India-Canada Collaborative Industrial Research and Development Programme 2025 (India)

Organisation Name:

Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India, through the Technology Development Board (TDB)

Application Deadline:

17 October 2025

About Organisation

The India-Canada Collaborative Industrial Research and Development Programme 2025 is a bilateral initiative to promote joint R&D projects between Indian and Canadian partners. The programme is facilitated by the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India, through the Technology Development Board (TDB). It focuses on fostering innovation that responds to market needs while also advancing technological capabilities.

The initiative encourages applied research and product development that leads to commercial outcomes, especially in sectors critical to both countries. By offering financial assistance and collaborative opportunities, the programme supports Indian businesses and academic institutions in pursuing research projects with Canadian counterparts. The ultimate goal is to develop innovative solutions that address real-world challenges, promote industrial growth, and create a platform for sustainable development and technological cooperation.

This programme is part of India’s larger mission to accelerate innovation and ensure that R&D investments lead to tangible social and economic impact. It aligns with the national goals of fostering entrepreneurship, technology commercialization, and global partnerships. Eligible organizations can work together on mutually beneficial projects that combine expertise, infrastructure, and research insights to develop technologies and solutions with commercial viability.

About the Grant

The India-Canada Collaborative Industrial R&D Programme 2025 supports joint research projects that are innovative, market-oriented, and focused on developing new products or processes leading to commercialization. The initiative encourages applied R&D projects in multiple focus areas such as advanced manufacturing, clean and green technologies, digital transformation, health and bio-sciences, food and agriculture technologies, and smart infrastructure.

The Government of India, through the Technology Development Board (TDB), will fund Indian project participants. Funding is available up to INR 1.5 crore or 50% of the Indian project cost—whichever is lower—for a maximum duration of 24 months. While Indian industry participants can claim reimbursement for up to 50% of their eligible project costs, R&D organizations and academic institutions may receive up to 100% of their project-related expenses, depending on their proposal.

The programme is designed to support projects that result in the development of commercially viable technologies, providing a strategic platform for India and Canada to collaborate on future-ready innovations. It also ensures transparency and fairness by requiring participants to disclose any additional funding from public sector sources. The aim is to foster meaningful partnerships and help transform research into real-world industrial applications.

Who can Apply?

The programme is open to Indian commercial (for-profit) companies that are capable of executing research and development activities. To be eligible, the Indian Project Lead (IPL) must be a company registered under the Indian Companies Act of 1956 or 2013, and it must be headquartered and operating within India. Additionally, the company must have at least 51% Indian ownership.

The IPL must also demonstrate the technical and managerial capacity to lead the proposed project. It can form a consortium with other Indian industry partners, academic institutions, or R&D organizations if necessary. While Indian R&D organizations and academic institutions can be involved as collaborators, they cannot act as the lead applicant.

However, certain entities are not eligible, including sole proprietors, partnership firms, One Person Companies (OPCs), and companies owned or headquartered outside India (including their subsidiaries in India).

The core requirement is that the lead organization must be a credible Indian business entity with experience in R&D, capable of managing project operations and achieving the programme’s commercialization goals. The collaboration should be structured to ensure that the innovation benefits both Indian and Canadian markets while aligning with strategic sectors outlined in the grant focus areas.

How to Apply?

Eligible Indian companies must submit a detailed research proposal outlining their objectives, expected outcomes, collaboration details, and budget estimates. The proposal should also identify project partners and justify the project’s commercial potential. Applications must adhere strictly to the guidelines provided by the programme. Only fully completed proposals submitted within the timeline will be considered for evaluation and funding under this initiative.

Application Deadline

All applications must be submitted by 17 October 2025. Late or incomplete submissions will not be accepted under any circumstances, so timely completion of documentation is essential.

Last Date to Apply

The final date to apply for the India-Canada Collaborative Industrial R&D Programme 2025 is 17 October 2025. Applicants are advised to apply well in advance to avoid last-minute issues.

Grant Amount

Successful Indian applicants can receive funding of up to INR 1.5 crore or 50% of the Indian project cost, whichever is lower, for a project duration of up to 24 months.