Selected fellows to receive USD 300,000 each over three years to drive scientific innovation in India

In a move aimed at strengthening India’s biomedical research and public health innovation ecosystem, Blockchain For Impact (BFI) has announced the launch of the ‘India Reimagined Fellowship’, a prestigious global program designed to attract world-class scientific and professional talent to India.

The fellowship seeks to empower researchers, entrepreneurs, clinicians, and innovators to develop sustainable “impact engines” that tackle some of India’s most pressing healthcare challenges.

Each selected fellow will receive a grant of USD 300,000 (approximately ₹2.5 crore) spread over three years. The funding will support relocation, salary, lab setup, project costs, staffing, and equipment, ensuring that recipients have the resources needed to deliver impactful research outcomes.

The fellowship will be available through institutional nominations only, with up to three awards to be made in the current cycle — one per host institution. Applications are being accepted on a rolling basis until January 31, 2026.

“A Catalyst for Viksit Bharat Through Innovation”

Speaking about the fellowship’s vision, Dr. Vijay Chandru, Co-founder of Strand Life Sciences and Chairman of CrisprBits, said,“ After serving a tenured faculty role in the US, I believe these reimagined fellowships of BFI—enhanced a thousand times over by a $1 billion endowment from private philanthropies—will elevate India’s innovation quotient and accelerate our journey toward a Viksit Bharat. At this stage, technological innovation and translation must play a critical role in shaping our nation’s future.”

Bridging Global Expertise with Indian Opportunity

Sandeep Nailwal, Founder of Blockchain For Impact (BFI), emphasized the fellowship’s transformative potential:“India has the talent and institutions to drive global breakthroughs in biomedical research. With the India Reimagined Fellowship, we’re creating a bridge between global expertise and Indian opportunities—ensuring long-term impact through science, innovation, and entrepreneurship.”

Building a Foundation for Scientific Growth

Eligible host institutions must be FCRA-approved or exempted, and are required to provide complete infrastructure and administrative support to enable the fellow’s successful integration and research execution. 

Fellows must commit full-time to their projects in India for the full three-year term, focusing on bold, scalable, and transformative outcomes.

The India Reimagined Fellowship aligns with BFI’s broader mission to catalyse deep scientific innovation by connecting global talent with India’s growing research ecosystem. 

The initiative represents a strategic step toward strengthening India’s capacity in biomedical science and public health, fostering cross-border collaborations that create lasting local impact.