The department of biotechnology (DBT), ministry of science and technology had in past supported a major network program on germplasm collection and characterization of Seabuckthorn. During this program, several hundred accessions have been characterized at various participating institutes.

Considering the industrial importance of this bioresource, department is now looking at developing a network program to take this work forward aimed at developing industrial products through prospecting of bioactive molecules from Seabuckthorn. The objective is to establish a network programme involving R&D centres at universities and Institutes who are interested in Prospecting of Seabuckthorn for Industrial important bio-molecules. Specific emphasis on should be to work with standardized extracts in order to develop herbal products.

The full length proposals are invited from R&D centres (national laboratories, public institutes, universities etc) who are interested in prospecting on Seabuckthorn of industrial importance. The agency will prefer mostly network proposals.

Prospecting on Seabuckthorn for industrial important bio-molecules for- therapeutic herbal products such as antimicrobial, wound healing, anti-ulcer, and cardiovascular; cosmeceutical products such as anti-ageing creams, foot crack creams, and facial creams; nutraceutical products such as health tonics.

As per the notification by DBT, in case there is interest in developing a product which has not been listed, that could also be considered, however proper justifications should be provided regarding its national relevance/market potential.

The proposals must highlight novelty and strength of existing knowledge, demonstrated proof of concept and expected products/outcomes. If industry is involved, IP sharing between the partners should be clearly spelt out and the percent budget contribution of the industrial partner should be mentioned clearly.

The proposals will be examined by constituted expert committee and those which get shortlisted will be intimated for presentation for consideration of financial support by DBT. Interested Scientists working in the universities, national laboratories and public institutes can submit their proposal Online DBT eproMIS website (http://dbtepromis.nic.in/login.aspx) under the Programme Area "National Bio-resource Development Board-Bioprospecting" latest by August 31, 2013.