Deadline: 30-Jun-2026
The National Science Foundation (NSF) is inviting applications for its Equipment Grant Program to strengthen research laboratories and improve science and technology infrastructure in universities and research institutions in Sri Lanka. The programme supports the purchase of modern research equipment and promotes advanced research capacity development.
The grant funds multi-user scientific equipment and laboratory modernization to help institutions improve national research capabilities and scientific innovation.
Programme Focus Areas
Modern Research Infrastructure
The programme supports:
- Laboratory modernization
- Advanced scientific instrumentation
- Research infrastructure development
- Multi-user laboratory facilities
- Technology-enabled research environments
Science and Technology Capacity Building
The initiative aims to:
- Strengthen national research facilities
- Improve scientific research quality
- Support innovation and R&D activities
- Enhance institutional research capabilities
- Promote collaborative research use
Multi-User Research Equipment
Priority is given to equipment that can:
- Serve multiple researchers
- Support interdisciplinary research
- Improve institutional resource sharing
- Increase national research access
Funding Details
- Minimum equipment value: Rs. 1 million (excluding taxes)
- Maximum funding per equipment item: Rs. 5 million (excluding taxes)
- Maximum grant per institution per call: Rs. 5 million
- Matching contributions are allowed
- Institutional co-funding is mandatory for equipment requests exceeding funding limits
Applicants must cover:
- Additional costs due to price escalations
- Any expenses beyond approved grant amounts
Who is Eligible?
Applicants must:
- Be citizens residing in Sri Lanka
- Be registered with the STMIS database of the NSF
Eligible institutions may include:
- Universities
- Research institutes
- R&D institutions
- Scientific laboratories
Laboratory Registration Requirement
The laboratory where the equipment will be installed must:
- Be registered in the National Instrument Database (NID)
- Comply with NSF requirements
Priority may be given to:
- Laboratories registered in the NID for at least one year
Why This Programme Matters
The NSF Equipment Grant Program helps strengthen Sri Lanka’s national research ecosystem by:
- Improving access to advanced research tools
- Supporting high-quality scientific research
- Enhancing innovation capacity
- Encouraging shared research infrastructure
- Building stronger university and laboratory systems
The programme also supports long-term development in science, engineering, technology, and innovation sectors.
How to Apply
Applicants should:
- Ensure registration with the NSF STMIS database
- Confirm laboratory registration in the NID database
- Identify eligible research equipment needs
- Prepare technical specifications and cost estimates
- Develop institutional support and co-funding plans if required
- Submit the application according to NSF guidelines
Strong applications should clearly explain:
- Research importance of the equipment
- Expected scientific impact
- Multi-user access plans
- Institutional research capacity benefits
- Long-term sustainability and maintenance
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying without STMIS registration
- Using laboratories not registered in the NID
- Incomplete technical specifications
- Weak justification for equipment need
- Ignoring co-funding requirements for higher-cost equipment
FAQ
What is the maximum funding available?
The maximum funding per research equipment item is Rs. 5 million excluding taxes.
What is the minimum equipment value eligible for support?
Equipment must be valued at Rs. 1 million or more excluding taxes.
Who can apply?
Sri Lankan citizens registered with the NSF STMIS database can apply through eligible institutions.
Are matching contributions allowed?
Yes, matching contributions are permitted and required for requests exceeding the funding limit.
Does the laboratory need special registration?
Yes, the laboratory must be registered in the National Instrument Database (NID).
Which institutions are eligible?
Universities, research institutions, and R&D organizations are eligible.
Conclusion
The NSF Equipment Grant Program 2026 provides important support for universities and research institutions in Sri Lanka to modernize laboratories and strengthen scientific research infrastructure. By funding advanced research equipment and encouraging shared laboratory access, the programme helps improve national research capacity and scientific innovation.
For more information, visit NSF.