BYEA

Biotechnology Young Entrepreneur Award

6.2/10

The “Biotechnology Young Entrepreneur Award (BYE)” is a programme to promote commercialisation of bioscience ideas among graduate/post graduate students in Biotechnology and to encourage them to develop biotechnology entrepreneurship.

State Cash

States / UT: Kerala

Nodal department: Science and Technology Department

Scheme for: Individual

Scheme profile

DBT (direct benefit transfer): No

Categories: Science, IT & Communications, Business & Entrepreneurship

Sub-categories: Setting up / start-up / entrepreneurship

Target beneficiaries: Individual

Tags: Biotechnology, Young, Entrepreneur, Award, Workshop, Student

Details

The “Biotechnology Young Entrepreneur Award (BYE)” is a programme to promote commercialisation of bioscience ideas among graduate/postgraduate students in Biotechnology and to encourage them to develop biotechnology entrepreneurship. This is an annual competition organized along with a workshop. The participants will then develop a Business Plan which will be judged by a panel of experts.

Benefits

  • 1. The winning teams will be given cash awards by the Kerala Biotechnology Commission. 1. Cash award for winners - first prize ₹1 00 000/-
  • second prize ₹50 000/- and third prize ₹25 000/-. 1. The awardees will be encouraged to establish start-ups through facilitation and support after evaluation and recommendation by an Expert Committee
  1. The winning teams will be given cash awards by the Kerala Biotechnology Commission.
  2. Cash award for winners - first prize ₹1,00,000/-, second prize ₹50,000/- and third prize ₹25,000/-.
  3. The awardees will be encouraged to establish start-ups through facilitation and support after evaluation and recommendation by an Expert Committee.

Eligibility

  1. Students who are pursuing post-graduate programmes (including integrated PG degree programmes), doctoral degrees, B.E. or B.Tech. in Biotechnology or in the area of life sciences related to biotechnology (bioinformatics/Molecular biology/microbiology/biochemistry/Genetics and/or related subjects) from universities/Institutes in the State of Kerala are eligible to apply.

How useful is this scheme?

Public benefit analysis

A practical look at this scheme for citizens

AI-generated insights showing how useful, accessible, and practical this scheme may be — combining deterministic scoring rules with a public-policy LLM analyst.

6.2
/ 10
Public Benefit Score
Accessibility 6.0/10 Moderate
Rural usefulness 4.0/10 Moderate
Application complexity 5.0/10 Moderate
Financial impact 9.0/10 Good
Literacy barrier 7.0/10 Challenging
Women inclusivity 6.0/10 Moderate
Awareness 4.5/10 Moderate
Implementation reliability 7.0/10 Good
Bigger shape means a better fit for citizens
  • Accessibility6.0
  • Financial impact9.0
  • Rural utility4.0
  • Awareness4.5
  • Simplicity5.0
  • Inclusivity6.0

What problem does this scheme solve?

The Biotechnology Young Entrepreneur Award aims to foster entrepreneurship among students in biotechnology, providing cash awards and support for business development.

Key challenges addressed

  • Encourages commercialization of bioscience ideas
  • Supports young entrepreneurs in biotechnology

Most beneficial for

  • Graduate and postgraduate students in biotechnology
  • Young entrepreneurs in the field of life sciences

Likely challenges

  • Complex application process
  • Limited awareness among potential applicants

Practical insights for citizens

The scheme is practical for students in urban areas but may face challenges in rural settings.

Rural challenges

  • Limited access to online resources
  • Potential lack of awareness in rural areas

Digital challenges

  • High digital dependency may exclude non-digital users
  • Need for reliable internet access

Implementation bottlenecks

  • Complexity in team formation and proposal submission
  • Evaluation process may be lengthy

Awareness challenges

  • Limited outreach to potential beneficiaries
  • Need for better communication of eligibility and benefits

Application analysis

Application mode
Online portal
Documents burden
Minimal, no specific documents required
Verification complexity
Moderate, involves expert evaluation
Office dependency
Low, primarily online
DBT dependency
No direct DBT dependency
CSC support
Limited, primarily online
Estimated citizen effort
Moderate, requires team collaboration and planning

Estimated beneficiary reach

  • Rural / urban reach Moderate
  • Gender reach Moderate

Benefit analysis

Benefit type
Cash
Benefit frequency
Annual
Benefit practicality
High, as it provides immediate financial support for business ideas
Financial meaningfulness
High, with significant cash awards for winners
Long-term impact
Potentially high, as it encourages entrepreneurship and innovation in biotechnology

Plain-language guidance

The Biotechnology Young Entrepreneur Award supports students in biotechnology by providing cash prizes for innovative business ideas. Teams of students can apply online to compete for awards and receive mentorship.

Who should apply
Graduate and postgraduate students in biotechnology and life sciences.
Who may struggle
Students from rural areas with limited internet access or awareness of the scheme.
Best application route
Apply online through the official portal when applications are open.

This intelligence section is generated by an AI policy analyst combined with rule-based scoring. Scores and narrative are estimates derived from the publicly available scheme information shown on this page; actual experience may vary by state, district, and department. Always confirm details on the official portal before you apply.

Application Process

Online

Applications are invited twice every year during January and June and are to be submitted online when notified. (Application form)
Scrutiny of the Application:
Step 01: An expert panel will evaluate the concept proposals and shortlist 15 teams. These 15 teams will attend a high-quality Entrepreneurship Workshop of 3-4 day’s duration that will familiarize them with matters related to starting a business venture like Business Plans, IP & Patenting Strategies, Raising Finance, Business Strategies and HR Practices, and other aspects of entrepreneurship development.
Step 02: After the workshop, each team may go back, consult among themselves and with their mentor, and develop a business plan based on their concept and learning experience from the workshop within 3 weeks after the workshop.
Step 03: Each team then will have to make a presentation to a panel of Experts. The panel will evaluate each of the business plans and identify three winning teams.
Note 01: The applicants should form a team of five students.
Note 02: At least three members in the team of five should be with a Life Science background and other members can be from disciplines other than life sciences/Biotechnology. The individual team member may or may not be from the same Institute/University.
Note 03: Each team should submit only one entry. A participant can be a member of only one team. Each team has to nominate a member as the team leader and may identify a mentor as a guide.
Note 04: The Proposals need to be submitted in the core areas of biotechnology which include: Agriculture, Aquaculture, Bio-energy, Biologicals and Applications, Bioprocess Engineering, Biosensors, Drug discovery & Development, Environment, Food, Medical Diagnostics/Devices, Nanobiology/Nanobiotechnology, Nutraceuticals, Vaccines and other related areas. The proposals could be either for a product, service or an application.
Note 05: Each team should submit a Concept Note in response to the notification, to the Chairman, Kerala Biotechnology Commission, KSCSTE, Sasthra Bhavan, Pattom, TVPM–4.
Contact Details:
The Advisor Kerala Bio-Technology Commission
Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE),
Sasthra Bhavan, Pattom, Thiruvananthapuram – 695 004
Telephone: (0471) 2548406, 2548259
E-mail: kbc.kscste@kerala.gov.in

Clarifications

Additional points from the scheme information published on myScheme (not legal advice).

What is the “Biotechnology Young Entrepreneur (BYE) Award” programme?

The "Biotechnology Young Entrepreneur (BYE) Award" programme is aimed to raise awareness of commercialization of bioscience ideas among post graduate students in Biotechnology and to encourage them to develop biotechnology entrepreneurship. This is an annual competition organized along with a workshop. The participants will then develop a Business Plan which will be judged by a panel of experts.

Which is the implementing agency of this programme?

Kerala Biotechnology Commission (KBC) under the Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE)

Who is eligible to get the benefits under the programme?

The students who are pursuing post-graduate programmes (including integrated PG degree programmes), doctoral degree, B.E. or B.Tech. in Biotechnology or in the area of life sciences related to biotechnology (bioinformatics/Molecular biology/microbiology/biochemistry/Genetics and/or related subjects) from universities/Institutes in the State of Kerala are eligible to apply.

What is the prize money given to the winning team?

The winning teams will be given cash awards by Kerala Biotechnology Commission. The first prize will be ₹1,00,000/-, 2nd prize will be ₹50,000/- and third prize will be ₹25,000/-.

What should be the aim of the proposal?

The proposals should aim at possible commercialisation of a product / patent.

In which areas of biotechnology proposal can be submitted?

The Proposals need to be submitted in the core areas of biotechnology which include: Agriculture, Aquaculture, Bio-energy, Biologicals and Applications, Bioprocess Engineering, Biosensors, Drug discovery & Development, Environment, Food, Medical Diagnostics/Devices, Nanobiology/Nanobiotechnology, Nutraceuticals, Vaccines and other related areas. The proposals could be either for a product, service or an application.

How many students should there be in a team?

The applicants should form a team of five students. At least three members in the team of five should be with Life Science background and other members can be from disciplines other than life sciences/Biotechnology.

Can an individual team member only be from the same Institute/University?

No, the individual team member may or may not be from the same Institute / University.

How many times are the applications invited in a year?

The applications are invited twice every year during January and June.

How can an applicant apply for the programme?

The applications are to be submitted online when notified.

Where can an applicant contact regarding this programme?

The applicant may contact at following address: The Advisor Kerala Bio-Technology Commission Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE), Sasthra Bhavan, Pattom, Thiruvananthapuram - 695 004 Telephone: (0471) 2548406, 2548259 E-mail: kbc.kscste@kerala.gov.in

References

Official Website
https://kscste.kerala.gov.in/biotechnology-young-entrepreneur-award-bye/
Guideline
https://kscste.kerala.gov.in/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/BYE_Guidelines_21.pdf
Application Form
https://kscste.kerala.gov.in/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/BYE_Application_21.pdf

Apply

Apply now

Opens the official application or programme portal in a new tab. If in doubt, confirm details on the ministry site.

Frequently asked questions

What is the purpose of Biotechnology Young Entrepreneur Award?
Biotechnology Young Entrepreneur Award is a government welfare initiative designed to support Individual, Individual through benefits related to Science, IT & Communications, financial assistance, subsidies, social welfare, healthcare, education, or livelihood support.
Who can apply for Biotechnology Young Entrepreneur Award?
Eligibility for Biotechnology Young Entrepreneur Award may depend on factors such as income category, age, gender, occupation, state of residence, social category, and government-defined beneficiary criteria.
What benefits are offered under Biotechnology Young Entrepreneur Award?
Benefits under Biotechnology Young Entrepreneur Award may include financial assistance, subsidies, scholarships, insurance support, healthcare benefits, pension support, training assistance, or welfare services depending on the scheme guidelines.
Which department manages Biotechnology Young Entrepreneur Award?
Biotechnology Young Entrepreneur Award is managed by Science and Technology Department and may be implemented through district offices, online portals, CSC centres, banks, or authorised government agencies.
Can users apply online for Biotechnology Young Entrepreneur Award?
Yes, eligible applicants may be able to apply online for Biotechnology Young Entrepreneur Award through official government portals, authorised service centres, or digital application systems depending on the implementation process.
Is Aadhaar mandatory for Biotechnology Young Entrepreneur Award?
Many government schemes may require Aadhaar verification, identity proof, or linked bank account details for beneficiary validation and direct benefit transfer processing.
Where can users apply for Biotechnology Young Entrepreneur Award?
Applications for Biotechnology Young Entrepreneur Award may be submitted through government departments, official scheme portals, CSC centres, district offices, welfare departments, or authorised service centres.
What documents may be required for Biotechnology Young Entrepreneur Award?
Applicants may need Aadhaar card, income certificate, residence proof, bank account details, caste certificate, photographs, educational records, or occupation-related documents depending on scheme eligibility requirements.
Is income certificate required for Biotechnology Young Entrepreneur Award?
Income certificate requirements may vary depending on beneficiary category, subsidy eligibility, and financial assistance criteria defined under Biotechnology Young Entrepreneur Award.
Is Biotechnology Young Entrepreneur Award available in all states?
No, Biotechnology Young Entrepreneur Award is primarily available for eligible residents of Kerala and may be implemented through state government departments and local administrative offices.
Can residents outside Kerala apply for Biotechnology Young Entrepreneur Award?
Eligibility for Biotechnology Young Entrepreneur Award is generally limited to residents of Kerala unless otherwise specified in the official scheme guidelines.
Can students apply for Biotechnology Young Entrepreneur Award?
Eligible students studying in recognised institutions may apply for Biotechnology Young Entrepreneur Award depending on educational qualification, category, income limit, and academic eligibility.
Is scholarship amount provided under Biotechnology Young Entrepreneur Award?
Biotechnology Young Entrepreneur Award may provide scholarship assistance, tuition support, educational reimbursement, or financial aid for eligible students.
Does Biotechnology Young Entrepreneur Award provide business loan or startup assistance?
Biotechnology Young Entrepreneur Award may support entrepreneurs, startups, self-employed individuals, MSMEs, or small businesses through financial assistance, subsidies, credit support, or training initiatives.
Is collateral required under Biotechnology Young Entrepreneur Award?
Collateral requirements may vary depending on the loan amount, implementing agency, financial institution, and government subsidy structure.
Can CSC centres help users apply for Biotechnology Young Entrepreneur Award?
Many government schemes may be accessible through nearby CSC centres, authorised digital service centres, or welfare facilitation offices.
How can users check the latest updates for Biotechnology Young Entrepreneur Award?
Users should verify official notifications, department announcements, application deadlines, and eligibility updates through authorised government portals or implementing agencies.
Can beneficiaries track application status for Biotechnology Young Entrepreneur Award?
Certain schemes may provide online application tracking, beneficiary verification systems, or status-check facilities through official portals.
Where can users get help for Biotechnology Young Entrepreneur Award in Kerala?
Users in Kerala may seek assistance through CSC centres, district welfare offices, government departments, agriculture offices, social welfare departments, or authorised facilitation centres.
Which nearby public services may help with Biotechnology Young Entrepreneur Award applications?
Depending on the scheme, users may require support from Aadhaar centres, CSC centres, banks, hospitals, post offices, or government welfare offices for document verification and application assistance.