About this programme
The AcE (Accelerating Entrepreneurs) Fund is a fund-of-funds that invests in SEBI-registered Category I and II Alternative Investment Funds (daughter funds), which in turn commit to invest twice BIRAC's committed amount into biotech startups and SMEs. It fosters R&D and innovation across healthcare, life sciences, pharma, biopharma, medtech, diagnostics, industrial biotech, agritech and bio-IT during the product development and growth phases.
This is equity funding — the investor (often through a fund) takes a stake in your company in exchange for capital, rather than lending or granting money. You give up some ownership; you don’t repay it like a loan. The amount and form of support that actually apply to you depend on the programme’s rules and how your application is assessed — they are not fixed for every applicant.
It is aimed at businesses in growth-stage biotech startup/sme equity investment via aifs. Like most government programmes, it has its own eligibility conditions, documentation and application window, and these terms are revised from time to time. Because of that, it is worth confirming the current eligibility, amount and deadline on the official programme page before you invest time in applying.
Who can apply
Biotech startups and SMEs seeking equity investment through one of BIRAC's 16 SEBI-registered AcE Fund daughter-fund partners.
Documents you’ll typically need
- Business registration / incorporation certificate
- PAN (and GST registration, where applicable)
- Identity and address proof for the applicant / directors
- A short description of your business or project
- Recent financials or a simple project report
The exact checklist depends on the programme and your specifics.
Frequently asked
What kind of support is this?
This is equity funding — the investor (often through a fund) takes a stake in your company in exchange for capital, rather than lending or granting money. You give up some ownership; you don’t repay it like a loan.
Who runs this programme?
BIRAC Fund of Funds - AcE (Accelerating Entrepreneurs) is offered by BIRAC. Eligibility and approval rest with them; the criteria and amounts are set by the programme.
Is there a deadline to apply?
Programmes like this can be rolling or time-bound. Confirm the current window on the official programme page before you apply.
How do I know if I’m eligible?
Read “Who can apply” above for the programme’s own criteria. If you’d like a quick read on your specific case, our free 2-minute eligibility check maps your stage, sector and revenue to what you can realistically claim.
Reviewed July 2026. Government programmes change — confirm current eligibility, amounts and deadlines on the official programme page before you apply. CapEasy is a private consultancy and is not affiliated with any government authority.