Deadline: 31-Jul-2026
The Industry-Academia Research and Development Programme supports collaborative innovation projects between industries and research institutions in India and France. The programme funds solution-driven research focused on developing innovative products, processes, prototypes, and commercialization pathways in areas such as AI, renewable energy, healthcare, smart mobility, biotechnology, agriculture, and circular economy solutions.
Supported by the Indo-French Centre for the Promotion of Advanced Research (CEFIPRA), the programme offers funding of up to €220,000 per project for a maximum duration of 3 years.
Overview of the Programme
The Industry-Academia Research and Development Programme promotes joint research and innovation partnerships between India and France.
The initiative aims to:
- Strengthen industry-academia collaboration
- Support innovation-driven research
- Develop commercially viable technologies
- Encourage international research partnerships
- Promote market-oriented product and process development
The programme focuses on translating research into practical industrial applications with societal and economic impact.
Programme Background
Launched in 2002 by the Indo-French Centre for the Promotion of Advanced Research (CEFIPRA), the programme acts as a collaborative platform connecting:
- Industries
- SMEs and MSMEs
- Universities
- Research institutes
- National laboratories
- Innovation ecosystems in India and France
The initiative supports research-driven industrial advancement and encourages collaborative innovation between public and private sectors.
Key Objectives
The programme aims to:
- Develop innovative products and processes
- Strengthen industrial competitiveness
- Advance technology readiness levels (TRLs)
- Support proof-of-concept and prototype development
- Promote commercialization pathways
- Encourage industry-driven research solutions
- Address societal and sustainability challenges
Projects should demonstrate clear pathways toward practical implementation and market impact.
Key Focus Areas
Supported projects may focus on:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Machine Learning
- Renewable and Clean Energy
- Smart Mobility
- Agricultural Science and Technology
- Sustainable Nutrition
- Healthcare Innovation
- Biotechnology
- Public Health
- Medical Waste Treatment
- Waste Management
- Circular Economy Solutions
- Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Technologies
Interdisciplinary and industry-oriented solutions are encouraged.
Funding Details
Maximum Funding
Projects can receive:
- Up to €220,000
Funding may also be provided in equivalent Indian INR for Indian partners.
Project Duration
Projects may run for:
- Maximum 3 years
Funding supports collaborative research, development, prototyping, and innovation activities.
Project Expectations
Supported proposals are expected to:
- Be industry-centric
- Address real-world societal or industrial challenges
- Demonstrate proof of concept
- Show prototype development potential
- Include commercialization pathways
- Advance technology readiness levels
Projects should clearly explain how research outcomes will be translated into practical applications.
Collaboration Requirements
The programme encourages a preferred:
- 2+2 collaboration model
This generally includes:
- At least one industrial partner from India
- At least one research institute from India
- At least one industrial partner from France
- At least one research institute from France
Projects not fully following the 2+2 model may still be considered if strongly justified.
At minimum, proposals must include:
- One industry partner
- One research partner
- Participation from both India and France
Eligible Participants
Eligible participants may include:
- Academic institutions
- Research organizations
- National laboratories
- Clinical establishments
- SMEs and MSMEs
- Large industries
- Technology companies
- Innovation organizations
Collaborators may also participate by contributing:
- Technical expertise
- Data
- Materials
- Research support
Intellectual Property and Research Agreements
Projects must establish:
- A Joint Research Agreement (JRA)
The agreement should define:
- Intellectual property ownership
- Rights sharing
- Patent responsibilities
- Royalty arrangements
- Cost-sharing obligations
- Protection and maintenance responsibilities
The agreement must be finalized before fund disbursement.
Why the Programme Matters
Many emerging technologies require stronger collaboration between:
- Industry
- Research institutions
- Innovation ecosystems
- International partners
The programme helps:
- Accelerate technology development
- Promote commercialization of research
- Strengthen Indo-French scientific cooperation
- Support sustainable industrial innovation
- Encourage high-impact research partnerships
The initiative also supports innovation linked to sustainability and societal challenges.
How the Programme Works
The programme funds collaborative research and innovation projects involving Indian and French partners.
Application Process
- Form India-France research and industry partnerships
- Identify industry-driven innovation challenges
- Develop proof-of-concept and commercialization plans
- Define partner roles and responsibilities
- Prepare a joint project proposal
- Submit the application through the programme system
Selected projects will undertake collaborative R&D activities over the approved project duration.
Tips for a Strong Application
Applicants should:
- Demonstrate strong industry relevance
- Present clear commercialization pathways
- Include balanced India-France collaboration
- Define measurable innovation outcomes
- Show prototype or product development potential
- Include realistic implementation plans
- Address societal or sustainability needs
Strong proposals usually include:
- Industry-led innovation focus
- Clear TRL advancement strategy
- Scalable solutions
- Strong interdisciplinary collaboration
- Detailed IP management plans
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Industry-Academia Research and Development Programme?
It is a collaborative India-France research funding programme supporting innovation-driven industrial and academic partnerships.
Who manages the programme?
The programme is managed by CEFIPRA (Indo-French Centre for the Promotion of Advanced Research).
How much funding is available?
Projects may receive up to €220,000 or equivalent funding in INR.
How long can projects last?
Projects may run for up to 3 years.
What sectors are supported?
The programme supports AI, renewable energy, healthcare, biotechnology, agriculture, mobility, circular economy, and sustainability-related innovations.
Is industry participation mandatory?
Yes, projects must include industry participation along with research institutions from India and France.
Are commercialization activities encouraged?
Yes, projects should demonstrate pathways toward prototype development and commercialization.
Conclusion
The Industry-Academia Research and Development Programme strengthens innovation partnerships between India and France by supporting collaborative, industry-driven research projects with strong commercialization potential. Through funding for proof-of-concept development, prototype creation, and technology advancement, the programme promotes impactful solutions across priority sectors including AI, healthcare, renewable energy, agriculture, and circular economy systems.
The initiative also encourages long-term scientific collaboration, industrial competitiveness, and sustainable technological innovation that addresses global and societal challenges.
For more information, visit CEFIPRA.