Call for Proposals: Industry-Academia Research and Development Programme

This programme aims to strengthen the collaboration between industry—including SMEs, MSMEs, and large companies—and academia in both France and India to enhance the competitiveness of industrial partners by leveraging academic research expertise. It focuses on promoting the development of new or improved processes and products through industry-driven proposals that address societal needs. Projects are expected to deliver tangible outcomes such as proof of concept demonstrations and prototype development, reaching Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 4-5. The key priority areas include Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (covering supercomputing, cloud computing, digital health), Renewable and Clean Energy (such as hydrogen, solar and wind power, and decarbonization), Smart Mobility (energy-efficient transport and logistics), Agricultural Science and Technology (including food safety, climate change, and agro-ecological farming), Sustainable Nutrition, Health Care (covering cancer studies, neurosciences, biotechnology, biomedical engineering, public health, medical waste treatment, and One Health), Technology for Sustainable Development Goals (including sustainable buildings, plastic pollution, marine and ecological sciences), and Waste Management and Circular Economy.

The Aim of IARDP is to promote robust industry-academia partnerships between France and India leading to the development and enhancement of innovative products and processes for mutual benefit. Under this initiative, the focus remains on proposals that demonstrate clear proof of concept and strong potential for commercialization, reaching up to Technology Readiness Level 4-5. Eligible projects should ideally follow a 2+2 model consisting of at least one industry and one research institute from each country, though alternative models may be considered with adequate justification.

Proposals must be innovative and address industry-driven needs. It is mandatory for the proposal itself to describe the proof of concept already accomplished and outline the possible road map for commercialization. Partners from both India and France, including industry, public research organizations, and collaborators from academia or not-for-profit organizations, are eligible to apply, provided they satisfy the legal requirements of their respective countries.

The funding for each project can reach a maximum of Euro 220,000 over a period of up to three years, with budgets to be allocated for manpower, minor equipment, consumables, travel, and overheads as per CEFIPRA norms. For industry collaborators, a minimum direct cash investment of 10% of the project cost is required unless registered as MSMEs. The selection and evaluation procedure is rigorous and comprises initial screening, committee evaluation, peer-review in both countries, and final decisions by the Joint Indo-French Scientific & Industrial Research Committee.

Successful proposals are expected to include detailed joint research agreements, clear plans for intellectual property management, and compliance with both Indian and French regulatory requirements. Ongoing oversight, milestone-based funding release, and regular project reviews ensure quality, outcomes, and mutual benefit throughout the project lifecycle.

For more information, visit CEFIPRA.