Deadline: 20-Jun-2026
The Centre for Wildlife Studies, in partnership with VM Salgaocar Corporation Pvt. Ltd., is inviting applications for the Wild Incubator Research Program to support organizations working at the intersection of wildlife research, technology, and applied conservation in India. The program funds innovative, solution-oriented projects that address conservation challenges in the Western Ghats, with particular emphasis on Goa, while generating measurable conservation outcomes.
About the Program
The Wild Incubator Research Program is designed to support organizations developing practical conservation solutions grounded in scientific research and field implementation.
The programme focuses on:
- Applied and solution-oriented conservation research
- Wildlife research and technological innovation
- Endemic species conservation in the Western Ghats
- Habitat protection and restoration
- Wildlife monitoring and data-driven conservation
- Species conservation initiatives
- Human–wildlife coexistence
- Community-based conservation approaches
- Biodiversity protection
- Conservation actions with measurable impact
The initiative seeks to bridge the gap between research and practice by supporting projects that deliver tangible benefits for wildlife and local communities.
Program Objectives
The programme seeks to:
- Address critical conservation challenges in the Western Ghats
- Support evidence-based conservation interventions
- Promote innovation in wildlife research and conservation
- Encourage the use of technology in conservation practice
- Strengthen the conservation of endemic species
- Improve wildlife monitoring and habitat protection efforts
- Foster coexistence between people and wildlife
- Empower community-led conservation initiatives
- Generate measurable and scalable conservation outcomes
- Contribute to regional biodiversity conservation priorities
Projects should demonstrate both scientific merit and practical conservation value.
Focus Areas
Proposed projects should align with one or more of the following areas:
- Applied wildlife research
- Conservation technology
- Endemic species conservation
- Habitat protection
- Wildlife monitoring
- Species conservation
- Human–wildlife coexistence
- Community-based conservation
- Biodiversity conservation initiatives
- Innovative conservation solutions
Special emphasis is placed on projects addressing conservation priorities within the Western Ghats, particularly in Goa.
Funding Information
Under the programme:
- Up to three organizations will be selected for funding.
- Each selected organization will receive a grant of INR 10,00,000.
- Projects must be implemented over a one-year period.
Funding is intended to support projects that combine rigorous research with meaningful on-ground conservation action.
Eligible Applicants
The programme is open to:
- Registered non-profit organizations in India
- Registered non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in India
- Organizations actively engaged in wildlife research and conservation activities
Applicant organizations must possess:
- Valid 80G registration
- Valid 12A registration
- Experience relevant to the proposed conservation work
The following are not eligible:
- Individual applicants
- Academic research projects conducted solely as part of master’s studies
- Doctoral or PhD research projects
- Proposals unrelated to the programme focus areas
Project Requirements
Proposals are expected to:
- Address conservation challenges within the Western Ghats
- Demonstrate relevance to Goa’s conservation priorities wherever applicable
- Align with one or more programme focus areas
- Present clearly defined objectives
- Use scientifically sound methodologies
- Demonstrate feasibility within the proposed timeframe
- Incorporate innovative approaches where appropriate
- Outline measurable conservation outcomes
- Show potential for practical implementation and impact
- Highlight opportunities for scalability or replication
Applications should clearly explain how the proposed activities will contribute to biodiversity conservation.
Assessment Criteria
Applications will be evaluated through a transparent and merit-based selection process based on:
- Applicant eligibility
- Conservation relevance
- Scientific rigor
- Project objectives and clarity
- Methodology and technical approach
- Feasibility of implementation
- Innovation and originality
- Potential for scalability
- Expected conservation impact
- Ability to deliver measurable outcomes
Projects that combine strong scientific foundations with practical conservation solutions will be viewed favourably.
Expected Outcomes
Supported projects should contribute to:
- Improved conservation of wildlife and habitats
- Better understanding of species and ecosystems
- Enhanced wildlife monitoring efforts
- Increased use of innovative conservation technologies
- Strengthened human–wildlife coexistence strategies
- Greater community participation in conservation
- Protection of endemic species in the Western Ghats
- Replicable conservation models
- Measurable biodiversity outcomes
- Long-term conservation benefits in the region
The programme encourages projects capable of creating lasting ecological impact.
Why This Program Matters
The Western Ghats is one of the world’s most significant biodiversity hotspots, home to numerous endemic and threatened species. Addressing the region’s conservation challenges requires innovative approaches that combine science, technology, and community engagement.
The Wild Incubator Research Program supports organizations working on practical solutions that move beyond research alone to deliver real conservation outcomes. By investing in applied conservation initiatives, the programme contributes to the protection of biodiversity while strengthening local capacity to address emerging environmental challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the Wild Incubator Research Program?
- The programme supports applied conservation projects that combine wildlife research, technology, and field-based action to address conservation challenges in the Western Ghats.
Who can apply for funding?
- Registered non-profit organizations and NGOs in India that are actively engaged in wildlife research and conservation.
Are individual applications accepted?
- No. Individual applicants are not eligible under this programme.
How much funding is available?
- Up to three selected organizations will receive grants of INR 10,00,000 each.
What is the project duration?
- Supported projects must be implemented over a one-year period.
Are academic research projects eligible?
- No. Master’s and doctoral research projects are not eligible for funding.
How will proposals be evaluated?
- Applications will be assessed based on conservation relevance, scientific rigor, feasibility, innovation, scalability, and the potential to generate measurable conservation outcomes.
Conclusion
The Wild Incubator Research Program provides an important opportunity for Indian conservation organizations to develop and implement innovative solutions to pressing wildlife challenges in the Western Ghats. By supporting applied research, conservation technology, and community-driven initiatives, the programme seeks to generate measurable outcomes that contribute to long-term biodiversity protection and sustainable conservation impact.
For more information, visit Centre for Wildlife Studies.
