Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh launched the third phase of the Biomedical Research Career Programme (BRCP) on Thursday. This ₹1,500 crore initiative aims to strengthen biomedical research in India and support scientists at various stages of their careers.
This program will be jointly funded by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and the UK-based Wellcome Trust, the DBT will contribute ₹1,000 crore and the Wellcome Trust ₹500 crore. It will be implemented through the DBT-Wellcome Trust India Alliance.
Speaking at the launch event, Singh stated that the role of biotechnology is becoming increasingly significant in India’s economic growth and scientific development. He noted that India’s bio-economy has grown from USD 10 billion in 2014 to over USD 195 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 300 billion by 2030.
According to the Minister, the third phase of BRCP will provide fellowships and research grants, foster interdisciplinary and collaborative research, and support basic scientists, science communicators, clinician-researchers, public health experts, and research managers. He stated that the program is expected to strengthen India’s biomedical innovation ecosystem and promote greater international and philanthropic collaboration.
Launched in 2008, the Biomedical Research Career Program has supported over 500 researchers across more than 200 institutions, trained thousands of students and early-career scientists, and contributed to biomedical research and innovation in the country.
In the third phase, support for researchers will be enhanced, collaborative and translational research will be promoted, India’s biomedical innovation ecosystem will be strengthened, and the development of technologies, diagnostics, and healthcare solutions aligned with national priorities will be accelerated.
(PIB)
