Application Deadline:
15 February 2027
About Organisation
The University of Toronto India Foundation (UTIF) was established in Mumbai in 2023 to build connections between the University of Toronto and partners across India. UTIF supports collaborations that translate research into policy, practice and scalable public impact. Through partnerships with Indian organisations and researchers, it promotes innovation and solutions addressing important challenges facing Indian cities. The foundation works alongside the University of Toronto’s School of Cities to support multidisciplinary research, knowledge mobilisation and capacity building. Its Research Catalyst Grants programme creates opportunities for Indian academic, research, nonprofit and government organisations to collaborate with University of Toronto researchers on evidence-based projects focused on sustainability and climate resilience.
About the Grant
The Research Catalyst Grants 2027–28 provide seed funding for collaborative research initiatives focused on making Indian cities and city-regions more sustainable and climate resilient. Research may address areas including air quality, housing, sustainable livelihoods, water and sanitation, infrastructure, energy, mobility, urban planning, waste and data-driven sustainability. Between eight and ten successful proposals will receive grants valued between INR 9 lakh and INR 15 lakh. Funding will support projects running from April 2027 to March 2028. The programme welcomes solutions-focused social sciences and humanities research alongside other disciplines and aims to generate evidence, policy recommendations, publications, capacity building and practical solutions for Indian cities.
Who can Apply?
The grant is open to Indian academic institutions, research centres, NGOs, civil society organisations, foundations and government bodies that can partner with a University of Toronto researcher. Each proposal must include at least one University of Toronto Co-Principal Investigator and one Co-Principal Investigator from an Indian partner organisation. The Indian partner must be based in and operate in India, while the Indian Co-PI must be employed by that organisation. For-profit companies cannot act as Co-PIs or hold grant funds. Applicants should demonstrate experience relevant to the proposed research problem and provide an institutional letter of support. The programme particularly welcomes equitable, collaborative research partnerships.
How to Apply?
Applicants must develop a collaborative proposal with an eligible University of Toronto Co-PI and an Indian partner organisation. The submission requires a research proposal, investigator CVs, an institutional support letter and an itemised budget using the prescribed templates. Applications must be submitted online in English. Indian organisations that do not already have a University of Toronto partner are encouraged to begin establishing the partnership before the February 2027 deadline.
Application Deadline
The application deadline for the Research Catalyst Grants 2027–28 is 15 February 2027 at 11:59 PM IST. The call opened on 21 September 2026, with grants expected to be announced around March 2027.
Last Date To Apply
For more information, please visit the grant website here.
