The Department of Pharmaceuticals has launched the Research and Innovation Promotion in Pharma and MedTech (PRIP) scheme, a ₹5,000 crore initiative aimed at accelerating pharma and MedTech innovation across startups, MSMEs and established industry. Applications open on the PRIP portal by mid-September 2026, which means the window to prepare is now, not after the portal goes live.
If you’re planning to apply, one thing that often gets underestimated is whether your lab is actually equipped to execute the scale-up work the funding is meant to support.
What Is the PRIP Scheme, and Who Can Apply
PRIP is structured around Technology Readiness Level (TRL), a standard scale used to describe how far a technology has progressed from early concept to proven, deployable solution.
- Startups and MSMEs can apply during the Preparatory Phase, aimed at scaling technologies from TRL 1-3 up to TRL 5 or below.
- Industry, startups and MSMEs can apply during the Subsequent Phases, aimed at advancing technologies already at TRL 4, 5 or 6 to a higher level.
- Preparatory Phase support is capped at Rs 5 crore per project.
- Subsequent Phase support is capped at Rs 100 crore per project, limited to 35% of total project cost, meaning applicants co-finance the remaining 65%.
Preparatory Phase vs Subsequent Phases: What’s Actually Different
| Factor | Preparatory Phase | Subsequent Phases |
| Who can apply | Startups and MSMEs | Industry, startups and MSMEs |
| Starting technology level | TRL 1-3 | TRL 4, 5 or 6 |
| Target technology level | Up to TRL 5 | Higher than starting level |
| Maximum support | Rs 5 crore per project | Rs 100 crore per project |
| Funding structure | Grant-based | Capped at 35% of project cost, rest co-financed |
| Application method | Concept note, can go through eligible entities or ecosystem enablers | Direct detailed application |
Why Lab Equipment Readiness Matters for a PRIP Application
Moving a technology up the TRL scale usually means your lab needs to demonstrate reproducible, validated results, not just a working prototype. That typically depends on equipment that’s properly calibrated, compliant and matched to the scale of work you’re proposing.
Since Subsequent Phase funding requires you to co-finance 65% of total project cost, equipment gaps discovered mid-project can become an expensive surprise rather than a planned line item. Mapping equipment needs before you apply, not after approval, is the difference between a smooth scale-up and a stalled one.
Common Equipment Considerations for TRL Scale-Up Work
- Sterile handling and containment for biological or pharmaceutical work, typically requiring a properly certified biosafety cabinet or laminar flow setup.
- Stability and shelf-life testing under controlled temperature and humidity, which usually depends on a validated environmental chamber.
- Reliable cell culture or microbial growth conditions for biotech and diagnostics work, which depends on a properly calibrated incubator.
- Sample and biologic storage at the correct temperature range, which matters more as project scale and sample volume increase.
- Sterilization capacity that can keep pace with higher throughput once a project moves from bench scale to pilot scale.
How to Prepare Your Facility Before Applying
- Map your current TRL level honestly, and identify what your equipment setup needs to look like at the TRL you’re targeting.
- Get an internal audit of which equipment is validated, calibrated and compliant versus outdated or borderline.
- Factor equipment costs into your co-financing plan early, since Subsequent Phase support covers at most 35% of total project cost.
- Talk to equipment suppliers before you apply, not after approval, since procurement and installation lead times can eat into your project timeline.
- Confirm the compliance and certification standards your scaled-up process will need to meet, so equipment decisions aren’t made twice.
- Watch the PRIP portal for the mid-September application opening and prepare your concept note or detailed application in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the PRIP scheme?
PRIP stands for Research and Innovation Promotion in Pharma and MedTech, a ₹5,000 crore scheme from India’s Department of Pharmaceuticals aimed at accelerating pharma and MedTech innovation among startups, MSMEs and industry.
Who is eligible for PRIP funding?
Startups and MSMEs are eligible for the Preparatory Phase. Industry, startups and MSMEs are all eligible for the Subsequent Phases, depending on the technology readiness level of the project.
How much funding can a project receive under PRIP?
Preparatory Phase support is capped at Rs 5 crore per project. Subsequent Phase support is capped at Rs 100 crore per project, limited to 35% of total project cost, with the remainder co-financed by the applicant.
When do PRIP applications open?
Applications open on the PRIP portal by mid-September 2026, according to the Department of Pharmaceuticals’ announcement.
Does PRIP funding cover lab equipment purchases?
The scheme funds project costs tied to advancing technology readiness level, and equipment is often a significant part of that cost, but applicants should confirm exactly what expenses qualify directly through the official PRIP portal guidelines once available.
What’s the difference between Preparatory Phase and Subsequent Phase support?
Preparatory Phase targets earlier-stage technology (TRL 1-3 scaling to TRL 5 or below) with smaller grants, while Subsequent Phases target more advanced technology (TRL 4-6 and beyond) with larger, co-financed support.