About Organisation
The Indo-French Centre for the Promotion of Advanced Research (CEFIPRA), also known as IFCPAR, is a bilateral initiative established by the Governments of India and France to promote high-quality research collaborations. It functions as a unique platform for fostering long-term partnerships in science, technology, and innovation between the two countries. CEFIPRA provides structured support for joint projects, mobility of researchers, and knowledge exchange across a wide range of disciplines. Over the years, the Centre has been instrumental in linking research institutions, universities, and industry partners to address global and local challenges. With a strong emphasis on capacity building and innovation, it has enabled scientists, engineers, and young researchers from both nations to work together on cutting-edge issues in STEM. Through targeted programmes such as the Indo-French ICT initiative, CEFIPRA encourages projects that combine excellence in research with societal relevance, ensuring that results contribute not only to the advancement of knowledge but also to sustainable solutions in fields like health, energy, environment, and digital technologies.
About the Grant
The DST–Inria Targeted Programme under the Indo-French Programme in Information & Communication Science & Technology (ICST) invites proposals for joint research projects between India and France. This 2025 call focuses on Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, and Digital Health, reflecting shared priorities of both nations. Projects are expected to be collaborative in nature, bringing together expertise from Indian research institutions and Inria project-teams in France. The programme supports joint scientific work, mobility of researchers, and training of students, with a project duration of up to three years. Funding covers research expenses, mobility costs, and limited contingency support, ensuring that participating teams can establish meaningful and impactful scientific partnerships. Proposals must be submitted simultaneously by the Indian Principal Investigator (to CEFIPRA) and the French counterpart (to Inria). Only jointly submitted applications will be considered. By enabling collaboration in frontier areas of digital science and technology, the programme aims to strengthen Indo-French ties, foster innovation, and build a foundation for long-term international cooperation in ICT research.
Who can Apply?
On the Indian side, the Principal Investigator must hold a permanent position in a recognized academic institution, university, or national research and development laboratory. Institutions should have the infrastructure and capability to carry out advanced research in the targeted fields. On the French side, applicants must be part of an Inria project-team, and the proposal must be formally submitted through Inria’s system. Proposals must be jointly developed and submitted by both Indian and French teams; those submitted to only one side will not be evaluated. The research consortium should clearly demonstrate complementarity, with each side contributing equally to the scientific objectives. Both partners must submit a signed Joint Submission Agreement, along with supporting documents such as CVs, no-objection certificates from their institutions, and passport copies of the Principal Investigators. Proposals will be assessed on scientific excellence, innovation, relevance to the call topics, potential impact, feasibility, and balance in collaboration. Young researchers and students are strongly encouraged to participate under faculty guidance.
How to Apply?
Applicants must prepare a joint proposal in English using prescribed templates. The Indian PI submits through CEFIPRA’s online system and sends a hard copy with required documents to CEFIPRA, New Delhi. The French PI submits separately to Inria.
Application Deadline
The deadline for submission of joint proposals under the Indo-French ICT Programme is 16 October 2025, 23:59 IST/CEST. Only complete applications submitted by both sides will be reviewed.
