The India-Sweden Collaborative Industrial Research & Development Programme 2025 is a joint initiative by the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India, Technology Development Board (TDB), and VINNOVA – Sweden’s Innovation Agency. This program aims to foster co-development of new technologies, services, or processes between Indian and Swedish entities.

Focus Areas

This collaborative program is centered around several key areas to promote green and sustainable innovation. The primary focus is on leveraging AI for Green Innovation, aiming to enhance efficiency and drive innovation in emission-reduction initiatives across various sectors. This includes developing solutions that can be applied to industries such as manufacturing, transportation, and energy.

Another critical area is the development of Alternative Materials, specifically focusing on next-generation, eco-friendly substitutes for traditional materials like steel and cement. The program also seeks to revolutionize the steel and cement industries through Smarter Production processes that are optimized for sustainability. Finally, the development of Impact Measurement Tools is essential for tracking and assessing the societal and environmental outcomes of the green shift.

These focus areas are designed to encourage collaborative projects that address pressing environmental challenges and promote sustainable industrial practices. The program aims to support projects that can demonstrate a clear path towards commercialization and significant environmental impact.

Funding Details

The program offers financial assistance to support R&D projects focused on co-development. For Indian applicants, funding is provided as a "Grant" of up to 50% of the project cost, with a maximum limit of ₹150.00 Lakhs per project. This funding is intended to cover eligible costs associated with the project's implementation.

Indian industry partners may receive up to 50% of their eligible costs on a "Reimbursement Basis." This means that costs already incurred during the project implementation period, after the grant is sanctioned, can be reimbursed on a proportionate basis. This reimbursement structure helps to alleviate the financial burden on industry partners during the project's initial stages.

Indian R&D organizations and academic institutions can have a budget share of up to 50% of the project, or as decided by the Project Evaluation Committee. These institutions may receive up to 100% of their costs on an advance basis, providing them with the necessary financial resources to conduct their research activities effectively.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for this program, the Indian Project Coordinator (IPC) must be an Indian company registered under the Indian Company Act 1956/2013. This ensures that the participating entities are legally recognized and compliant with Indian regulations.

A key requirement is that at least 51% of the IPC Company's stake must be owned by Indian citizens. This condition is in place to promote domestic ownership and control over the projects being funded. Sole proprietors and partnership firms are not eligible for support under this program.

In summary, eligibility is restricted to Indian companies with majority Indian ownership, emphasizing the program's focus on supporting indigenous innovation and development.

How to Apply

For applicants seeking partner or matchmaking support, an email can be sent to somnath.paul@tdb.gov.in. This service is designed to help connect Indian entities with suitable Swedish partners for collaborative projects.

Detailed information regarding funding guidelines and proposal submission can be found on the Technology Development Board (TDB) website: www.tdb.gov.in. The website provides comprehensive instructions and resources to guide applicants through the application process.

Prospective applicants are encouraged to visit the website and carefully review the guidelines to ensure their proposals meet all the necessary requirements. The deadline is approaching, so timely submission is crucial.