Introduction:
The BIRAC-BIONEST Incubation facility at CSIR-CFTRI is designed to nurture biotechnology research. the state-of-art facility supports advanced research, scale-up, and efficacy studies, pertaining to food processing and biotechnology. It creates an accessible avenue for startups and SMEs involved in postharvest technology and food technology. It facilitates startups to convert innovative concepts into commercially viable technologies.

The term “incubation” refers to the process of support which is needed by start-up enterprises for successful development. The aim is to produce successful firms that will leave the programme financially viable and independent, through Science and Technology interventions.

The purpose of BIRAC-BIONEST is to incubate and materialize the conceptual ideas and transform these ideas into value added processes/products in the commercial market. BIRAC-BIONEST will nurture nascent ventures by providing workspace, shared facilities and technical support.In BIRAC-BIONEST, the entrepreneurs can receive value added support and access to critical tools, information, education, contacts, resources that may otherwise would have been unaffordable.

The following are the Rules & Regulations of the BIRAC-BIONEST:
Eligibility:
Companies are eligible for admission to the BIRAC-BIONEST, as per the rules and regulations.

Evaluation Criteria:

• Evaluation will be done on the basis of general compliance & and innovations which include:
• Potential of the idea for IP Creation
• Strength of the core business team
• Financial & Commercial viability
• Status of the Organization

Facilities offered to the incubatees on chargeable basis:
(A) Individual Infrastructure Facilities.(Rates as mentioned in SL: 8)

• Office Space: need-based
• Desktop computer
• Internet Connection
• Office furniture (Tables, Chairs, File cabinet, etc.)

(B) Common Infrastructure:

• Xerox Machine
• Laser Printer
• Scanner
• Common Secretarial facility

(C) Infrastructure of the Host Institute:

• The incubatee will have access to Infrastructure of the host institution as per the norms of CSIR-CFTRI
• The incubatee will have access to the library of CSIR-CFTRI

Agreements: The startup companies has to submit the following documents:

• Incubation Agreement with BIRAC-BIONEST CFTRI
• Intellectual Property Declaration

Charges for infrastructure: The incubatee companies will have to bear the following expenses

• BIRAC-BIONEST Infrastructure: The rent for availing the facility will be fixed based on the usage
• CSIR-CFTRI Infrastructure: Access to CSIR-CFTRI infrastructure (Pilot Plants, Specialised Instruments etc.) will be charged as per CSIR-CFTRI Procedure

Exit Policy: Incubatee companies are required to leave the BIRAC-BIONEST under the following circumstances:

• On completion of 18 months (Unless extended by the TIC)
• Underperformance or non-viable Business plan/strategy
• When the number of employees of the company exceeds 10
• Disputes among the promoters, affecting the viability of the Company
• Incubatee plans for a public issue
• Change in Promoters/ Founders team without concurrence of BIRAC-BIONEST
• Violation of any CSIR-CFTRI Policy
• Any other reason for which BIRAC-BIONEST finds it necessary for an incubatee company to leave, not withstanding anything written elsewhere, the BIRAC-BIONEST's decision in connection with the exit of an incubatee company shall be final

Liability & Damage:

• General Liability & Damage Disclaimer No Warranty on Facilities: The incubator makes no warranty that the premises or equipment are fit for the user's specific purpose.Its the incubatee’s responsibility to assess and make the decision to incubate based on available facilities
• Limitation of Liability: The Incubation Center, its team, and employees are not liable for any claims, damages, losses, or expenses arising from the use of lab facilities.
• Damages to User Projects: The Center is not responsible for any damage to user projects, materials, or equipment, even if resulting from equipment malfunction or power outages.
• The Incubation Centre shall bear no responsibility for any damage, loss, or deterioration of temperature-sensitive materials, products, samples, or equipment stored or operated within the facility. The responsibility for monitoring, maintenance, calibration, backup power arrangements, and adherence to prescribed temperature conditions shall rest entirely with the respective end user/incubate.

Intellectual Property Policy: This will be as per the declaration proforma


Consultation: Hiring of any consultant outside CSIR-CFTRI by Incubatee shall be with prior written permission obtained from the BIRAC-BIONEST.