India invites proposals under PRIP scheme to propel Pharma‑MedTech R&D projects
Programme offers funding support from idea to market across early and later stage projects, with enhanced incentives for strategic health priorities
The Department of Pharmaceuticals, Government of India, has invited applications for research and innovation projects under its Promotion of Research & Innovation in Pharma‑MedTech Sector (PRIP) scheme. The scheme is intended to transform the sector into a globally competitive, innovation‑driven domain. With an approved outlay of ₹5,000 crore, PRIP is expected to support about 300 projects involving total R&D investment of approximately ₹11,000 crore in new medicines, complex generics, biosimilars and novel medical devices.
Alongside the invitation for proposals, the Department has introduced amendments and published revised guidelines to align the scheme more closely with stakeholder requirements and enhance its impact.
Under the amended provisions, early stage projects from micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and start-ups with costs up to ₹9 crore may receive assistance of up to ₹5 crore. Later stage projects by industry, MSMEs and start-ups with cost up to ₹285 crore may apply for assistance of up to ₹100 crore. Financial assistance for early stage projects is set at 100 per cent of cost up to ₹1 crore and 50 per cent of additional costs beyond ₹1 crore, subject to the ₹5 crore ceiling. For later stage projects, assistance is fixed at 35 per cent of project cost, again capped at ₹100 crore.
To address India’s health security needs, the amended scheme allows higher support for projects in Strategic Priority Innovation (SPI) areas. Within these domains—covering rare diseases, antimicrobial resistance, vaccine‑preventable diseases, tropical vector‑borne diseases and pathogens causing outbreaks—a later stage project may receive assistance of up to 50 per cent, subject to the ₹100 crore limit.
The revised scheme also gives incentives for collaboration between industry and academic or research institutions of national repute. Preference in selection will be given to up to nine collaborative projects each in early and later stages, provided the collaboration is substantial and the credentials of the partners are strong. Industry, MSMEs and start‑ups may use scheme assistance to in‑licence research outputs developed by such institutions, thereby linking academic research with industrial development. Use of funds to build public R&D assets in academic institutions as part of approved projects is also incentivised.
Beyond financial aid, the scheme envisages institutional enablers to support innovation. Dedicated Centres of Excellence at the seven National Institutes of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPERs) are to act as research hubs. An Academia‑Industry Coordination Committee under the Secretary, Department of Pharmaceuticals, with joint membership from industry associations and NIPERs, will institutionalise collaboration. The scheme further proposes a pan‑India digital Pharma‑MedTech innovation exchange to connect innovators with investors, mentors, government initiatives such as Patent Mitra and MedTech Mitra, and global opportunities, ensuring support along the R&D pathway from idea to market.
The application window opened on 1 October 2025 via a dedicated portal. Detailed guidelines, eligibility criteria, timelines and instructions are accessible on the PRIP portal. With participation from both domestic and international players, the scheme is aimed at channeling greater investment into R&D, deepening ecosystem collaborations, and accelerating delivery of affordable, quality health solutions. It further seeks to strengthen public health resilience and enhance India’s role in global healthcare innovation.
Welcoming the announcement, Sudarshan Jain, Secretary General, Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance, stated, “India is known as the Pharmacy of the World, supplying 20 per cent of global generics demand. Innovation accounts for 2/3rd of the global pharma market wherein India’s presence is limited. IPA welcomes the announcement of the Program for Research & Innovation for Pharma and MedTech (PRIP) Scheme. This initiative will spur innovation and accelerate the industry’s aspiration to move up the value chain – from volume leadership to value leadership. A strong thrust on research and innovation is fundamental to taking India to the next level: from ‘Make in India’ to ‘Discover and Make in India’, positioning the country as the custodian of global healthcare.”