The Department of Science and Technology (DST), through its Technology Translation and Innovation (TTI) division, is inviting project proposals under the Waste Management Technologies (WMT) Program. This initiative aims to support collaborative projects focused on advancing technology development, facilitating technology transfer, and promoting startups in the waste management sector.

Focus Areas

This call for proposals focuses on translational research in specific areas of solid waste management. The goal is to develop and demonstrate technologies that can address the environmental impact of waste generated from industrial development and consumption lifestyles.

The program seeks to promote innovative and sustainable technologies for waste management. This includes waste generation, prevention, characterization, monitoring, treatment, handling, reuse, and ultimate disposal of residual solid wastes.

Key objectives include assessing material recycling systems, improving existing technologies, and establishing the techno-economic feasibility of proposed methodologies. The program aligns with the goals of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.

Thrust Areas and Topics

The call focuses on four main thrust areas, each with specific research topics:

• Industrial Waste: Extraction of critical metals, utilization of mine overburden, red mud utilization, metallurgical slag utilization, recycling of non-ferrous scrap, recycling of solar panels and windmill blades, and recycling of used refractories.

• Toxic and Hazardous Waste: Utilization of chemical sludge from the textile sector, stabilization/solidification of ETP sludge from dye manufacturing, pharmaceutical residue utilization, spent pot lining utilization, recovery of salt from industrial residue, treatment of paper industry effluents, and safe immobilization of toxic/heavy metals.

• Organic Wastes: Recovery of resources and soil grade products from industrial waste, resource recovery and value-added products from food and agri-waste processing, and production of sustainable packaging material from agro and food waste.

• Plastic Waste: Upcycling waste plastics, use of multi-layered plastic (MLP) waste in furniture and roads, bio-based edible plastics as a substitute for MLP, use of non-recyclable plastics in plastic blocks, and recycling waste PET bottles.

Projects should aim to develop and demonstrate pilot-scale technologies in these areas. Collaboration with industry is strongly encouraged.

Eligibility and Submission

Proposals must be submitted online through the DST portal (https://onlinedst.gov.in/) by faculty, scientists, engineers, and technologists working in Indian universities, academic institutions, R&D institutions, and laboratories. Applicants must register as a PI on the DST's online portal.

The proposals will be reviewed in two phases: a Concept Note and a Full Proposal. Only shortlisted PIs from Phase 1 will be invited to submit a full proposal.

The concept note must provide a clear definition of the problem, relevant metrics, evidence supporting the Technology Readiness Level (TRL), and comprehensive scientific and technical details. Declaration and signed endorsement letters of the collaborating partners including industry can be submitted in the later stages while submitting the full proposals.

Funding and Collaboration

This call supports collaborative projects involving both research and translation teams for a duration of 2 years. It is mandatory to include a Technology Enabling Center (TEC) or a Technology Business Incubator (TBI) established by DST as a translation team.

Non-recurring expenses should be limited to 50% of the total budget, with the remaining for recurring items. Industry participation is mandatory, with a 10% contribution in cash. 10% of the total budget will be provided for TEC/TBI engagement.

Financial support covers temporary staff salaries, equipment, prototype building, consumables, and domestic travel. No support is provided for basic infrastructure, buildings, or international travel.

Important Considerations

Proposals should be based on innovative technologies and ideas with specific, concrete, and quantifiable objectives. The technology demonstration and translational plan involving TEC/TBI should be clearly outlined with achievable milestones and timelines.

The end product should be transferable to industries or suitable stakeholders for technology implementation. Proposals should include appropriate industry participation, clearly stating technical and financial terms.

The PI must submit an undertaking stating that the host institute will provide necessary funds if the industry partner withdraws. Only one proposal per PI is allowed under this call.

Key Dates and Contact Information

The last date for submission is July 31, 2025, at 5:00 PM. Applicants are advised to complete the online submission well in advance to avoid last-day issues.

For queries, contact:

• Dr. Krishna Kanth Pulicherla, Scientist ‘E’, TTI Division, DST (kkpulicherla.dst@gov.in)

• Shri Anil Kumar Meena, Scientist ‘B’, TTI Division, DST (anilmeena.99@gov.in)

Ensure all submissions are made through the online portal before the deadline.