Application Deadline:
20 November 2024
About Organisation
The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) is a Government of India research-funding organisation established to strengthen the country’s research and innovation ecosystem. It supports high-quality scientific research, interdisciplinary collaboration, institutional development and innovation across strategic areas. ANRF programmes aim to build research capacity and promote globally competitive scientific institutions in India. Through initiatives such as the Impact Centres of Excellence, ANRF seeks to help leading academic and research institutions develop advanced research capabilities, attract scientific talent, establish high-quality infrastructure and generate significant research and societal impact. Its programmes cover important areas of science, engineering, technology and interdisciplinary research.
About the Grant
The ANRF Impact Centres of Excellence (ACE) 2026 programme aims to establish high-impact research centres capable of developing globally competitive research and innovation capabilities. The programme supports institutions working in frontier areas including Advanced Materials and Manufacturing, Quantum Science and Technology, Energy, Environment and Climate, Artificial Intelligence, Electronics and Semiconductor Manufacturing, Bio-Manufacturing and Blue Economy. ACE proposals should demonstrate a long-term strategy for research excellence, infrastructure development, talent attraction, innovation, collaboration and measurable impact. The programme is institutional rather than individual-focused and is designed for large-scale research initiatives with substantial matching contributions from non-ANRF sources.
Who can Apply?
The programme is open to eligible Indian academic and research institutions meeting ANRF’s institutional requirements. Eligible applicants include qualifying NIRF-ranked public and private academic institutions and national research laboratories, according to the relevant category. Private academic institutions must have valid UGC, AICTE or PCI approval, while eligible private R&D institutions require DSIR-SIRO recognition. Only one proposal may be submitted by an institution per call. Individual researchers and small teams cannot apply independently. Proposals must establish appropriate institutional collaboration, research capacity, governance and matching-fund arrangements as required by the ACE programme.
How to Apply?
Applications must be submitted through the ANRF online portal. The institution should register and prepare the required proposal information, including the project title, objectives, research areas, expected outcomes, budget and technical documentation. Applicants must upload the prescribed technical documents and institutional certifications in the required format. Only proposals submitted through the official ANRF online system will be considered for evaluation. Institutions should carefully review the ACE guidelines and ensure that matching-fund and collaboration requirements are addressed before submission.
Application Deadline
The application deadline is 16 October 2026
Last Date To Apply
For more information, please visit the grant website here.
