First in the World Challenge Grants 2026 (ICMR) is a grant from Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Department of Health Research for high-risk, 'first of its kind' biomedical innovations (vaccines, drugs, diagnostics, interventions). It provides Up to ₹8 Cr, for healthtech · medtech · biotech · pharma. The current deadline is 30 November 2026.
Key facts
| Amount / benefit | Up to ₹8 Cr |
|---|---|
| Provider | Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Department of Health Research |
| Where | Pan-India |
| Stage | Idea, Proof Of Concept, Prototype |
| Sector | healthtech · medtech · biotech · pharma |
| Deadline | 30 November 2026 |
What is First in the World Challenge Grants 2026?
First in the World Challenge Grants 2026 (ICMR) — Proof of concept up to ₹1 Cr (2 yrs); Prototype up to ₹4 Cr (3 yrs); Final product/model up to ₹8 Cr (4 yrs) — High-risk, 'first of its kind' biomedical innovations (vaccines, drugs, diagnostics, interventions). Open to scientists and faculty at government institutions and universities, to DSIR-registered private institutions and NGOs, and explicitly to Indian startups, MSMEs and industry. Needs one PI plus at least one Co-PI from the PI's institution. It is run by Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Department of Health Research.
A grant is financial support you don’t repay — awarded against eligibility and, usually, agreed milestones or utilisation of funds. 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 healthtech · medtech · biotech · pharma. 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 is eligible for First in the World Challenge Grants 2026?
High-risk, 'first of its kind' biomedical innovations (vaccines, drugs, diagnostics, interventions). Open to scientists and faculty at government institutions and universities, to DSIR-registered private institutions and NGOs, and explicitly to Indian startups, MSMEs and industry. Needs one PI plus at least one Co-PI from the PI's institution. Not for: Proposals that only add to existing knowledge or improve a process; anything that is not 'first in the world'..
How much does First in the World Challenge Grants 2026 give, and in what form?
Up to ₹8 Cr.
Frequently asked questions
What kind of support is this?
A grant is financial support you don’t repay — awarded against eligibility and, usually, agreed milestones or utilisation of funds.
Who runs this programme?
First in the World Challenge Grants 2026 (ICMR) is offered by Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Department of Health Research. Eligibility and approval rest with them; the criteria and amounts are set by the programme.
Is there a deadline to apply?
The programme lists a deadline of 2026-11-30. Government timelines can change, so confirm the current date 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.
Related programmes
Browse similar grant programmes. CapEasy handles this under Fundraising advisory.
Source and verification
No official page is linked for this programme yet. Verification date pending. 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.