The Suzuki Next Bharat Fellowship, offered by the Suzuki Innovation Centre and Next Bharat Ventures, supports faculty-led research projects aimed at transformative solutions for India's rural and informal sectors. Open to faculty from top Indian institutions, the fellowship funds up to INR 15 Lakhs per year for 1-3 years. Research areas include AI, robotics, clean energy, agri-tech, climate technology, and mobility. Expected outcomes include pilots, patents, research publications, and mentorship opportunities. The program fosters impactful, translational research with industry collaboration, emphasizing social impact. Applications close on March 22, 2025, with results announced on May 1, 2025.

Eligibility: Faculty members from the following institutions are eligible to apply:

• All IITs, IISc Bangalore, IIITs

• All IIMs, IRMA

• Any Indian institution ranked in the overall or category-wise top 50 in the past two years of India Rankings (NIRF)

Faculty members from any department, including those specializing in rural technology, are encouraged to apply.

Duration: 1-3 years, with at least an annual review to determine continuation or closure of the project.

Scope of Work: Research focused on translational applications (TRL 1 to 6) using cutting-edge technologies for India’s rural and informal sectors in areas such as:

• AI/ML & Robotics

• Supply Chain (especially Cold Chain)

• Agri-tech (Mechanization, Precision Agriculture, Organic Agriculture)

• Clean Energy & Sustainability

• Hydrogen & Alternative Fuels

• Climate & Environmental Technology

• Artisanal & Gig Economy Innovations

• Mobility & Transportation

• Other impactful areas

Expected Outcomes:

• Pilots, white papers, international journals, and conference publications acknowledging the fellowship’s support.

• Research monographs or books acknowledging the fellowship’s support.

• Patents and potential licensing opportunities for impactful solutions.

• Potential mentorship opportunities for social impact entrepreneurs associated with Next Bharat Ventures.

Budget and Grant Utilization:

• Institutional overheads (as per institutional norms)

• Up to 33% as fellowship/consultancy for PI and co-investigators combined

• Hiring of project staff/interns/students

• Research-specific equipment, software, and consumables

• Conference registration and travel for presenting accepted research papers

• Purchase or rental of publications, reports, and research materials

• Organizing and attending workshops with various stakeholders

Selection Process:

• Shortlisting will be conducted by a panel of experts.

• Shortlisted candidates will be invited for online presentations/discussions with experts and SIC representatives.

Program Synchronization:

• Periodic synchronization and at least an annual review.

• Annual symposium of research grant awardees.

Key Dates:

• Application Deadline: March 22, 2025

• Announcement of Results: May 1, 2025

Contact Information: For more details, contact Suzuki Innovation Centre at sic@nextbharat.ventures.

About Next Bharat Ventures & Suzuki Innovation Centre: Next Bharat Ventures (‘Next Bharat’) is an initiative by Suzuki Motor Corporation focused on social impact investments that enhance livelihoods in India’s rural and informal segments. The Suzuki Innovation Centre (SIC) serves as an open innovation platform for entrepreneurs and innovators, aiming to improve the lives of India’s economically disadvantaged population through academic collaborations and research.