Introduction

In India’s growing innovation landscape, biotechnology and life sciences are among the most promising and impactful sectors. And leading this transformation is the Atal Incubation Centre – Centre for Cellular & Molecular Biology (AIC-CCMB) — a premier life sciences incubator empowering entrepreneurs to turn scientific research into successful businesses.

Established under the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog, AIC-CCMB provides seed funding, laboratory infrastructure, and scientific mentorship to startups working at the intersection of biology, technology, and innovation.

Whether you are developing biotech tools, diagnostics, medical devices, or sustainable bio-based products, this guide will walk you through how to apply for seed funding at AIC-CCMB, including eligibility, process, and benefits.

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1. About AIC-CCMB (Atal Incubation Centre – Centre for Cellular & Molecular Biology)

The Centre for Cellular & Molecular Biology (CCMB), based in Hyderabad, is one of India’s top research institutions under the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).

To bridge the gap between scientific innovation and commercialization, CCMB partnered with the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) to establish the Atal Incubation Centre (AIC) — now known as AIC-CCMB.

Launched in 2018, AIC-CCMB focuses on fostering biotech entrepreneurship by supporting startups in life sciences, healthcare, and allied domains.

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🌟 Vision:

To enable life science entrepreneurs to transform cutting-edge research into commercially viable technologies that address real-world challenges in healthcare, agriculture, and environment.

🎯 Mission:

To support early-stage biotech startups through funding, lab access, mentorship, and networking, fostering a vibrant ecosystem for bioscience innovation.

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2. What is the AIC-CCMB Seed Fund Program?

The AIC-CCMB Seed Fund Program is part of the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS) — designed to empower innovative startups by providing early-stage financial support.

This program helps startups move from proof-of-concept to prototype, validation, and market launch.

It primarily targets startups in biotechnology, healthcare, diagnostics, molecular biology, genomics, and bioengineering.

💰 Funding Details:

• Prototype/Validation Grant: Up to ₹20 lakh

• Market Entry/Commercialization Investment: Up to ₹50 lakh (through debt or equity instruments)

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3. Why Choose AIC-CCMB for Your Startup?

Unlike general incubators, AIC-CCMB offers specialized scientific and research-based incubation tailored to the unique needs of biotech startups.

Here’s what makes AIC-CCMB stand out:

✅ World-Class Infrastructure
Access to state-of-the-art wet labs, shared equipment, tissue culture facilities, cold storage, and molecular biology tools.

✅ Mentorship from Scientists
Guidance from CCMB scientists, faculty, and biotech entrepreneurs who bring both research depth and industry experience.

✅ Networking & Investor Connect
Connect with biotech-focused investors, angel networks, and government funding agencies such as BIRAC, DBT, and DST.

✅ Technology Commercialization Support
Help with patent filing, IP protection, licensing, and technology transfer.

✅ Collaborative Ecosystem
Located within CCMB’s research campus, AIC-CCMB allows startups to collaborate with India’s top scientists and researchers.

✅ Access to Government Programs
AIC-CCMB connects startups with funding opportunities under BIRAC BIG Grant, BioNEST, and Atal Innovation Mission schemes.

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4. Eligibility Criteria for AIC-CCMB Seed Fund

Before you apply, ensure that your startup fulfills the eligibility requirements outlined under the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS) and AIC-CCMB’s internal criteria.

✅ General Eligibility:

1. Must be a DPIIT-recognized startup under Startup India.

2. Registered as a Private Limited Company, LLP, or Registered Partnership Firm.

3. The startup’s incorporation must be less than 10 years old.

4. Annual turnover must not exceed ₹100 crore.

5. The startup should have at least 51% Indian ownership.

6. Should not have received more than ₹10 lakh in grants from other central/state government sources for the same project.

🧬 Sector-Specific Focus:

• Biotechnology and Life Sciences

• Biomedical Devices

• Molecular Diagnostics

• Drug Discovery Platforms

• Agricultural Biotechnology

• Bioinformatics and Computational Biology

• Environmental Biotechnology

• Synthetic Biology

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5. Step-by-Step Process to Apply for the AIC-CCMB Seed Fund

Applying for AIC-CCMB’s seed fund is a simple, structured, and transparent process.

🔹 Step 1: Startup India Portal Registration

Register your company and obtain DPIIT recognition on the Startup India Portal.

🔹 Step 2: Apply Through SISFS Portal

Visit the official Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS) portal and choose AIC-CCMB as your preferred incubator.

Alternatively, you can also apply through AIC-CCMB’s official website — www.aicccmb.org.

🔹 Step 3: Submit Application

Fill in your startup details including:

• Problem statement and solution

• Scientific or technological innovation

• Business model and scalability potential

• Team background and expertise

• Funding required and usage plan

🔹 Step 4: Upload Required Documents

You will need to submit:

• DPIIT recognition certificate

• Incorporation certificate

• Business plan and pitch deck

• Technical presentation of your innovation

• Financial projections

• KYC documents of founders

🔹 Step 5: Screening and Evaluation

AIC-CCMB’s internal evaluation committee assesses applications based on:

• Innovation potential

• Commercial feasibility

• Social or environmental impact

• Team strength and technical expertise

🔹 Step 6: Pitch Presentation

Shortlisted startups are invited to present their idea to the Seed Fund Evaluation Committee (SFEC) — comprising scientists, investors, and domain experts.

🔹 Step 7: Funding and Incubation

Selected startups receive funding in tranches tied to milestones such as prototype development, product testing, or commercialization.

They are also onboarded into the AIC-CCMB incubation program for mentorship and access to CCMB’s lab facilities.

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6. Benefits of Getting Incubated at AIC-CCMB

AIC-CCMB offers one of the most comprehensive incubation experiences for life science founders.

🧫 1. Lab Infrastructure

Access to CCMB’s advanced lab setup, including:

• PCR machines, centrifuges, spectrophotometers

• Microscopy suites

• Bioreactors and fermenters

• Analytical equipment for molecular biology and biochemistry

👩‍🔬 2. Scientific Mentorship

Work closely with leading CCMB scientists, who provide deep insights into product design, research validation, and experimental optimization.

💰 3. Seed Funding & Grants

Receive up to ₹50 lakh in funding to build prototypes, validate technology, or scale operations.

🌱 4. BIRAC & Government Linkages

AIC-CCMB works closely with BIRAC, DBT, DST, and AIM, offering startups access to additional government schemes.

🌍 5. Industry and Academia Connects

Collaborate with research organizations, pharmaceutical companies, and academic institutions to test and validate your innovation.

🧩 6. Intellectual Property & Tech Transfer

Assistance in patent filing, technology licensing, and commercialization pathways.

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7. Evaluation Parameters

AIC-CCMB’s Seed Fund Evaluation Committee evaluates startups using the following parameters:

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8. Success Stories from AIC-CCMB

AIC-CCMB has supported numerous startups that have gone on to make remarkable strides in biotech innovation:

• Bugworks Research: Developing next-generation antibiotics and therapeutic molecules.

• Oncosimis Biotech: Focused on cancer therapeutics and targeted drug delivery.

• Prantae Solutions: Building molecular diagnostic kits for pregnancy and maternal health.

• String Bio: Innovating sustainable protein and waste-to-value biotechnologies.

These success stories reflect AIC-CCMB’s ability to bridge deep science with entrepreneurship, helping startups transform research into scalable impact.

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9. Contact Information

📍 Address:
Atal Incubation Centre – Centre for Cellular & Molecular Biology (AIC-CCMB)
Habsiguda, Uppal Road, Hyderabad – 500007, Telangana, India

🌐 Website: www.aicccmb.org

📧 Email: info@aicccmb.org

📞 Phone: +91-40-2716-0225

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10. Conclusion

The Atal Incubation Centre – CCMB represents a new era of science-driven entrepreneurship in India.

It’s more than just an incubator — it’s a collaborative hub where innovation meets infrastructure, and scientific ideas become market-ready solutions.

For founders working in biotech, healthcare, or molecular sciences, the AIC-CCMB Seed Fund provides everything needed to turn research into revenue — from funding and lab access to mentorship and commercialization support.

If your idea is ready to move from bench to business, AIC-CCMB is where it can take its first big leap.

Apply today at www.aicccmb.org — and join India’s most dynamic bioscience startup ecosystem. 🚀