providing them an attractive opportunity to pursue research and development in biotechnology. Applications will be screened by an expert committee and shortlisted candidates are interviewed.

Procedure for Application

Applications are invited through advertisement.

Features

• Fellow entitled for a monthly remuneration of Rs. 1,00,000/- and Rs. 18,500/- as HRA per month.
• Annual research /contingency grant of Rs 7.5 lakh each for first and second year and Rs. 5 lakh each for the subsequent 3 years.
• Host Institution may provide medical benefits, transport allowance, and other benefits as per the prevailing norms applicable to their employees of the equivalent rank out of their own resources/ funds.

Eligibility

• The applicant should possess a Ph.D., M.D. or equivalent degree and at least three years of post-doctoral research experience in premier research laboratories abroad with an outstanding track record of research in biotechnology related areas as reflected in publications and other recognitions.
• Only candidates (Indian nationals) working overseas who are below 45 years of age are eligible; relaxable for 3 years for OBC and 5 years for SC/ST/PH candidates.
• The fellowship is tenable at any reputed institutions in Kerala.

Contact

The Scientist-in-charge
Kerala Biotechnology Commission
Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE),
Sasthra Bhavan, Pattom, Thiruvananthapuram – 695 004
Telephone: (0471) 2548406, 2548254,
E-mail: kbc.kscste@kerala.gov.in, biotechkerala@gmail.com

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Introduction

A scheme to support training programme designed to impart hands-on training in research techniques to post- graduate students, Doctoral students, Post-Doctoral students, Young faculty and mid-career Scientists so that participants can apply the skills in the emerging research areas of Biotechnology

Procedure for Application

Applications are invited twice every year during January and June.

Features

• Maximum support of Rs 1.5 lakh for a training programme
• Partial financial assistance (70% of the total cost) before the date of commencement of training programme and the balance (30%) will be released only after the successful conduct of the programme

Eligibility

The Proposal can be submitted from University/Colleges, Central and State R&D institutions/ Non-Governmental Organizations within the state for conducting the training programme.

The proposal should consist of at least 3 scientists including (1) a Course Co-ordinator who have expertise in the research area of the proposed course (2) two others chosen as Core-Faculty from the host institute and their consent regarding the participation in the course indicated in the proposal. In addition to the internal faculty, external Guest Faculty drawn from other Indian laboratories/institutes engaged actively in the relevant research areas should be invariably invited as resource persons.

Contact

The Scientist – in – Charge
Kerala Biotechnology Commission
Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE)
Sasthra Bhavan, Pattom, Thiruvananthapuram – 695 004.
Telephone: 0471-2548406, 2548254
E-mail: kbc.kscste@kerala.gov.in, biotechkerala@gmail.com

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Introduction

A scheme to support training or operate demonstration projects to promote rural innovation for developing Biotech based products and to promote/popularize the use of biotechnological process and tools for creating employment opportunities in rural areas. Projects will be supported in various areas of Biotechnology like (a) Plant Tissue Culture (low cost) (b) Bio-pesticide Production (c) Bio-fertilizers (d) Mushroom cultivation (e) Pharmaceutical and Health Products (f) Solid Waste Recycling/Vermicomposting(g) Post-Harvest Technology (h) Algal Biotechnology (i) Biofuel and biogas (j) Fermented food processing (k) Natural fibre production with biotechnological interventions.

Applications are invited through advertisement.

Features

• Maximum support of Rs 5.00 lakh for a period of 6 months to a maximum of 12 months
• Partial financial assistance (80%) will be released upon sanction of the project and the balance (20%) will be released only after the successful project completion

Eligibility

• University Departments/Colleges, Central and State R&D Institutions/Organizations, Academic Institutions, non-government organizations with proven track record and self-help groups can apply for conducting training programmes among rural people within the state.
• The trained groups can also submit proposals in collaboration with concerned NGO/Self-help group/R&D/Academic organization for entrepreneurship in the selected areas.

Contact

The Scientist – in – Charge
Kerala Biotechnology Commission
Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE)
Sasthra Bhavan, Pattom, Thiruvananthapuram – 695 004.
Telephone: 0471-2548406, 2548254
E-mail: kbc.kscste@kerala.gov.in, biotechkerala@gmail.com

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Introduction

Young researchers are supported to pursue their innovation and research in emerging and frontline areas of research in Biotechnology, in any branch of biotechnology related to medical, agriculture, veterinary, environment, marine, industrial or bioresources. The young researchers are selected based on peer-review and through evaluation by expert committee.

Procedure for Application

Applications are invited through advertisement.

Features

• Maximum support upto Rs. 30 lakhs (excluding overhead charges @ 10% of the project cost subject to a ceiling of Rs. 1.0 lakh) for a period not exceeding three years.
• Young Scientists without fellowship / salary are eligible for a fellowship of Rs. 45,000/- plus 10% HRA per month, in addition to the support for travel, contingency, consumables and minor equipment. Principal Investigator having regular position can seek manpower.

Eligibility

The applicant should possess

1. PhD in any branch of Life Sciences
2. Three years Post- Doctoral experience in Biotechnology
3. The candidate should be less than 40 years of age. Five years relaxation in age would be available to scientists belonging to SC/ST/OBC, Women and Physically Handicapped category.

Contact

The Scientist – in – Charge
Kerala Biotechnology Commission
Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE)
Sasthra Bhavan, Pattom, Thiruvananthapuram – 695 004.
Telephone: 0471-2548406, 2548254
E-mail: kbc.kscste@kerala.gov.in, biotechkerala@gmail.com

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Introduction

Kerala Biotechnology Commission has initiated the Bioentrepreneurship Certification Programme with the aim to attract students who have completed UG/PG courses in Biotechnology and allied subjects towards entrepreneurship; by providing them the knowledge about the entire venture creation process, from ideas generation to build viable innovation driven businesses and mentoring them to have their own ventures. KBC partners with biotech-based startups / industries in the state in conducting the programme.

Eligibility

Students who are pursuing or have completed the under graduation / post–graduation course in Biotechnology and allied areas in kerala are eligible to apply.

Features

The programme is conducted in three levels:

1. Bio-entrepreneurship Basic Certification (BBC) course
   This is a one-day programme with a maximum of 4–hour duration. This programme offers an exposure to basics of bioentrepreneurship, its requirements, productization and marketing, investment, and the business sustainability etc. Based on a 30-minute course assessment test, a maximum of 10% of the total participants will be selected to attend the second level course.
2. Bioentrepreneurship Advanced Certification (BAC) course
   This a one-week programme, which mainly focused to teach the detailed information about Innovations/Novel applications; problem solving options; prototyping; product; market plan, investment plan and future plan strategy to aspiring student entrepreneurs. This programme provides the participants, direct interaction with experienced mentors, on different aspects of bioentrepreneurship. There will be a 30 minutes pitch assessment test; selected participants will be provided an opportunity for the third level industrial certification course.
3. Bioentrepreneurship Industrial Certification (BIC) Course
   This is a one-year programme that offers to provide an exposure on the entire venture creation process, from ideas generation to building viable innovation driven business. The selected students from the first two-levels will be enrolled to the one-year Bioentrepreneurship Industrial Certification (BIC) Programme with a stipend of Rs. 20,000/- per month offered by KBC for one year year bioenterpreneurship training in the partnering industry; the convenience fee @ Rs. 25,000/- per candidate will be provided to the industry by KBC. The candidate is expected to acquire necessary skills and training by the end of the training period to have own ventures / to get placement in biotech industries.

Contact

The Scientist – in – Charge
Kerala Biotechnology Commission
Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE)
Sasthra Bhavan, Pattom, Thiruvananthapuram – 695 004.
Telephone: 0471-2548406, 2548254

E-mail: kbc.kscste@kerala.gov.in,
biotechkerala@gmail.com,
startupkbc@gmail.com

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