Call for Proposals: Industry-Academia Research and Development Programme

Organisation Name:

Indo-French Centre for the Promotion of Advanced Research (CEFIPRA)

Application Deadline:

31 August 2025

About Organisation

The Indo-French Centre for the Promotion of Advanced Research (CEFIPRA) is a bilateral institution dedicated to fostering collaborative research and innovation between India and France. Established with the aim of bridging academia and industry across both countries, CEFIPRA supports cutting-edge projects that generate practical solutions to address contemporary societal, technological, and industrial challenges. It serves as a unique platform where researchers, industry leaders, and innovators converge to exchange knowledge, share expertise, and develop sustainable technologies. With a strong emphasis on applied research, the Centre promotes partnerships that translate academic ideas into commercially viable products, processes, and services. CEFIPRA’s programmes encourage interdisciplinary approaches in diverse sectors such as digital technologies, renewable energy, health, environment, smart mobility, agriculture, and sustainability. By nurturing joint projects, CEFIPRA aims to strengthen long-term cooperation, enhance the competitiveness of industries, and create impactful outcomes for both nations. Its evaluation and monitoring processes are designed to ensure high-quality research standards and successful project implementation. Over the years, CEFIPRA has become a trusted facilitator of Indo-French scientific and industrial cooperation, ensuring that innovations contribute to economic growth, societal well-being, and global challenges aligned with Sustainable Development Goals.

About the Grant

The Industry-Academia Research & Development Programme (IARDP) under CEFIPRA is designed to support collaborative R&D initiatives that unite industry and academia from both India and France. This programme focuses on proposals led by industry needs, aiming to enhance competitiveness by leveraging academic research expertise. Projects are expected to generate tangible outputs, such as proof of concept demonstrations, prototype development, and movement toward Technology Readiness Levels 4–5. The grant prioritizes key areas including Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Renewable and Clean Energy, Smart Mobility, Agricultural Science and Technology, Sustainable Nutrition, Healthcare, Sustainable Development Goals, and Waste Management and Circular Economy. Each project under this programme is required to present innovative approaches that address pressing challenges while paving the way for commercialization. The emphasis lies on fostering robust partnerships and ensuring projects align with societal and industrial demands. The initiative encourages strong intellectual property frameworks, sustainable practices, and long-term industry-academia cooperation. By providing structured financial support and rigorous evaluation, IARDP ensures that the selected projects deliver impactful outcomes and contribute meaningfully to advancing industrial research and innovation between France and India.

Who can Apply?

The IARDP invites joint proposals from eligible partners in both India and France, with collaboration required between at least one industry and one research institute from each country, following a 2+2 model. However, alternative structures may be considered if justified adequately. Applicants may include industry partners, public research organizations, universities, academic institutions, or not-for-profit organizations, provided they comply with the legal requirements of their respective countries. Proposals must be industry-driven, innovative, and clearly outline proof of concept along with a roadmap for commercialization. It is mandatory to demonstrate prior groundwork in the proposal itself. Industry collaborators must contribute a minimum of 10% of the project cost as direct cash investment, except in the case of registered MSMEs. The evaluation process involves multiple levels of scrutiny, including screening, committee review, peer evaluation in both countries, and final selection by the Joint Indo-French Scientific and Industrial Research Committee. Eligible applicants must also present agreements on intellectual property management, ensure compliance with both Indian and French regulatory frameworks, and establish clear collaborative research plans. This ensures that projects contribute effectively to industrial and societal progress.

How to Apply?

Applicants must submit a joint proposal developed collaboratively by Indian and French partners, including detailed proof of concept, commercialization roadmap, research agreements, and budget plan.

Application Deadline

The application deadline for the Industry-Academia Research and Development Programme is August 31, 2025. All proposals must be submitted before this date for consideration.

Last Date to Apply

The final date for submission of proposals under this programme is August 31, 2025. Late submissions will not be considered.

Grant Amount

Each project may receive up to Euro 220,000 over a period of three years, covering manpower, minor equipment, consumables, travel, and overheads as per programme norms.