DBT-BIRAC shines at Bharat Innovates 2026 in France

Bharat Innovates 2026, a global accelerator event held from 14–16 June 2026 in Nice, France, showcased 120 Indian deep‑tech startups, 15 premier institutions, and major India–France innovation partnerships, inaugurated by PM Narendra Modi and President Emmanuel Macron.

Department of Biotechnology (DBT)- Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) booth was prominently located near the entrance of exhibition area, emphasising on the following: India’s BioEconomy growth, DBT’s championed BioE3 national policy, BIRAC-RDI Fund support for deep-tech innovations, BioSaarthi- mentoring platform to integrate European mentor pool, BRIC’s R&D ecosystem, BIRAC’s translational ecosystem – Bioincubation centres, Biofoundries, Biotech Startups, and others.

A panel discussion explored how India can build on its success as the “Pharmacy of the World” and evolve into a globally recognised leader in bio-innovation and bio manufacturing through the convergence of science, entrepreneurship, policy, capital, artificial intelligence, and international collaboration.

There were 15 startups nominees of DBT-BIRAC out of 120 startup who were selected for Bharat Innovates 2026. In all, there were 36 out of 120 startups who were BIRAC beneficiaries. This represented a lion’s share contribution of DBT-BIRAC in building high quality national innovation ecosystem.

DBT-BIRAC was represented by Dr Manish Diwan, Head, BIRAC-RDIF; Dr Sonali Tandon, Chief Manager & In charge Investment; and Dr Rashi Aggarwal, Programme Officer, BIRAC-RDIF.

Three term sheets worth Rs 450 Cr + from BIRAC-RDI Fund were announced for Fermbox Bio, Sea6 Energy, and Revelations Biotech, following first set of beneficiaries in the presence of Sudhir Sethi, Founder and Chairman, Chiratae Ventures; Strategic Advisory Committee member, BIRAC-RDIF.

MoU/ agreements between Startup and Industry from the Biotechnology theme were exchanged in the presence of Principal Scientific Advisor, Prof. Ajay K Sood-

ATGC Biotech (participating Startup Company under Biotechnology theme) with Albaugh Europe (a division of US based agrochemical company, Swiss Headquartered MNC specializing in crop-protection with formulation plants in Slovenia, Spain)

ATGC Biotech and Luxembourg Industries Ltd (Israel based Agrochemical, speciality chemicals & advanced materials company with subsidiaries and manufacturing plants in USA and Brazil) announced a Joint Venture called SEMIOPHORE