ICMR First in the World Challenge

Closes 30 Nov 2026 Indian Council of Medical Research, Department of Health Research All of India

Grant

Amount set per project

Apply on the official site

What it funds: Funding for high risk health research aiming at first of its kind products or processes
Who can apply: Indian startups, MSMEs and industry, alongside scientists at DSIR recognised institutions
Truly first in the world idea; incremental work is not funded
One principal investigator leads the application
When you can apply: Closes 30 Nov 2026
How to apply: Submit through the ICMR ePMS portal under the First in World Challenge 2026 call
Best for: Idea, Prototype stage
Sectors: HealthTech BioTech
Run by: Government of India

MIT Solve Global ChallengesUSD 10,000 per selected team, plus prizes up to USD 150,000 Closes 6 Nov 2026
Nexa Lighthouse Funding Opportunity: Asia and the PacificAbout USD 250,000 to USD 2 million per innovation Closes 17 Nov 2026
Social Alpha Entrepreneur in Residence Fellowship₹60,000 a month, plus a chance to pitch for up to ₹50 lakh Open all year
UNICEF Venture FundUp to USD 100,000 Open all year
ACT Grants (Catalyst and Momentum Grants)Amount set per project Open all year
BIRAC LEAP Fund (via BioNEST incubators)Up to ₹1 crore per startup as equity, in milestone tranches Open all year
BIRAC SITARE-GYTI AwardUp to ₹15 lakh per project (15 projects) Closed

Starter opens 30 grants in full. Pro opens every one.