Deadline Date: January 27, 2026
The Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) has launched a Call for Proposals to support the implementation of pilot projects focused on the production of green hydrogen using biomass-based and other innovative technology-driven approaches under the National Green Hydrogen Mission.
The call prioritizes green hydrogen production from biomass-based pathways, floating solar-based green hydrogen production, wastewater-based hydrogen generation, utilization of green hydrogen and its derivatives for decentralized applications, validation of green hydrogen for household, residential, commercial, and community use, safe and secure deployment in new sectors, pilot-scale and demonstration projects, technology readiness levels of 5 or 6, commercialization potential, and knowledge dissemination through reports, workshops, and publications. Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council, a not-for-profit public sector enterprise under the Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India, has been identified by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy as the implementing agency for Part A of this scheme. The initiative aims to strengthen India’s innovation ecosystem by supporting advanced-stage technologies that can contribute to the national green hydrogen roadmap.
The call invites proposals from eligible Indian entities to act as Executing Agencies for pilot projects that demonstrate the technical feasibility and performance of green hydrogen production from biomass and other innovative technologies not covered under previous schemes. Projects must be either completed or sufficiently advanced for implementation and must demonstrate laboratory-scale validation, as early-stage research or proof-of-concept studies are not supported.
Under this Call for Proposals, a total financial outlay of INR 100 crore has been allocated, with a maximum support of INR 25 crore per pilot project. Private entities are eligible for up to 80 percent of total equipment costs, while government organizations may receive up to 100 percent support, subject to the maximum limit. Funding is limited to equipment and retrofitting costs, while operating expenses, civil construction, land, water sourcing, and recurring costs are excluded.
Selected Executing Agencies will be responsible for setting up pilot plants, arranging land, implementing projects, and sharing outcomes related to technical performance, safety, viability, and best practices. Preference will be given to commercially viable projects with feasible offtake arrangements and applicants with proven experience in infrastructure development, technology scale-up, and biomass conversion or valorization.
Eligible applicants include Indian companies, public sector undertakings, statutory corporations, limited liability partnerships, academic institutions, research organizations, NGOs, trusts, foundations, societies, and legally registered joint ventures, either applying individually or in collaboration. All applicants must meet ownership, registration, and documentation requirements as specified and must declare that the proposed project has not received funding under any other scheme of the National Green Hydrogen Mission or the Government of India.
For more information, visit BIRAC.
