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Nullam dignissim, ante scelerisque the is euismod fermentum odio sem semper the is erat, a feugiat leo urna eget eros. Duis Aenean a imperdiet risus.
Assam is one of the biodiversity hot spot regions and is very rich in plant, animal and microbial resources. It is considered as the genetic centre of origin of citrus and bananas. The state has vast species diversity as well as commercial strength in rice, tea, bamboo, rattan, jute, ginger, citrus and several other commercial crops. Several hundred species of medicinal and aromatic plants grow naturally in Assam, some of which are endemic to the State and highly valuable commercially. The state is also rich in orchid and other ornamental plant species. The microbial resources of the state are enormous and have economic potential. Muga and Eri silk of Assam is a distinctive bio-based industry. Aquatic and forest bio-resources are the other major engines for economic growth of the State.
Biotechnology will offer excellent opportunities in augmenting value creation, wealth and employment not only in many of these areas but also lead in new vistas for application in agriculture, medicine and industry. The unique and vast bio-resource potential of Assam stands to provide tremendous economic benefit through commercialization of these resources using biotechnology. The natural resource based industries viz., petroleum, natural gas and coal also entail biotechnology intervention in terms of enhanced production, pollution control and several other aspects.
The biotechnology industrial development in the state is yet to take place. However, initial entrepreneurial activity is growing in BioAgri sector like medicinal plant processing, tissue culture production of bamboo and banana, microbial based biofertilizer production, vermi- compost production, processed foods and mushroom production.
The fiscal incentives available under the Biotech Policy of Assam are given under various categories below.
The incentives available under the mega project scheme of the state industry department will also be applicable to the projects under the biotechnology sector which meet the criteria for mega projects under the Industrial Policy of Assam. They will also be eligible for any non-overlapping incentives under this policy too.
| Incentive | Details |
| Capital Subsidy — Horizontal Parks | 30% of GFCI in buildings, infrastructure facilities and equipments excluding cost of land, subject to a ceiling of Rupees 30 crores for Horizontal Biotechnology Parks. |
| Capital Subsidy — Vertical Parks | Rs 400 per square feet for the built area subject to a ceiling of Rs 30 crores. |
| Land Purchase Subsidy | 30% of the total registered sale deed value, if the land is purchased directly from the land owners, subject to a ceiling of Rs 5 (five) crores. This however shall be subject to the provisions laid down in the various enactments & executive orders of the revenue department as well as Science, Technology and Climate Change Department. The land purchase subsidy shall be provided only after the establishment of the park as well as allotment & establishment of at least five units within the park. |
| Category | Academic Infrastructure | Training & Capacity Building |
| Colleges | Max Rs. 25 Lakhs | Max Rs. 5 Lakhs |
| State Universities | Max Rs. 50 Lakhs | Max Rs. 20 Lakhs |
| State Research Institutes | Max Rs. 1 Crore | Max Rs. 30 Lakhs |
To encourage biotechnology research, Govt. of India has provided many incentives. The state government also has resolved and thus proposes to play a similar facilitator role in coordinating the same. Following shall be the flagship incentives under this category:
Matching Contribution — Max Rs. 50 Lakhs
The Government of Assam proposes a matching contribution of up to Rupees 50 Lakhs for biotech related projects where there are significant socio-economic benefits and where an equal amount has been funded by private/public sector companies. The research outcomes will be reviewed by a research team constituted by the ABTC. However, this financing shall not be applicable even if funding has been received from any other government source, provided there is clear demarcation and no duplication.
Max Rs. 25 Lakhs Per Project Per Annum
The scheme aims at accelerating independent or collaborative or cluster research for market driven product development by scientists from Assam based research and/or academic institutions. Government proposes to offer financial assistance up to Rupees 25 Lakhs per project per annum towards covering scientist, technician cost or other miscellaneous expenditures, excluding any kind of instrument procurements. This will be approved on case to case basis by the ABTC constituted by the Government. The research-project however shall be of benefit to the State of Assam.
Max Rs. 5 Lakhs — 12 Months — 10 Researchers/Year
To encourage local talent to conduct breakthrough research in the State, the Government proposes to launch "Assam Bio-innovation fellowships ". The objective of these fellowships is to incentivize joint research programs of Assam based institutions with researchers pursuing doctoral and post-doctoral in Assam-specific life sciences research in institutes/universities of repute in India. Government shall provide financial support not exceeding 5 Lakhs for a period of 12 months limited to 10 researchers per annum. The scheme will also be applicable to scientists interested in sabbatical research work. The program and engagement of the researchers shall be approved by the ABTC.
50% Cost Reimbursement
Government of Assam proposes to provide financial assistance towards expenses incurred for filing/registration of product patents. The financial assistance will be limited to 50% of the cost subject to a maximum of Rupees 10 Lakhs per domestic patent and Rupees 20 Lakhs per international patents. Fees paid to patent attorney and patent service center will be eligible expenditure towards cost for assistance. The assistance will be in the nature of reimbursement. This assistance will be given only to those projects that are entirely developed within Assam or primarily developed in Assam or for projects approved by the ABTC. Any BT units or BT start ups or BT incubators shall be eligible for this.
The State proposes to encourage biotechnology business enterprise by providing globally competitive investment and environment.
| Borrowing Level | Interest Subsidy Rate | Annual Ceiling |
| Up to Rs. 50 Crores | 5% | Rs. 2.5 Crores |
| Above Rs. 50 Crores | Rs. 2.5 Cr + 2% of excess above Rs. 50 Cr | Rs. 5 Crores |
| Unit Size | Rate (per sq. ft./month) |
| Up to 50 employees | Rs. 5 |
| greater than 50 but up to 100 employees | Rs. 8 |
| greater than 100 employees | Rs. 10 |
Capital Assistance — Max Rs. 50 Lakhs
Capital assistance up to 50% of the eligible project cost, subject to a ceiling of Rs fifty Lakhs will be given to units/ institute setting up an exclusive Biotechnology finishing school. Additional assistance of 50% of operating expenses subject to a ceiling of Rupees 5(five) Lakhs / module, with each module having duration of at least 4 to 6 months, having batch strength of at least 20 students will be given. Finishing school will have to run modules as approved by the ABTC. If a finishing school is availing assistance from any other Government organisation than quantum of assistance, then the total assistance provided shall be limited in such a way that the total assistance does not include 90% of the project cost.
50% Expenditure Reimbursement
Assistance to eligible Biotechnology MSME units for participation in International Trade Fairs outside India at the rate of 50% of expenditure towards (i) total rent of stall or rent of space and amount paid to organizer towards creation of stall and on rented space (ii) product literature/ catalogue and (iii) display material subject to maximum Rupees 50,000 will be provided. Eligible Biotechnology MSME units will be entitled to avail of this assistance maximum two times during the operative period of this Policy. The assistance would be in the nature of reimbursement. Biotechnology MSME units shall have to apply within three months from the date of participation for the assistance. Assistance to Industry Associations for participation in International Trade Fair as Assam Pavilion outside India at 50% of total rent subject to a ceiling of Rupees 10 Lakhs will be provided. Minimum five industrial unit's participation will be necessary as part of group to get this assistance. Assistance shall be in the form of reimbursement and the association shall have to apply within three months from the date of such participation. Industry Associations organizing Seminars / Exhibitions / Workshops outside North East but within India will be provided support at 50% of total rent subject to a ceiling of Rupees 2 Lakhs. Minimum five industrial unit's participation will be necessary as part of group to get this assistance. Assistance shall be in the form of reimbursement and the association shall have to apply within three months from the date of such participation.
The Start-ups require enhanced level of support during early stages. Once they have a product, start acquiring customers, they get the needed visibility and marketing linkages etc. to scale up. However, it is equally true that a majority of start -ups fail for many reasons, including due to lack of entrepreneurial skills, lack of objective assessment of market, ambiguity on product, competition, lack of ability to mobilise funding support or scaling up, etc. Nonetheless, to ensure entrepreneurial spirit is nurtured, mentored and supported, enhanced incentives are prescribed during early stages in the life of a business/ venture. Accordingly, it is proposed that for a period of first two years the venture/business will be provided with enhanced support, with expectations that either the business model will prove itself and scale up to avail benefits as Biotechnology unit or will realise the lack of potential in the business plan to move on to alternative options.
The Eligible Start-ups will have the option of availing assistance either under the start-up Policy of Industries Department or under the current Policy of the State Government. In addition to any incentives under any scheme of the Government of India, the eligible start- ups will be entitled to following incentives:
Rs. 1 Lakh Each
An assistance of Rupees 1 lakh will be provided to eligible start-ups for getting product prototype developed through outsourcing and an assistance of Rupees 1 lakh will be provided for marketing support.
Rs. 15/sqft/month — 2 Years
Eligible start-ups taking space on lease for their operations will be provided lease rental subsidy, at the scale of 50 sqft per employee, for two years on reimbursement basis at the rate of Rupees 15 per sqft per month.
50% — Max Rs. 50 Lakhs
Eligible start-up will be provided capital assistance at the rate of 50% of capital expenditure excluding land, for setting up a pilot production facility subject to a ceiling of Rupees 50 Lakhs, within 2 years of making its application under this Policy.
9% p.a. — Max Rs. 2 Lakhs/Year
Eligible start-ups will be provided interest subsidy at the rate of 9% per annum subject to ceiling of Rupees 2 Lakhs per year. Such interest subsidy shall be eligible for a maximum duration of two year Eligible start-ups will be entitled to interest subsidy assistance from the date of making application or when actual interest repayment to the lending financial institutions, after moratorium, if any, begins based on their choice. However, the start-up will be entitled for interest assistance only if the interest repayment has begun during the operative period of the current Policy.
Max Rs. 50 Lakhs
Eligible start ups will be provided assistance in procuring software/journal subject to a ceiling of Rupees 50 Lakhs.
Rs. 5,000/certification — Max Rs. 20,000/month
Eligible start-ups will be provided skill certification grant at the rate of Rupees 5,000 per skill certification per person subject to over all ceiling of Rupees 20,000 per month per start-up. These assistance will be eligible for a maximum duration of two years.
50% of GFCI — Max Rs. 1 Crore
Eligible Incubators will be provided one-time capital assistance at the rate of 50% of Gross Fixed Capital Investment (GFCI) for setting up an incubator, subject to a ceiling of Rupees 1 Crore. Promoter's contribution should not be less than the support obtained from Government of Assam. Cost of land is not eligible for reimbursement under this assistance.
9% p.a. — Max Rs. 2 Lakhs/Year
Eligible incubators will be provided interest subsidy at the rate of 9% per annum subject to ceiling of Rupees 2 Lakhs per year. Such interest subsidy shall be eligible for a maximum duration of two year. Eligible incubators will be entitled to interest subsidy assistance from the date of making application or when actual interest repayment to the lending financial institutions, after moratorium, if any, begins based on their choice. However, the incubator will be entitled for interest assistance only if the interest repayment has begun during the operative period of the current Policy.
Rs. 15/sqft/month — 2 Years
Eligible incubators taking space on lease for their operations will be provided lease rental subsidy, at the scale of 50 sqft per employee, for two years on reimbursement basis at the rate of Rupees 15 per sqft per month.
Rs. 25 Lakhs Per Annum
Eligible Incubators will be entitled to a mentoring assistance of Rupees 25 Lakhs per annum.
50% Cost — Max Rs. 50 Lakhs
Government will support the procurement of key software required for development and testing purpose at the incubator attached with an educational institution or a university as recognized by UGC/ State Government/ AICTE at the rate of 50% of software cost subject to a ceiling of Rupees 50 Lakhs.
| Fund Name | Allocation (5 Years) | Purpose |
| Technology Acquisition Fund | Rs. 5 Crores | Technology acquisition & entrepreneurship development mechanism |
| Assam Biotechnology Industrial Support Fund | Rs. 400 Crores | Fiscal incentives to BT Parks, units, start-ups & incubators |
| Biotechnology Education & Research Fund (BERF) | Rs. 50 Crores | Education & research activities, developing human resources |
| Biotech Venture Capital Fund Cum Angel Investment Fund | Rs. 25 Crores | Supporting start-ups & first-generation entrepreneurs in biotech |
This Policy shall come into force with effect from May2022 and shall remain in force for a period of five years up to December 2027 or till the declaration of a new or revised Policy, whichever is earlier.
