Call for Academic Innovators – Research Translation Accelerator Programme (India)

The Discovery to Innovation Accelerator Research Translation Programme supports Indian academic researchers in converting proof-of-concept scientific discoveries into scalable, industry-ready technologies. It bridges academia and industry by aligning research with real-world industry problem statements in healthcare, agriculture, and allied sectors.

The programme does not provide direct project funding but offers structured translational support to advance technologies from early validation (TRL 3+) to commercialization pathways through industry engagement and technology de-risking.

Overview of the Programme

The Discovery to Innovation Accelerator is a research translation initiative designed to:

• Convert academic research into deployable industry solutions
• Address real industry-defined problem statements
• Strengthen academia–industry collaboration
• Enable commercialization of scientific innovations

It is implemented through collaboration with industry stakeholders who define problem statements for academic resolution.

Core Objective

The main objective is to:

• Translate proof-of-concept research into scalable technologies
• Reduce risk in early-stage scientific innovations
• Align academic research with industry needs
• Support pathways toward commercialization and deployment
• Strengthen innovation ecosystems in India

Key Thematic Areas

Healthcare Innovation

• Novel therapeutics
• Vaccines and immunotherapies
• Antibody-drug conjugates
• Biologics development
• Diagnostic and point-of-care devices

Agricultural Innovation

• Bio-based agricultural solutions
• Post-harvest technologies
• Sustainable farming inputs
• Crop productivity enhancement technologies

Biotechnology and Bio-innovation

• Bioactive compound production
• Scalable bioprocessing technologies
• Industrial biotechnology applications
• Translational life sciences research

Research Translation Focus

The programme emphasizes:

• Proof-of-concept validation
• Technology de-risking
• Industry alignment
• Prototype refinement
• Commercial feasibility assessment

Eligibility Criteria

Eligible applicants include:

Institutional Eligibility

• Indian universities
• Indian research institutions
• Academic R&D organizations

Applicant Eligibility

• Faculty members
• Scientists affiliated with eligible institutions

Participant Conditions

• Students and post-doctoral researchers may participate only under a principal investigator
• Faculty must serve as the primary applicant

Technology Readiness Level Requirement

• Minimum TRL 3 required (proof-of-concept stage or above)

Proposal Requirements

Applicants must:

• Address at least one industry-defined problem statement
• Align research with industry needs defined by C-CAMP and partners
• Demonstrate proof-of-concept validation
• Show potential for translation into applied technology

Restrictions

• Collaborative proposals with industry are not eligible
• International institutional collaborations are not permitted
• Submissions must be made individually by eligible Indian institutions

Support Provided

Instead of direct funding, selected projects receive structured translational support, including:

Technical Translation Support

• Validation of scientific concepts
• Prototype development assistance
• Technology readiness mapping
• Performance benchmarking

Commercialization Support

• Intellectual property (IP) strategy guidance
• Patent protection facilitation
• Licensing pathway development
• Spin-off and startup guidance

Industry Alignment Support

• Mapping to industry problem statements
• Feedback from industry experts
• Market relevance validation
• Adoption pathway planning

Mentorship and Expert Engagement

• Access to technical experts
• Industry advisory inputs
• Scientific and regulatory guidance

Application Process

The programme uses a structured multi-stage review system:

Step 1: Submission

• Online application submission
• Alignment with defined industry problem statements

Step 2: Technical Review

Evaluation by scientific experts based on:

• Novelty of research
• Scientific validity
• Technical feasibility

Step 3: Industry Review

Assessment of:

• Industry relevance
• Market applicability
• Commercial potential

Step 4: IP and Translation Review

Focus on:

• Intellectual property potential
• Licensing feasibility
• Technology transfer readiness

Step 5: Shortlisting

Selected applicants may be asked to provide:

• Experimental validation data
• Competitive landscape analysis
• Additional technical documentation

Selection Criteria

Proposals are evaluated based on:

Scientific Merit

• Novelty of innovation
• Strength of proof-of-concept
• Research quality

Industry Alignment

• Fit with defined problem statements
• Relevance to industry needs
• Potential for adoption

Technical Feasibility

• Ability to scale technology
• Engineering and development readiness
• TRL progression potential

Commercial Potential

• Market demand
• Scalability
• Licensing or spin-off potential

Societal Impact

• Healthcare or agricultural benefits
• Economic relevance
• Public utility potential

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting proposals below TRL 3
• Lack of alignment with industry problem statements
• Overly theoretical research without application pathway
• Inclusion of ineligible international or industry collaborations
• Weak validation data or proof-of-concept evidence
• Poor commercialization or translation planning

Why This Programme Matters

The Discovery to Innovation Accelerator strengthens India’s innovation ecosystem by:

• Bridging academia and industry gaps
• Accelerating commercialization of scientific research
• Reducing failure risk in early-stage technologies
• Supporting healthcare and agricultural innovation pipelines
• Enhancing technology transfer capacity in research institutions

It plays a critical role in moving research from laboratory discovery to real-world impact.

FAQ

What is the Discovery to Innovation Accelerator?

It is a research translation programme that helps Indian academic innovations move from proof-of-concept to industry-ready solutions.

Who can apply?

Faculty members and scientists from Indian universities and research institutions.

Is funding provided?

No direct project funding is provided; the programme offers translational and commercialization support.

What is the minimum TRL required?

Projects must be at least Technology Readiness Level 3 (proof-of-concept stage).

Can industry partners apply jointly?

No, industry collaborations are not permitted under this call.

What sectors are covered?

Healthcare, agriculture, biotechnology, diagnostics, therapeutics, and bio-based innovations.

What is the main goal?

To translate academic research into scalable, commercially viable industry solutions.

Conclusion

The Discovery to Innovation Accelerator Research Translation Programme is a structured innovation pathway that enables Indian academic researchers to convert early-stage scientific discoveries into industry-ready technologies. By focusing on validation, de-risking, and commercialization support, it strengthens the bridge between academic research and real-world industrial application, particularly in healthcare and agriculture.