The Division sponsors research projects/studies to interested investigators/organizations under NSTMIS Scheme. The broader areas where studies could be taken up in the sponsored mode are ST investment, ST infrastructure, ST output, ST databases, ST manpower, RD productivity/efficiency etc. Some of the areas in which the research proposal/studies could be submitted are i Human Resources in ST, ii RD Infrastructure/Resources, iii ST Studies in Higher Education Sector, iv Mobility of ST Professionals, v RD and Innovation, vi IPR Management, and vii Scientometric Studies in ST. The pertinent themes/sub-areas to be addressed under these areas for submission of research proposals under the NSTMIS Scheme are listed at the NSTMIS website www.nstmis-dst.org.

Basic and applied RD in CPS topics

Fundamental and applied research in Data Science, big data, Analytics and predictive technologies

Basic and applied research in Sensors, actuators, operational systems development and IoT

Basic and applied research in cyber security and related topics

Development of analytics tools, algorithms for epidemiology data, disease burden in Indian context

RD, fusion of technology with Indian Heritage, tool development, prototypes development

Quantum Information Science Technology QuST- a networked based cluster programme- Directed Research

Special Call for proposals under Scheduled Castes SC and Scheduled Tribes ST Category under ICPS programme The Scheme Proposals are invited from SC and ST categories only for conducting the following 1. Conduction of national level Conferences/workshops/Seminars/brain storming sessions etc of three days duration. 2. Training programmes In-house Short term training/FDP Programmes for Faculty/UG/PG/Doctoral students of two weeks duration. 3. Building awareness at School level and at ITI, Polytechnic, Advanced Training Institutes ATI.

National Initiative for Developing and Harnessing Innovations NIDHI is an umbrella programme conceived and developed by the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Division National Science and Technology Entrepreneurship Development Board of Department of Science Technology, Government of India, for nurturing ideas and innovations knowledge-based and technology-driven into successful startups. The programme would work in line with the national priorities and goals and its focus would be to build an innovation driven entrepreneurial ecosystem with an objective of national development through wealth and job creation. Business incubation has been globally recognized as an important tool for job creation and economic development. Innovation and Entrepreneurship Division of the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India is supporting Technology Business Incubators primarily in and around academic, technical and management institutions to tap innovations and technologies for venture creation by utilizing expertise and infrastructure already available with the host institution. Recently non-academic institutions have shown interest in setting up NIDHI-TBIs. Technology based new enterprises are high risk and high growth ventures, and require an enabling environment like NIDHI-TBI to enhance the prospects of their success. There are different variants of incubators like - Technology Business Incubators NIDHI-TBIs Innovation Hubs Centers for Innovation Entrepreneurship Virtual Incubators and Seed Accelerators. Objectives of NIDBI-TBI To create jobs, wealth and business aligning with national priorities. To promote new technology/knowledge/innovation based startups. To provide a platform for speedy commercialization of technologies developed by the host institution or by any academic/technical/RD institution or by an individual. To build a vibrant startup ecosystem, by establishing a network between academia, financial institutions, industries and other institutions. To provide cost effective, value added services to startups like mentoring, legal, financial, technical, intellectual property related services.

1.0 Introduction NIDHI-Science Technology Entrepreneurs Parks and Technology Business Incubators STEP/TBIS areinstitutional linked facilities promoted by the Department of Science and Technology to nurture innovative and technological led new ventures during the initial and critical period i.e. the start-up phase.By providing a range of specialised business support services, a TBI facilitates the initial journey of a start up and enables new ventures to survive and succeed in the market place. Around 90TBIs have been promoted by the NSTEDB of DST. TBIs are primarily hosted at the institutions of higher educationacross the country including both publicly and privately funded Universities and institutions e.g. IITs, IIMs, NITs, NID, PSG,Manipal Univ, VIT, Amrita Univ. etc . 2.0 The Need While the STEP/TBIare able to support the “Space, Services and Knowledge” requirements of startups but, wide gap exists in financial support required by a technology driven start up in its initial phase which are not being addressed properly.The basic idea of seed support is providing financial assistance to potential startups with promising ideas, innovations and technologies. This would enable some of these incubatee startups with innovative ideas/technologies to graduate to a level where they will be able to raise investments from angel/Venture capitalist or they will reach a position to seek loans from commercial banks /financial institutions . Thus the proposed seed support disbursed by an incubator to an incubatee is positioned to act as a bridge between development and commercialization of innovative technologies/products/services in a relatively hassle free manner . 3.0 Objective The sole objective of the NIDHI-Seed Support System NIDHI-SSS is to ensure timely availability of the seed support tothe deserving incubatee startups within an incubator , thereby enabling them to take their venture to next level and facilitate towards their success in the market place. The scheme also enables the STEP/TBI to widen their pipeline of startups and also share the success of their startups which would also result in ensuring their long term operational sustainability. a Eligibility for TBI to apply for NIDHI-SSS • A fully Operational STEP/TBIwith at least 5 start ups requiring seed support is eligible to apply to DST for seed support. Seed support is normally given to a DST funded STEP/TBIs, but other TBIs having not for profit legal status and hosted at public institutions would also be considered on a case to case basis. bEligibility Conditions for Incubatee Start Ups for seed support Incubatee should be a registered company in India with minimum of three months ofresidency at the STEP/TBIs. Incubatee has to be an Indian start-up.This support is not meant for Indian Subsidiaries of MNCs/foreign companies.Persons holding Overseas Citizens of India OCI, Persons of Indian Origin PIO would be considered as Indian citizens for the purpose of this scheme. The share holding by Indian promoters in the incubate start up should be at least 51.

Business incubation has been globally recognized as an important tool for economic development and job creation. National Science and Technology Entrepreneurship Development Board NSTEDB of Department of Science and Technology DST has been supporting the technology based stratups through its flagship programme of “Technology Business Incubator”. Technology Business Incubators have been supported primarily in and around academic and technical institutions to tap potential technology ideas and innovations for venture creation by effectively utilizing expertise and existing infrastructure already available with the host institution. Technology based new enterprises are high risk and high growth ventures, and they require an enabling environment like NIDHI-Centre of Excellence NIDHI-COEto enhance the prospects of their success. To further augment and scale upexisting incubation activities in TBIs, the Department would provide an enhanced support Rs.50 crore in 5 years. The support would include a design/product/prototype development Validation Centres along with the Patent Facilitation centres, state-of-the-art technology based TBI facilities to accommodate minimum 100 startups and an accelerator for 10 high potential startups. The support would encourage innovation, entrepreneurship, successful business development, and community revitalization, and ensure development of local economy that generates wealth and shares prosperity.

NSTEDB proposes to encourage the existing TBIs in its network to undertake Accelerator both sectoral and sector-agnostic, regional and national, which will strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem as well as deliver immense value to other Incubation Programs. Objectives of NIDHI-Accelerators To fast track the growth of potential start ups through rigorous mentoring and networking support in a short span through existing TBIs To attract subject matter experts, mentors, and angel investors get associated with TBIs through the structured accelerator programs To build a vibrant startup ecosystem, by establishing a network between academia, financial institutions, industries and other institutions. To act as a hub for several incubators in the region, so that high-potential startups can be fast-tracked for increased exposure and validation Accelerators should employ a “fail fast” mentality ideas or prototypes that are not getting traction should be abandoned or modified quickly, allowing founders to redeploy resources to other projects or even new companies at a rapid pace.

To promote strengthen Science Technology ST entrepreneurship, the National Science Technology Entrepreneurship Development Board NSTEDB, Dept. of Science Technology, Govt. of India sponsors following programmes • Women Entrepreneurship Development Programme WEDP • Technology based Entrepreneurship Development Programme TEDP • Faculty Development Programme FDP These programmes are mainly conducted by various institutions/organizations namely Innovation Entrepreneurship Development Centre IEDCs, New Generation Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Centre NewGen IEDCs, Science Technology Entrepreneur Park STEPs, Technology Business Incubator TBIs, State Entrepreneurship Development ED organizations, educational institutions and other specialized organizations involved in the field of ST entrepreneurship.

Department of Science Technology DST and IC-IMPACTS invite researchers to submit proposals for projects that can be completed in two years or less and that focus on Cyber-Physical Systems to Support Green Buildings in Smart Cities. The proposals may focus on one or more of the following or related topics A. Development of Sensors, Cyber-Physical Interfaces and Solutions for • Monitoring Structural Performance of Buildings for Safety, Reduced Life Cycle Costs, and Efficient Asset Management • Building Disaster Management during Fire, Earthquakes, etc. to Improve Occupant Survivability • Enhancing Thermal, Acoustical, and Lighting Comfort in Buildings • Monitoring of Volatile Organic Compounds in Air, Human-Generated Aerosols, and Aerosol Transport • Energy Reduction, Net Zero Energy, and Carbon Neutrality • Reduced Water Usage, Water Harvesting, and On-Site Treatment B. Demonstration of Technologies developed in Part A in Buildings in India and Canada.

The basic aim of the programme is to strengthen the collaboration between Indian and German research groups, which are working jointly on a particular scientific project. The programme ’Project-based Personnel Exchange’ envisages, in this connection, financial support for operational mobility only. Particular emphasis is thereby accorded to academic training and specialization of young researchers. Concrete objectives have to be mentioned in the application project description including the number and academic credentials of the researchers to be supported. Research collaborations entered into with the intention of initiating major projects, such as the preparation of joint applications meant for submission to any other funding organisation, are highly preferred.

The Australia-India Strategic Research Fund AISRF is a platform for bilateral collaboration in science, jointly managed and funded by the governments of India and Australia. Since its establishment in 2006, the AISRF has supported collaborative, leading-edge research between scientists in India and Australia across a range of agreed priority areas. It has also helped to build linkages between premier research institutions in both countries. The objectives of the AISRF are to increase the uptake of leading-edge science and technology ST by supporting collaboration between Australian and Indian researchers in strategically focused, leading-edge scientific research and technology projects, and strengthening strategic alliances between Australian and Indian researchers and facilitate Australia’s and India’s access to the global ST system. The Indo-Australian ST Fund is jointly managed by the Australian Government’s Department of Industry, Innovation and Science and the Government of India’s Department of Science and Technology DST.

Under the Executive Programme of Cooperation in the fields of Science and Technology for the years 2015-17, the Ministry of Scientific Research MoSR, of the Arab Republic of Egypt and the Department of Science and Technology DST, Ministry of Science and Technology, India, invite Egyptian and Indian universities, Research Centres and Institutes to submit joint proposals for scientific and technological research and development projects.Projects may be submitted in the following priority research area • Information Communication Technology • Nano-Technology for biomedical Sciences especially drug delivery and tissue engineering and Energy applications especially fuel cells, CSP and self-cleaning PV • Biotechnology

Call to invite India-Czech joint proposals in science and technology

DST and DFG are opening the possibility for joint Indo-German research project funding in the fields of Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics DFG review boards 301 to 312. Indo-German teams of researchers are invited to submit joint proposals describing integrated research projects with a duration of up to three years. DST and DFG particularly wish to encourage early career researchers to participate in this international funding opportunity, though the call is open to researchers of all career stages. Proposals may describe either mono-disciplinary or multi-disciplinary projects. In the case of interdisciplinary proposals, however, it is important that the central parts of the project fall within the listed fields.

Within the framework of the Agreement on Scientific and Technological Cooperation between the Republic of India and the Italian Republic, the Department of Science and Technology, Ministry of Science Technology, Government of India and the Directorate General for Economic and Cultural Promotion and Innovation – Office IX of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation invite application for “Mobility of Researchers” joint research projects where only the expenses for researchers’ mobility are funded by both Parties. Each PI must submit only one proposal and can apply to only one funding scheme, either 1 Mobility of Researchers, or 2 Significant Projects, or 3 Networks of Excellence, under penalty of exclusion from the Call for multiple submissions. Further details on each funding scheme, including priority research areas, are given separately. The Call is open to scientists or faculty members regularly employed in universities and research institutions, including hospitals and foundations, as well as working in private nonprofit institutions that carry on RD activities, in Italy or in India.

Within the framework of the Agreement on Scientific and Technological Cooperation between the Republic of India and the Italian Republic, the Department of Science and Technology, Ministry of Science Technology, Government of India and the Directorate General for Economic and Cultural Promotion and Innovation – Office IX of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation invite application for “Significant Project” joint research projects where research activities are co-funded by both Parties. Each PI must submit only one proposal and can apply to only one funding scheme, either 1 Mobility of Researchers, or 2 Significant Projects, or 3 Networks of Excellence, under penalty of exclusion from the Call for multiple submissions. Further details on each funding scheme, including priority research areas, are given separately. During the time-period covered by the Executive Programme, the Italian and the Indian Parties may consider granting financial support to bilateral projects with a potential significant impact on priority research areas Progetti di Grande Rilevanza. Only projects selected by the Joint Commission and included in the Executive Programme will be eligible for funding. Funding will be granted on a yearly basis within the limits of the available annual financial resources of each Party. The contribution granted by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation is meant as a co-funding of the project and therefore a significant financial participation by the proposing Italian Institution in terms of personnel costs is mandatory. Any other financial contribution from public or private, Italian or Indian Institutions, will be evaluated positively.

Within the framework of the Agreement on Scientific and Technological Cooperation between the Republic of India and the Italian Republic, the Department of Science and Technology, Ministry of Science Technology, Government of India and the Directorate General for Economic and Cultural Promotion and Innovation – Office IX of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation invite application for "Networks of Excellence", co-funded by both parties and aimed at creating long-term sustainable interactions between multiple Italian and Indian Research institutions, based on existing infrastructure, with significant impact on one priority research area. The Call is open to scientists or faculty members regularly employed in universities and research institutions, including hospitals and foundations, as well as working in private nonprofit institutions that carry on RD activities, in Italy or in India. Each PI must submit only one proposal and can apply to only one funding scheme, either 1 Mobility of Researchers, or 2 Significant Projects, or 3 Networks of Excellence, under penalty of exclusion from the Call for multiple submissions. Further details on each funding scheme, including priority research areas, are given separately. The projects for the Network of Excellence NE funding scheme aim to promote joint research activities by Indian and Italian scientists from academia and laboratories, which would rely on already existing infrastructure and funding available to the partners on both sides. By establishing bilateral links between research teams, these projects aim to encourage joint research implementation on focal thematic research areas. Networking would create sustainable interactions by promoting excellence and developing long-term relationship based on synergy. Activities must necessarily be focused on a specific topic and implemented through a clear programme of activities. Applied research topics and the participation of private companies are positively evaluated and strongly encouraged.

Within the framework of the Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2019 between the Department of Science and Technology DST of the Ministry of Science and Technology of the Government of India, and the Foundation for Science and Technology FCT of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Higher Education of the Portuguese Republic, a call for joint scientific research and technological development projects is launched to provide financial support for joint research and innovation activities carried out by scientists from both parties. The aim of this joint call is to support the development of scientific and technological cooperation between Indian and Portuguese researchers and to strengthen the scientific partnership between research groups from each party by establishing bilateral research networks, enhancing research cooperation and promoting the exchange of knowledge between Indian and Portuguese scientists. DST and FCT invite Indian and Portuguese researchers to submit joint proposals for research, carried out by scientists from both parties. Qualifying scientific applicants from India and Portugal may receive research grants from DST and FCT, respectively, according to the applicable funding procedures and regulations.

The Department of Science and Technology, Govt. of India invites to participate against ‘Joint Call for Proposals - 2020’ under the India-Serbia Scientific and Technological Cooperation Program between the Department of Science and Technology DST, Ministry of Science and Technology of the Republic of India and the Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development MESTD of the Republic of Serbia. The call will be open from February 24, 2020 to May 31, 2020 to invite joint proposals from both sides.

The Department of Science and Technology, Govt. of India invites to participate against ‘Joint Call for Proposals - 2020’ under the India-Slovenia Scientific and Technological Cooperation Program between the Department of Science and Technology DST, Ministry of Science and Technology of the Republic of India and the Ministry of Education, Science and Sport of the Republic of Slovenia and the Slovenian Research Agency of the Republic of Slovenia. The call will be open from March 10, 2020 to 11 June 2020 to invite joint proposals from both the sides.

The India-Korea Joint Program of Cooperation in Science and Technology facilitates bilateral cooperation between scientists and researchers from the two countries by way of joint RD projects and technical missions. Department of Science Technology DST, Govt. of India and Ministry of Science and ICT MSIT of the Republic of Korea invite Indian and Korean scientists / researchers to submit proposals for joint research projects in the following areas i Green Mobility ii Engineering Sciences iii Materials Science Technology iv Renewable Energy. Proposals to be submitted by 1800 pm local time on May 8, 2020

Department of Science Technology DST, Government of India, Ministry of Science and ICT MSIT of the Republic of Korea invite Indian and Korean research groups to submit proposals for Joint Network Centre in "Cyber Physical System" Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things focused on agriculture, energy, water and transportation This Call for Proposals is to enable Indian and Korean scientists from academia and laboratories to carry out joint research activity by leveraging already existing infrastructure and funding available with the partners at both sides through a linkage established by a Joint Network Centre JNC. Joint Network Centre aims to encourage joint project implementation on focal areas of thematic and knowledge research through networking thus, paving way to sustainable interactions by promoting excellence and developing long term relationship based on synergy of activities. Network Centre may also provide opportunities for integrating research with education.

The BRICS STI Framework Programme aims to support excellent research on priority areas which can best be addressed by a multinational approach. The initiative should facilitate cooperation among the researchers and institutions in the consortia which consist of partners from at least three of the BRICS countries

The Department of Science Technology DST, Govt. of India and Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange – NAWA Poland, invite proposals for Joint Research projects in bilateral mode involving scientists technologists from India and Poland in the scientific areas of i Natural Sciences ii Engineering and Technology iii Medical and Health Sciences iv Agricultural Sciences

In line with the science and technology bilateral agreement signed between South Africa and India, the National Research Foundation NRF, in partnership with the Indian Department of Science and Technology DST, is hereby pleased to announce the 6th bilateral call for joint research project proposals between South African researchers and their Indian counterparts. Aims of the bilateral programme This Programme aims to • contribute to scientific advancement in both countries by funding joint research projects in specified research fields • provide an opportunity for researchers to cooperate in an international setting and to develop their scientific careers, support the advancement of basic and applied research and • contribute meaningfully to research capacity development. Areas of cooperation Only joint research proposals submitted within the following thematic areas will be considered • Advanced materials incl. manufacturing • Biotechnology • Renewable energy

The Department of Science and Technology, Government of India-referred to as “DST” and the Ministry of Science and Technology of State of Israel referred to as “MOST” are providing financial support for joint research activities carried out by Indian and Israeli researchers. They are hereby invited to submit joint research proposals on two areas, i Advanced materials for next gen solar energy utilization and energy storage - Renewable energy research is required for finding new, efficient, environment friendly and sustainable energy sources to replace fossil fuels such as oil, coal and natural gas. Advancement in this field will reduce pollution, greenhouse effect and climate changes. The call will focus on development of advanced materials for conversion of energy from sunlight into electricity and development advanced materials for energy storage. ii Quantum devices And Quantum Technologies for sensing imaging and communication

AUSTRIA / INDIA SCIENTIFIC TECHNOLOGICAL COOPERATION WTZ Programme CALL FOR APPLICATIONS FOR JOINT PROJECTS in 2020-2022

The Ministry of Science, Technology and Research MSTR, Government of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka and the Department of Science and Technology DST, Government of India concluded a Programme of Cooperation PoC in Science and Technology, on August 14th 2019. In terms of the PoC, funding can be made available for selected Joint Projects and Workshops in bilateral mode involving scientist technologists from Sri Lanka and India, in the following areas a. Food Technology b. Plant base medicines c. Metrology d. Space Research Applications e. Robotics Automation f. Industrial Electronics g. Renewable Energy h. Waste Management i. Information and Communication Technology j. Any other project with national relevance with Justifications

During the 10th session of the Indo-Hungarian Joint Science and Technology Committee, established in accordance with Article 4 of the 1992 Agreement between the Government of India and the Government of Hungary on cooperation in the field of Science Technology held in New Delhi on March 21-22, 2018 it was decided to launch next call for proposals and invite Joint Projects proposals from Indian and Hungarian scientists. The new call for proposals is opened in the following areas • Biotechnology, including agriculture and food industry • Information and communication technologies • Renewable energy • Water management and water cleaning

The Department of Science Technology DST had initiated a highly focused programme quotCognitive Science Research Initiative CSRIquot in 2008 during 11th Five year plan. The Cognitive Science Research Initiative facilitates a platform to scientific community to work for better solution of challenges related with cognitive disorders and social issues through various psychological tools batteries, early diagnosis better therapies, intervention technologies and rehabilitation programmes. OBJECTIVE Cognitive Science Research Initiative is aimed to revolutionize research in various fields, such as • Nature and origins of mental disorders, of physiological, social and neuro-chemical origins. • Design of better learning tools and educational paradigms. • Design of better software technologies and artificial intelligence devices. • Streamlining of social policy formulation and analysis. Thrust Areas Cognitive science has wide horizons which covers different aspects of cognition. DST has identified specific thrust areas in Cognitive Science which include Foundations of Cognition Language and Cognition Computational Intelligence Cognitive Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience etc. Support Available under CSRI 1. Individual RD Projects Grant is available for RD projects in any thrust areas identified. Support will be provided for Equipments, Manpower and other research grant. 2. Multi-centric Mega Projects Multi-centric projects are encouraged to provide better solution of issues related with social relevance, better understanding of neurodegenerative diseases and their therapeutics. 3. Post Doctoral FellowshipTwo years 'Post Doctoral Fellowship' Programme is aimed to develop human resource in Cognitive Sciences. The Scheme provides Opportunities to Young Scientists below 40 years for pursuing innovative research in frontier areas of Cognitive Science. 4. Support for Schools, Training, Workshops, Conferences etc The CSRI programme extends partial support for organizing conference/seminar/symposia/training programmes/workshops/schools on a selective basis. The support is provided to Academic or Research Institutions, Universities and other Professional bodies to encourage young researchers and keep scientific community abreast of the latest developments in various areas of Cognitive Science.

Department of Science and Technology DST, in 2015, conceptualized a new research program- ‘Science and Technology of Yoga and Meditation’ SATYAM- under its Cognitive Science Research Initiative CSRI. As Yoga and Meditation are interdisciplinary endeavors that interface with Neuroscience, Medicine, Psychology, Philosophy, and so on, therefore an interdisciplinary approach is needed to converge different diverse disciplines as well as approaches methods in the study of yoga and meditation. Thus comprehensive research on yoga and meditation is expected to address various challenges confronting physical and mental health. This new programme is aimed to foster scientific research on the effects of yoga and meditation on physical mental health and on cognitive functioning in healthy people as well as in patients with disorders. Themes Basic themes being covered under SATYAM include, among others, 1 investigations on the effect of Yoga and Meditation on physical and mental health and well being, and 2 investigations on the effect of Yoga and Meditation on the body, brain, and mind in terms of basic processes and mechanisms. Who can apply Scientists/academicians with research background in ‘Yoga and Meditation’ and having regular position are invited to participate in this initiative. Practitioners actively involved in yoga and meditation practices are also encouraged to apply in collaboration with academic and research institutions of repute. Interested researchers are required to submit research proposals in their area of expertise along with Endorsement Certificate from the Head of the Institution and detailed bio-data of PI and Co-PIs. The project proposal format is available on the DST website.

Women Scientist Scheme-B WOS-B focuses on projects related to Science Technology ST interventions for societal benefit. Such project proposal should address a well-identified societal challenge and deliver possible solutions by way of development of viable technology/technique and/or lab-to-land technology transfer, its adaptation and scaling up. Women scientists who wish to apply under this scheme are required to develop their own project/proposals for scientific and technological solutions to address issues preferably at enhance quality-of-life the grassroots level. The proposal must clearly bring out the societal benefit to be accrued through well conceived plan for development of technology/technique and/or adaptation/ customization. The candidate should have adequate ST skills and be adept at techniques to deliver the proposed outcome. Projects which have the potential for sustainable income generation, lead to appreciable reduction in drudgery and enhancement of quality-of-life besides capacity building of women at the grassroots level are encouraged.

The Department of Science Technology DST had initiated a highly focused programme quotCognitive Science Research Initiative CSRIquot in 2008 during 11th Five year plan. The Cognitive Science Research Initiative facilitates a platform to scientific community to work for better solution of challenges related with cognitive disorders and social issues through various psychological tools batteries, early diagnosis better therapies, intervention technologies and rehabilitation programmes. Post Doctoral FellowshipTwo years 'Post Doctoral Fellowship' Programme is aimed to develop human resource in Cognitive Sciences. The Scheme provides Opportunities to Young Scientists below 40 years for pursuing innovative research in frontier areas of Cognitive Science.

Women Science congress

Special Call under SATYAM to fight against COVID-19

Multi Centric major Research Projects in the prescribed fields of Cognitive Science

This Programme aims to improve access to state-of-the-art facilities for Indian scientific community, especially from the academic sector. Because of their scale, technical complexity and huge requirement of funds, such projects are funded jointly and also implemented through multi-institutional efforts.

The Nano Mission is an umbrella programme for capacity building which envisages the overall development of this field of research in the country and to tap some of its applied potential for nation’s development.

Nanotechnology quotnanotechquot is manipulation of matter on an atomic, molecular, and supramolecular scale. The earliest, widespread description of nanotechnology referred to the particular technological goal of precisely manipulating atoms and molecules for fabrication of macroscale products, also now referred to as molecular nanotechnology. A more generalized description of nanotechnology was subsequently established by the National Nanotechnology Initiative, which defines nanotechnology as the manipulation of matter with at least one dimension sized from 1 to 100 nanometers. This definition reflects the fact that quantum mechanical effects are important at this quantum-realm scale, and so the definition shifted from a particular technological goal to a research category inclusive of all types of research and technologies that deal with the special properties of matter which occur below the given size threshold

NanoMission is inviting proposals in the thematic areas of Nanotechnology in Agriculture ,Nano for Energy Environment and Quantum Materials with exciting Nano-science and novel applications for promoting RD, innovation technology based outcomes.

NanoMission is inviting proposals in the thematic areas of Nanotechnology in Agriculture ,Nano for Energy Environment and Quantum Materials with exciting Nano-science and novel applications for promoting RD, innovation technology based outcomes.

NanoMission is inviting proposals in the thematic areas of Nanotechnology in Agriculture ,Nano for Energy Environment and Quantum Materials with exciting Nano-science and novel applications for promoting RD, innovation technology based outcomes.

The Programme aims at developing methods, techniques, and solutions for operationalising the concept of local level planning using Geospatial Technologies. Current Application priorities cover Landslides and Coastal Hazard Mitigation.

In view of the importance of Geospatial Technology and applications in Revival and Restoring the Economic Growth in Post COVID-19 situatio, to strengthen the area specific geospatial analytics capabilities of the country, this department in collaboration with Accelerating Growth of New India’s Innovations AGNIi initiative of Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India under the Prime Minister’s Science, Technology, and Innovation Advisory Council PSA office, invites short -term proposals from Geospatial start-ups and knowledge Institutions of the Country.

Proposals are invited from organisations capable of conducting Geo-innovation Challenge three days and 21 days winter/ summer schools in the fields of geospatial science and technology mainly for faculty from colleges, universities and schools, scientists from research and development organization, officials from state and central government, start-ups, ST enabled NGOs etc.

Development of Early Warning System in Landslide

RD Project Proposals are hereby invited by the NRDMS-NSDI Division of Department of Science Technology DST, Govt. of India for developing and demonstrating utility of concepts of Spatial Data Infrastructures SDIs in Urban Governance Applications. In particular, SDI concepts like geospatial metadata, geospatial data and process standards decision support systems and application of emerging Geo-Information Communication Technologies in Urban Governance using web-based platforms etc. are proposed to be explored and adapted to real-life Urban Governance context

To inspire and nurture the Eco Intelligent Youth Young Change Makers, the ‘Mission Eco NEXT’ initiatives focus upon promoting real-time responsiveness for building regenerative ecological futures which are leveraged by eco media, eco design eco innovation for promoting integrated efforts for conservation of natural resources, specifically aimed at developing models in public guidance systems based on science communication, like location specific innovative initiatives for actionable learning and building field capacity for adopting scientific best practices in knowledge critical domains. Science Technology Communication Trainings and support are provided in project mode for knowledge led motivation and capacity building of youth for leadership and improvement of quality of life of specific target groups based on scientific approaches of ‘Being- on- their -Own’ and ‘Collective response’ to challenges and location specific problems. Details http//www.dst.gov.in/sites/default/files/Mission20Eco20NEXT.pdf.

Scientific literacy and ST communication promotion across the country through Science Media Communication Research, Applications Field Capacity development to benefit people from sci-media, especially Community Science Media, Science through ICT/Digital/A-V applications Virtual Exhibitions, etc. innovating, augmenting, synergizing and harnessing Science Communication/Science Media with emerging trends, applications, research Communication, Science Risk Communication, Nature Science Communication, Emergent Sci-Media like Green Media, Geo Media, Computational Media, Animation, Gamification, Science Fiction, etc. with transdisciplinary/thematic content resource material from Agricultural Sciences, Biosciences, Environmental Sciences, Public Health Sciences and Medicine, Food, Energy, ST Information Sciences, etc. Capacity building for science communication in regional/local languages Communication Needs Analysis- Baseline/Endline Assessments- Public Campaigns/Sensitization/Dialogues –Trainings- Public Engagement- A/V Reporting, etc. and Targeting new stakeholders incl. housewives, knowledge workers, etc.

Thematic outreach with high priority themes like promoting creativity and innovation mindset for country wide field capacity and spread of scientific temper through STEMM Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics Medicine Demonstrations including Science Exhibitions, Mela/Fairs, Mobile Science Exhibitions Buses, Bikes, Boats, Ships, lecture-demonstrations, campaigns, visits to ST establishments, STEMM Cafes, Galileo talks to students, Student activity stalls, mathematical games/activities, ask a good question, Solve a puzzle, 10 exchanges in 10 minutes, 10 minute design/redesign, watch a show, spot the odd one, draw a future, quizzes, painting, etc., all for serving students, teachers, farmers, masses in all the districts through delivery of services with enhanced scale and speed of access. They serve to expose students to the scientific concepts at the cutting edge, India's capabilities, their career choices, and motivate students to take up a career in science. Industrial Visits/ visits to ST establishments, etc. They should also expose a large number of people to i ST issues, ii ST in daily life, iii ST at cutting edge, iv Scientific Career Options, etc. Targeting new stakeholders in new and emerging ST areas Thematic content Resource Material for ST Communication Popularisation, for the events on proposed themes as in the stalls also for addressing public misinformation related to ST issues.

S and T based Communication to reach the unreachable, to support Outreach and Capacity Building, developing Public Understanding of Science PUS, promoting Public Engagement with Science PES, and building scientific temper all for serving students, teachers, farmers, masses in all the districts through delivery of services in regional/ local languages for capacity building of science communicators through Science Communication Training cum Demonstrations, folk media, and low cost-no cost science teaching aids Thematic content Resource Material for ST Communication Popularisation for these activities which serve to utilize the expertise of resource persons trained/being trained by NCSTC in various aspects Hands – on activities like, Puppetry, Nukkad natak, Community level Science Jatha/ Campaign, Skits and Street plays, folk songs, dances, etc., script a dialogue, mathematical games/activities, also for addressing public misinformation related to ST issues.

Every year 28 February is celebrated as the National Science Day NSD. The programme was initiated to trigger science popularization activities throughout the country. NCSTC acts as a nodal agency to support and coordinate celebration of NSD by giving grants to State ST Councils Departments for organization of lectures, quizzes, open houses, etc. Similarly, the National Mathematics Day programme was supported all over the country through State ST Councils involving colleges and schools students. Celebrations or culminated on 22 December to commemorate the birthday of Srinivasa Ramanujan, the great mathematician with a focus on popularizing Mathematics.

Initiatives to help achieve gender equity, as our commitments under the national priority, Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao, and leveraged by Community Radio, are being re-oriented to raise the level of hand holding by the Department for longer duration than it is at present so that the infrastructure, facilities and manpower engaged in this noble endeavour could be utilized to its fullest.

The objectives of the National Children‘s Science Congress is to make a forum available to children in the age group 10-17 years, both from formal school system and from out of school, to exhibit their creativity and innovativeness, more particularly to solve a societal problem experienced locally using methods of science. The NCSC prompts to think of some significant societal problem, ponder over its causes and subsequently try and solve the same using the scientific methods. This involves close and keen observation, raising pertinent questions, building models, predicting solutions on the basis of a model, trying out various possible alternatives and arriving at an optimum solution using experimentation, field work, research and innovative ideas.

OUTREACH INCLUDING SCIENCE COMMUNICATION MEDIA FILMS ETC

Year of Awareness on Science Health YASH, 2020-21 Special call for science, health and risk communication with focus on COVID-19 - building improved risk understanding, an analytical mind, and informed decision making capacity amongst target groups including working with local sensitivities, belief systems, traditions, and indigenous knowledge translation, target group specific interpretations and usage of authentic scientific and health information to communicate the risks and facilitate risk management attitudinal changes about appreciating risks, associated challenges and solutions and assessment of public perceptions improved ability to clarify mis-perceptions, mis-beliefs, mal-practices based authentic knowledge duly verified by scientific processes trust in scientific competence of solutions and service providers and better working relations with community leaders, influencers including faith leaders, doctors, etc. science literacy for risk reduction development of science, health, and risk communication software in terms of publications, audio-visual, digital platforms, low cost learning aids, folk performances, trained communicators, especially in regional languages campaigns, hands-on science, demo/exhibitions/fairs, mela, jatha, competitions, children centric outreach, etc.

TIHs will focus on generation of new knowledge through basic and applied research in areas that is mandated to them. TIHs will be the source for fundamental knowledge/ technologies that will be needed to keep India prepared for the next generation of technologies. Thus, the primary activity of TIH includes the development of new knowledge intellectual property and highly knowledgeable human resource with top-order skills, besides serving as a repository of papers and patents. It will also engage in International Collaborations to prepare India in its quest to be a leader in the domain. These Hubs provide the eco- system for technology development and deployment. As the name suggests, the activities here will be with a pull from user industry/organization. These hubs are expected to take on the top level challenges identified or inter-ministerial projects calling for CPS based solutions. Translational work will ensure that country acquires leadership in markets through these Hubs, by actually delivering technologies or technology solutions on the ground. Each Hub will also focus on translational research for technology development TRL 4 and above but also work on lower TRLs. Along with this, focus on human resource development and serve as repository of proven concepts/ prototypes. All 18 number of TIHs are provided to Host Institutes and HI's to create a Section-8 Company. All TIHs can receive/ support for projects in the domain areas of TIH to academic, RD institutions, Industry, other funding agencies and linkages with existing TBIs or create a new TBI if there is no TBI in HI. They can also receive CSR funds, donations from trusts, foundations, industry contributions etc. Support for projects will be based on requirement, open call and with due scientific diligence and processes. They also can bid for projects from Govt/ Industry/ PSUs/ State Govt etc. Tentative list of proposed Technology TIHs as given below, however, as the technology is changing rapidly, some of them may undergo changes or new technology verticals may emerge. Host Institutes has freedom to come up with alternatives but well within ICPS Mission umbrella areas/ themes.

Project proposals aimed at setting up Spatial Data Infrastructure Nodes for sharing standards-based Data Services in Central Ministries/ Survey Organisations/ State Government Agencies

Department of Science and Technology, Ministry of Science and Technology, GoI is mandated to formulate and deliver public policy support for the empowerment of STI in the country. DST, through its policy research programme under the PCPM division has been closely engaged with this endeavor. The importance and potential of Science, Technology, and Innovation STI in meeting India’s developmental challenges has been well recognized in the past policies. At the juncture of this COVID 19 pandemic, India has initiated the formulation of the new Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy. To build and strengthen an institutional mechanism for a robust evidence-driven STI policy system in India, on the recommendation of the Committee of Experts, the Policy Research Cell of DST DST-PRC established DST-Centers for Policy Research DST-CPRs in various academic institutions IISc Bangalore, IIT Delhi, PU Chandigarh, etc.. These centers are engaged in targeted research in number of key areas Annexure-1 relevant to the country, train scholars in STI policy domain, and contribute towards better STI policy making. In addition to that, to create a critical mass of policy professional research scholars as well as practitioners, in 2016, DST-PRC launched DST-STI-PFP, a flagship policy fellowship program. DST-STI-PFP provides scientists, engineers and policy enthusiasts, an opportunity to gain exposure from the close quarters of policy making and contribute their knowledge and analytical skills in the STI policy realm. These initiatives started delivering results in various forms of impactful engagements. During the last few years, the initiatives have seen expansion in terms of a number of fellows involved, b research footprint/ topics covered, c national and international engagement, and d events and capacity building initiatives. This resulted in providing knowledge support to DST and other policy making bodies. The fellowship provides an opportunity to develop the skills for young professionals who are interested to engage with the STI policy domain and/or as STI policy researcher contributing towards empowerment of STI policy in the country.

Invitation for DST FIST Proposals in the area of Botany/ Zoology/ Agriculture/ Veterinary/ Medical/ Pharmacy/ and all other areas of life sciences from University/ Institute Departments.

Invitation for DST FIST Proposals in the area of Chemistry/ Chemical Sciences from University/ Institute Departments.

Invitation for DST FIST Proposals in the area of Engineering and Technology from University/ Institute Departments.

Invitation for DST FIST Proposals in the area of Earth Sciences/ Environmental Sciences/ Geological Sciences/ Geographical Sciences from University/ Institute Departments.

Invitation for DST FIST Proposals in the area of Mathematics and Statistics from University/ Institute Departments.

Invitation for DST FIST Proposals from Post Graduate Colleges in Basic Sciences/ Agriculture/ Engineering/ Veterinary/ Medical/ Pharmacy.

Invitation for DST FIST Proposals in the area of Physics/ Astrophysics/ and all areas of Physical Sciences from University/ Institute Departments.

In connection with the Logo design contest/ competition, entries are invited under the Scheme quotFund for Improvement of ST Infrastructure FISTquot of the Department of Science Technology DST, Government of India. The FIST scheme has strengthened the basic teaching as well as advanced research infrastructure to enable different researchers to conduct RD activities in elementary and emerging areas of ST. Following 20 years of successful implementation, now the scheme guidelines/ objectives has been revised and the focus for support has been shifted to only the quality of research activities preferably in the areas in alignment with any of the National Missions/ priorities. In this context, a dedicated logo befitting for the prestigious scheme, would be selected to represent the face of the scheme. FIST Scheme upgrades the optimal infrastructure facilities for improving the quality of research, such as, renovation of existing laboratory space and cold room, modernization of research laboratories, acquisition of essential equipment, upgradation of existing facilities, networking computational facilities including software databases, scientific technical books, maintenance refurbishing of existing and new facilities etc.. The facilities provided under the scheme are intended to support the efforts of the Department as a whole for a number of faculty members in the Department. Proposal towards individual RD support are not accepted under this scheme

The Department of Science and Technology DSTis initiating of setting up a shared, professionally managed, Science and Technology infrastructure facility, which can be readily be accessible to academia, start-ups, manufacturing units, industries and RD Labs. Such ST infrastructure will be known asSophisticated Analytical Technical Help Institute SATHI. These Centres will be equipped with major analytical instrument and advanced manufacturing facility, which is usually not available at Institutes / Organisations. The aim is to provide professionally managed services with efficiency, accessibility and transparency of highest order under one roof to service the demands of industry, start-ups and academia. In the first phase SATHI facilities are being located at IIT-Delhi, IIT-Kharagpur and BHU- Varanasi. This effort is expected to reach out much needed less endowed organisations like MSMEs, Start-ups, State Universities and Colleges fostering a strong culture of research collaboration between institutions and across disciplines to take advantage of developments, innovations and expertise in diverse areas.

The Scheme will provide the support to acquire research facilities, research man-power cost, acquiring research consumables, funds for travel, organizing workshops and conferences, contingencies and maintenance of the facilities. Universities are encouraged to harness their areas of excellence into an inter-disciplinary thematic effort of an accomplished team, with clearly articulated objectives. Proposals towards individual RD support would not be accepted under this Scheme. The synergy and focus of research may preferably be aligned to National Missions/ priorities.

Long Term Core Support - Technological Advancement for Rural Areas TARA. For details about the Scheme, please copy and paste the following link on your web browser http//dst.gov.in/long-term-core-support-technological-advancement-rural-areas-tara

The Department of Science and Technology DST has a focused initiative on Science and Technology interventions for the benefit of elderly and also the Divyanjan persons in the country titled- Technology Interventions for Disabled and Elderly TIDE. In addition to improving the quality-of-life of target population with appropriate and/or innovative scientific technological interventions, TIDE also aim at giving them autonomy independence through holistic development by creating requisite enabling environment for their empowerment. Proposals on Research and Development for technological solutions with multidisciplinary approach to improve the quality of life of Elderly population and Divyanjan and in making them self sufficient will be considered for financial assistance under this programme. The investigators may submit project proposals for finding scalable solutions for improved autonomy, quality of life and social inclusion of elderly and disabled population on any of the identified problem statements given under different thematic areas in the call document

Technology interventions for Addressing Societal Needs TIASN This scheme is aimed at development of innovative technologies which are related to societal development. It focuses attention on specific and need based S T interventions in farm and non-farm sectors for improvement of economically weaker sections, small and marginal farmers, rural artisans, landless labourers and urban population in unorganized sectors. Objectives To catalyze research, development, design, adaptation and application of innovative ST solutions for rural applications by supporting time bound development efforts with well defined milestones. To motive scientists and technologists for applying their expertise to find novel solutions for problems in the rural as well as urban areas having societal relevance. To take up all such activities which are conducive to the attainment of the above objectives.. Priority Areas The following priority areas have been identified Land, water and cover management through scientific and technological inputs for value addition and income generation. Water Management Owning sustaining of water in rural areas. Agriculture, Animal husbandry and Aquaculture Effective use of inputs, integrated farming system, post harvest technology, including post harvest processing. Engineering Services Design, development and upgradation of farms and non farm tools and machinery cost effective energy appliances Construction technologies using local resources and material for construction. Rural industries R D projects in the area of rural process industries. Establishment of Rural Technology Parks as technology resource centres for technology back-up/ support system in both farm and non –farm sector.

Science and Technology for Women ST for Women Objectives 1 To promote research, development and adaptation of technology to improve the quality of life, workings conditions for women. 2 To provide newer opportunities for gainful employment of women especially in rural areas and empower them through inputs of S T. 3 To reduce drudgery of women through application of Science and Technology. 4 To look into women health and nutrition through the application of S T Priority Areas The following priority areas have been identified under the scheme with major beneficiaries being women • Women Technology Park WTP, that are envisaged to act as a resource centre where all necessary support is made available to women. • Specific ST application programmes to address the problems of women in different agro climatic regions such as hill, coastal and arid. • RD on post-harvest technology and agricultural implements used by women to improve productivity and reduce drudgery • Improved practices for occupational health and enhanced production in technology areas where women form a majority of the stake holders sericulture, aquaculture, etc • Research, development and demonstration program to minimize occupational hazards of women in domestic, agricultural and organized and non-organized industries • Design, fabrication and improvement of equipment, accessories, tools and machineries used by women in different occupations in formal and non-formal sectors • Up-gradation of traditional skills for utilization of available local resources and providing means for women to enter into the organized sector or for starting entrepreneurial production or service units • Women's Health issues - Nutrition, non communicable diseases, prevention strategies for communicable diseases and • Selective studies on facilities available for women, health and nutritional status of women, employment/livelihood opportunities available for women, technologies existing and suitable for adoption. • All India coordinated projects on rural technologies related to above. • Collaborated projects initiated by the department with other laboratories Universities and Ministries.

Tribal Sub Plan Technological Interventions for Tribal Empowerment TITE TITE - the grant-in-aid scheme of the department under Tribal Sub Plan aims at improving living conditions and empowerment of scheduled tribes based on sustainable science and technology S T activities/application. Objectives S T application/interventions are expected on the following by developing action research project 1 To promote research, development adaptation of S T for improving quality of life of tribal groups. 2 Initiation of location specific S T based program in major socio-economic sectors. 3 To preserve traditional artisan skills, building on local innovation local knowledge systems in designing local resource management strategies through participatory research approach. 4 To explore promote alternative livelihood potential wherever the present occupation is dwindling on innovative community-based approaches and technological options to enhance field-level impact. 5 To improve existing equipment and machinery and introduction of new techniques/systems and complete technology package. 6 Broadening the impact of above S T based activities by promoting replication and scaling up of successful approaches leading towards empowerment and technical capacity building of tribal populations. Priority Areas • Land use, ecology, environment and energy by promoting S T based activities which generate sustainable increases in production and productivity of natural resources including water resource management and spring recharge micro-level Integrated watershed management • Forests – Agriculture Interface and Indigenous people Development, demonstration and extension of viable replicable models of S T application that ensures household level food security and improves livelihood opportunities • Effective and sustainable utilization of available natural resources including MFP and value addition to products based on traditional skills innovative technologies and quality products, integration in the production chain • Development opportunities for local communities around protected areas through technology focused bio-tourism and conservation for improved livelihoods • Application of S T for manpower development to generate alternate sources of income through sustainable cultivation systems/diversified agriculture and the establishment of non-farm enterprises at the micro and small scale level • Facilitation of technology mission mode projects by complementary activities • Sensitizing voluntary agencies, scientists of laboratories and related agencies to S T approach for tribal development through short-term brain-storming workshops and awareness generation to possible technology options and • Other activities, which would complement these objectives, like workshops, seminars, publications, etc.

Social Equity principles demand special attention and careful intervention to facilitate scheduled caste community in their developmental aspirations programmes focused on enabling the community need to be developed into both empathy and sensitivity backed up by the supply of adequate resources. Scheduled Castes Sub Plan is a scheme to empower SC population through the input of Science and Technology. Objectives To promote research, development and adaptation of technology for improving the quality of life of the economically weaker sections of scheduled castes in urban/rural areas To encourage scientists technologists to apply their knowledge and expertise to solve the problems of economically weaker scheduled caste communities, especially in rural areas. To replicate successful technology models relevant to SC population Priority Areas ST intervention for sustainable development and income generation amongst scheduled caste artisans/farmers ST intervention for enhancing efficiency of artisans engaged in traditional occupations Optimizing the design of commonly used equipment, machinery, rural transport vehicles to increase income, reduce drudgery and improve general health and well being, simultaneously sharpening their competence for undertaking repairs and maintenance. Facilitating setting up of technology driven micro-enterprises in rural areas. Sensitizing voluntary agencies, scientists of laboratories sand related agencies to S T approach for development of scheduled castes through short-term brain-storming workshops and awareness generation to possible technology options and Other activities, which would complement these objectives, like workshops, seminars, publications, etc. Note • Targeted beneficiaries should be SC population minimum 40-50. • List of selected beneficiaries along-with their address should be provided. • Detail about land holding of scheduled caste beneficiaries in case of agriculture related projects.

Women Technology Parks WTP Establishment of Women Technology Parks are an important programme under the scheme, “ST for Women” in Science for Equity Empowerment DevelopmentSEED Division of the department. The programme is a step towards meeting the National objective of, 196tm Nirbhar Bharat” by empowering women in earning livelihoods through various capacity building activities. These WTPs are envisaged to act as a resource centre where all necessary support is made available to women from a single platform for providing ST based training, capacity building in various technologies, providing livelihood opportunities and improving the quality of life of the women by reducing their drudgery, better resource management through value addition, etc. Skill development in ST based technologies and capacity building of women, especially from rural and peri-urban areas are major components of this programme. End goals are envisaged as inclusive capacity building of the under privileged women, establishment of sustainable enterprises through self help groups and attaining self reliance using locally available area specific resources. The enabler ST based agencies are expected to act as catalyst in providing backward and forward linkages, livelihood ecosystem and ST based training through standardized modules to empower women towards long term sustenance.

Encouraging young thinkers towards social development through Science Technology To encourage young scientists and technologists towards providing technology based/led solutions for societal challenges, Department of Science and Technology DST launched Scheme for Young Scientists and Technologists SYST in the year 1991. Innovative technological ideas in the form of proposal from young passionate researchers are thus invited under SYST, encompassing scientific interventions aimed at addressing social challenges. Eligibility 1. The applicant should possess at least Master’s degree in any Science and Technology stream. Those having PhD will be given preference. 2. The candidate should be less than 35 years of age on the last date of submission of the application to DST. However, age relaxation of 5 years would be given to Women and Differently-abled Divyangjan applicants and those belonging to SC/ST/OBC category. 3. The applicant not in regular position should align himself or herself with an Academic Institution of repute, ST based agencies including reputed Voluntary Organization with minimum 5 years in existence for implementation of ST based projects. These organizations must agree to facilitate smooth execution of the project and provide necessary infrastructure/ facilities for this purpose.

The Department of Science and Technology invite proposals for establishment of Science Technology and Innovation STI Hubs to develop, nurture and ensure the development, improvement, and delivery of appropriate and relevant ST approaches for Creation of Sustainable Livelihoods and enhancing the Quality of Life of the Scheduled Caste population in the country.

The Department of Science and Technology invite proposals for establishment of Science Technology and Innovation STI Hubs to develop, nurture and ensure the development, improvement, and delivery of appropriate and relevant ST approaches for Creation of Sustainable Livelihoods and enhancing the Quality of Life of the Scheduled Tribe population in the country.

In view of the importance of the role of State ST Council in gathering information on livelihood system, local and indigenous knowledge and ingesting it with technological information to help in development of specific strategies for development of SC Communities and define policies for implementation, it is proposed to establish SC Cells. The establishment of SC Cells in State ST Councils which will also help in strengthening the systemic role of State ST Councils in the developmental processes of SC Communities.

In view of the importance of the role of State ST Council in gathering information on livelihood system, local and indigenous knowledge and ingesting it with technological information to help in development of specific strategies for development of ST Communities and define policies for implementation, it is proposed to establish ST Cells. The establishment of ST Cells in State ST Councils which will also help in strengthening the systemic role of State ST Councils in the developmental processes of ST Communities.

A inter-Ministerial funding program“Scientific Utilization Through Research Augmentation- Prime Productsfrom Indigenous Cows” SUTRA-PIC India has been initiated with the support of Ministry of Science Technology through Department of Science and Technology DST, Department of Biotechnology DBT, Department of Scientific and Industrial Research DSIR-Council of Scientific Industrial Research CSIR Ministry of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy AYUSH Ministry of New and Renewable Energy MNRE, Indian Council of Agricultural Research ICAR, and Indian Council of Medical Research ICMR.The program will involve participation of Research Institutions, Academics, Grassroots Organizations and so on to carry out R D work, technology development and capacity building at local level covering following five thematic areas 1.Scientific research on uniqueness of Indigenous Cows. 2.Scientific research on Prime-products from indigenous cows for medicine and health. 3.Scientific research on Prime-products from indigenous cows for agricultural applications. 4.Scientific research on Prime-products from indigenous cows for food and nutrition. 5.Scientific research on Prime-products from indigenous cows-based utility items.

The programme is for establishing Centres of Excellence CoEs and Major R and D Programmes MRDPs as part of Human and Institutional Capacity Building HICAB Programme initiated for Indian Himalayan Region under National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem NMSHE. The programme mainly targets academic and R and D institutions in the Indian Himalayan Region.

The Calls are invited for the second phase of the Task forces under NMSHE to enable up-scaling the work done in phase-I along with establishing linkages with the stakeholders and to carryout research studies in various thematic areas pertaining to Himalayan Ecosystem. The call will be open from July 21, 2020 to 24th July, 2020.

Department of Science Technology DST, Government of India is coordinating and implementing two out of eight national missions on climate change under National Action Plan on Climate Change NAPCC. These are – National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem NMSHE and National Mission on Strategic Knowledge for Climate Change NMSKCC. One of the objectives of these National Missions is to build ST capacity in the areas of climate change at the State level. Proposals are invited for the 2nd phase of the State Climate Change Cell SCCC under NMSHE and NMSKCC Missions to enable up-scaling the work done in phase-I and to consider the current SAPCC in line with the INDC along with establishing linkages with the stakeholders by all the State CC Cells

Government of India had instituted a scheme titled “SwarnaJayanti Fellowships Scheme” to commemorate India’s fiftieth year of Independence. Under this scheme a selected number of young scientists, with excellent track record, are provided special assistance and support to enable them to pursue research in frontier areas of science and technology. The fellowship is scientist specific and not institution specific. Scientists selected for the award will be allowed to pursue unfettered research with a freedom and flexibility in terms of expenditure as approved in the research plan. The project to be submitted along with the application should, therefore, contain innovative research idea and it should have a potential of making impact on RD in the discipline. The duration of the fellowship along with the project will be for a period not exceeding five years. The award consists of a Fellowship of Rs 25000/- per month in addition to the salary drawn from the parent Institute along with a Research Grant of Rs 5 lakh per annum by Department of Science and Technology for a period of 5 years, while the project submitted by the selected Fellows will be considered for funding by the Science Engineering Research Board SERB as per SERB norms, for recurring and non-recurring heads. The fellowship is open to Indian Nationals having a regular position in a recognized Indian academic/ research organization. The applicant should possess Ph.D in Science/ Engineering/ Medicine and should not be drawing Fellowship from any other Scheme of GOI.

Government of India had instituted a scheme titled “SwarnaJayanti Fellowships Scheme” to commemorate India’s fiftieth year of Independence. Under this scheme a selected number of young scientists, with excellent track record, are provided special assistance and support to enable them to pursue research in frontier areas of science and technology. The fellowship is scientist specific and not institution specific. Scientists selected for the award will be allowed to pursue unfettered research with a freedom and flexibility in terms of expenditure as approved in the research plan. The project to be submitted along with the application should, therefore, contain innovative research idea and it should have a potential of making impact on RD in the discipline. The duration of the fellowship along with the project will be for a period not exceeding five years. The award consists of a Fellowship of Rs 25000/- per month in addition to the salary drawn from the parent Institute along with a Research Grant of Rs 5 lakh per annum by Department of Science and Technology for a period of 5 years, while the project submitted by the selected Fellows will be considered for funding by the Science Engineering Research Board SERB as per SERB norms, for recurring and non-recurring heads. The fellowship is open to Indian Nationals having a regular position in a recognized Indian academic/ research organization. The applicant should possess Ph.D in Science/ Engineering/ Medicine and should not be drawing Fellowship from any other Scheme of GOI.

Government of India had instituted a scheme titled “SwarnaJayanti Fellowships Scheme” to commemorate India’s fiftieth year of Independence. Under this scheme a selected number of young scientists, with excellent track record, are provided special assistance and support to enable them to pursue research in frontier areas of science and technology. The fellowship is scientist specific and not institution specific. Scientists selected for the award will be allowed to pursue unfettered research with a freedom and flexibility in terms of expenditure as approved in the research plan. The project to be submitted along with the application should, therefore, contain innovative research idea and it should have a potential of making impact on RD in the discipline. The duration of the fellowship along with the project will be for a period not exceeding five years. The award consists of a Fellowship of Rs 25000/- per month in addition to the salary drawn from the parent Institute along with a Research Grant of Rs 5 lakh per annum by Department of Science and Technology for a period of 5 years, while the project submitted by the selected Fellows will be considered for funding by the Science Engineering Research Board SERB as per SERB norms, for recurring and non-recurring heads. The fellowship is open to Indian Nationals having a regular position in a recognized Indian academic/ research organization. The applicant should possess Ph.D in Science/ Engineering/ Medicine and should not be drawing Fellowship from any other Scheme of GOI.

Government of India had instituted a scheme titled “SwarnaJayanti Fellowships Scheme” to commemorate India’s fiftieth year of Independence. Under this scheme a selected number of young scientists, with excellent track record, are provided special assistance and support to enable them to pursue research in frontier areas of science and technology. The fellowship is scientist specific and not institution specific. Scientists selected for the award will be allowed to pursue unfettered research with a freedom and flexibility in terms of expenditure as approved in the research plan. The project to be submitted along with the application should, therefore, contain innovative research idea and it should have a potential of making impact on RD in the discipline. The duration of the fellowship along with the project will be for a period not exceeding five years. The award consists of a Fellowship of Rs 25000/- per month in addition to the salary drawn from the parent Institute along with a Research Grant of Rs 5 lakh per annum by Department of Science and Technology for a period of 5 years, while the project submitted by the selected Fellows will be considered for funding by the Science Engineering Research Board SERB as per SERB norms, for recurring and non-recurring heads. The fellowship is open to Indian Nationals having a regular position in a recognized Indian academic/ research organization. The applicant should possess Ph.D in Science/ Engineering/ Medicine and should not be drawing Fellowship from any other Scheme of GOI.

Government of India had instituted a scheme titled “SwarnaJayanti Fellowships Scheme” to commemorate India’s fiftieth year of Independence. Under this scheme a selected number of young scientists, with excellent track record, are provided special assistance and support to enable them to pursue research in frontier areas of science and technology. The fellowship is scientist specific and not institution specific. Scientists selected for the award will be allowed to pursue unfettered research with a freedom and flexibility in terms of expenditure as approved in the research plan. The project to be submitted along with the application should, therefore, contain innovative research idea and it should have a potential of making impact on RD in the discipline. The duration of the fellowship along with the project will be for a period not exceeding five years. The award consists of a Fellowship of Rs 25000/- per month in addition to the salary drawn from the parent Institute along with a Research Grant of Rs 5 lakh per annum by Department of Science and Technology for a period of 5 years, while the project submitted by the selected Fellows will be considered for funding by the Science Engineering Research Board SERB as per SERB norms, for recurring and non-recurring heads. The fellowship is open to Indian Nationals having a regular position in a recognized Indian academic/ research organization. The applicant should possess Ph.D in Science/ Engineering/ Medicine and should not be drawing Fellowship from any other Scheme of GOI.

Government of India had instituted a scheme titled “SwarnaJayanti Fellowships Scheme” to commemorate India’s fiftieth year of Independence. Under this scheme a selected number of young scientists, with excellent track record, are provided special assistance and support to enable them to pursue research in frontier areas of science and technology. The fellowship is scientist specific and not institution specific. Scientists selected for the award will be allowed to pursue unfettered research with a freedom and flexibility in terms of expenditure as approved in the research plan. The project to be submitted along with the application should, therefore, contain innovative research idea and it should have a potential of making impact on RD in the discipline. The duration of the fellowship along with the project will be for a period not exceeding five years. The award consists of a Fellowship of Rs 25000/- per month in addition to the salary drawn from the parent Institute along with a Research Grant of Rs 5 lakh per annum by Department of Science and Technology for a period of 5 years, while the project submitted by the selected Fellows will be considered for funding by the Science Engineering Research Board SERB as per SERB norms, for recurring and non-recurring heads. The fellowship is open to Indian Nationals having a regular position in a recognized Indian academic/ research organization. The applicant should possess Ph.D in Science/ Engineering/ Medicine and should not be drawing Fellowship from any other Scheme of GOI.

Waste Management Technologies program is aligned to the “Swachh Bharat Mission” or “Clean India Mission” of the Government. DST initiated a special program on Waste Management Technologies WMT in October 2015, and constituted a high level Expert Advisory Committee EAC-WMT. Waste Management encompass a variety of interventions in the generation, prevention, characterization, monitoring, treatment, handling, reuse and ultimate residual disposal of solid wastes. Main Objectives of the program includes Take stock of technological development, assess, analyse and look for material recycling systems with low environment loading and improve upon them or find better alternatives Develop waste management technologies that can be adopted in small medium scale enterprises in order to improve their productivity and global competitiveness and Establish techno-economic feasibility of proposed methodologies/ technologies. The program aims to promote the development of suitable technologies with potential to ameliorate the environmental load from the huge amount of residuals generated by industrial development and consumption lifestyle. The focus is mainly on four areas a Electronic Waste, b Hospital Waste, c Plastic Waste, and d Solid Waste from Mining, Metallurgical Ceramic Industries. Technology Development Projects will be undertaken by RD agencies, in association with industry, to develop pre-competitive technologies/ techniques/ processes. The selection of projects is based on the criteria of novelty scientific uniqueness, thereby DST aims to promote innovative technologies that can have commercial potential.

The Government has set a growth target for the manufacturing sector from 16 of GDP to reach 25 of GDP by 2025. The National Manufacturing Policy and the emphasis on “Make in India” is a powerful strategy for economic development. In accordance with this objective, DST has initiated this program for developing Advanced Manufacturing Technologies in October 2015, and a high level Expert Advisory Committee EAC-AMT was set up, chaired by Prof. Rudra Pratap, Center for Nano Science Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore. Five thrust areas were selected for developing novel manufacturing technologies a Nano materials surfaces, b Robotics automation c Precision manufacturing d Manufacturing process of Pharmaceuticals Bio manufacturing e Advanced forming near net shaped processing. The objectives of the program are to Encourage RD labs to move some of their activities from “discovery research” towards “industrially relevant RD” and to Encourage inter-disciplinary, multi-institutional research programs for innovation.

The National Mission for Electric Mobility NMEM Plan was launched in April 2015, and a Consumer Incentives Scheme” for Electric Hybrid Electric Vehicles was published in the Gazette of India. It is expected to catalyse the development of the market and by 2020 to reach an annual sales 6-7 million vehicles. This may lead to savings of 9500 Million Litres of crude oil or Rs. 62000 Cr. Savings by 2020. The DST has joined hands with the Department of Heavy Industry DHI to create a Technology Platform for Electric Mobility TPEM, that will be funded primarily by the DHI, and the program management will be undertaken completely by DST. The main objectives of the program are to develop technologies products that specifically address India needs to develop a global competitive edge in select technologies of Electric Mobility and to strengthen the industry technology capability sufficiently so as to be able to reduce and wean off the consumer subsidy program for electric vehicles in the near future. An Inter-Ministerial Technology Advisory Group IM-TAG has been constituted having about 30 experts from academia, industry and Government/ Stakeholder agencies. IM-TAG identified six priority areas for technology development. The mechanism that will be followed by TPEM will be a To create Centers of Excellence CoE and Testing Facilities b Formation of Industry Technology Consortia ITC led by automotive component companies, with significant academic participation and c To encourage innovation Program to support scientific research by academia/ laboratories and to support new product development by private companies.

Biomedical Device and Technology Development

Technology Development Program Including specific Call for Proposal on AgroTech- The Department of Science Technology DST under its Technology Development Programme TDP has been promoting and supporting activities related to indigenous development of selected technologies in the country. During recent past, DST has supported the development of many technologies at various RD institutions. This has resulted in development of various technologies and subsequent transfer of know-how to various production agencies for their commercial production. In line with Honorable Prime Minister’s call for doubling the income of farmers, it has been decided to give a Specific Call for Agro-Technology Development related Projects with aim to generating knowledge, technologies, products or processes related to agriculture and allied sectors. These advanced technologies may enhance innovation of products, processes and practices across the agriculture. Project should help primary producers increase yields, reduce costs, manage risks, benchmark performance and/or exploit opportunities in the supply chain or markets to increase returns. Under this specific call for proposal, 70 focus will be on Agri-Tech projects and 30 focus will be on Generic Technology Development Projects

Science and Heritage Research Initiative SHRI, a new programme on Heritage Research, plans to engage experts from diverse fields for data capture and analysis, to form new collaborations, and provide viable technology to address cultural heritage related issues. Aims and Objectives SHRI has been envisaged to - 1. Build capacity in human resources and encourage new researchers to work in these areas. 2. Promote scientific RD activities for conservation of Heritage objects which may include material deterioration process, preservation techniques, intervention technologies, new materials, processes for restoration and diagnostic technologies. 3. Safeguard the use, representations, expressions, knowledge and techniques, communities, groups and in some cases, individuals, recognised as an integral part of our cultural heritage. 4. To explore new approaches, state-of-art technology to preserve the heritage and art works of former generations, which witnessed the evolution and growth of human civilization. 5. Promote application of advanced knowledge of archaeometric science in a range of fields. 6. Promote RD activities and technological advancement in Tribal Arts for value addition. The envisaged thrust areas are - • Study of Heritage Materials/Metals. • Remote sensing Techniques for Detection of Archaeological Residues. • In situ non-invasive imaging of sub-surface microstructure of object, sustainable radiography for heritage materials, etc. • Heritage Textiles – New technologies in yarn treatment, weaving, printing, Eco friendly dyes, Cement Clothing etc. • Salts and synthetic coatings for wall paintings for example, the application of surface science to artists' acrylic emulsion paint films • Health monitoring of ancient artefacts. • Tribal Arts/Heritage • New Materials development • Conservation Technologies • Development of Tools/process for conservation • Any other area related to Heritage other than mentioned above

Department of Science and Technology has initiated a programme on Biomedical Device and Technology Development BDTD during the year, 2016. BDTD has been evolved considering the concern of medical device industry to develop new innovative products as per global standards. The focus of DST- BDTD is on development of devices and related technologies

Materials for Energy Storage, a theme based initiative was launched in 2016 to support research and development for entire spectrum of energy storage technologies from early stage research to technology breakthroughs in materials, systems and scalable technologies, including development of systems that incorporate the use of both electricity and thermal energy storage i.e. hybrid systems to maximise resource use efficiency. The scope of initiative includes support for entire chain of oriented research to technology development for new energy storage materials, components, devices, sub-systems and systems. The initiative supports feasibility assessment of fresh ideas/ concepts, including various emerging and disruptive technologies, for their potential conversion into useful technology/ product. Energy storage technologies are based on different scientific principles. Electrochemistry for batteries and reversible fuel cells, electromagnetic fields for capacitors and superconducting magnetic energy storage systems SMES, physicochemistry for the storage of heat and cold and mechanical engineering for flywheels, compressed gas and pumped hydro storage are some of the examples of energy storage. Depending on the objectives of the activities specified in the call for proposal launched from time to time, the eligibility of applicants is determined and mentioned in call document. These could include 1. Individual academicians and scientists working in academies and public funded RD institutions. 2. Academic and RD Institutions, State Government bodies such as ST Councils, Recognised RD bodies having energy portfolio. 3. Network of individuals/ institutions may be insisted in the event project activities require multi-disciplinary multi-institutional participation. These would be defined in the call announcement. Proposals under MES will be entertained only against specific calls. The priorities and commitments of the MES for every year are articulated in the “Call for Proposals”, which would appear on DST website. The criteria for evaluation and evaluation procedure will be part of call document. Interested eligible applicants may apply against the call.

Water Technology Initiative, initiated in August 2007 aims to promote RD activities aimed at providing safe drinking water at affordable cost and in adequate quantity using appropriate Science and Technology interventions evolved through indigenous efforts. Since quality is the main consideration of safe drinking water, processes which imply nano-material and filtration technologies have been focused. The initiative also includes the pilot testing of credible number of products and referencing of selected technologies to the social context of the application region.This pro-active India – centric ‘solution science’ endeavour aims to strengthen the RD capacity and capability to develop the technological solutions for existing and emerging water challenges facing the country. Depending on the objectives of the activities specified in the call for proposal launched from time to time, the projects could be proposed by 1. Individual academicians and scientists working in public/ private/ voluntary sector, ST based voluntary organisation 2. Academic and RD Institutions, Enterprises, State Government bodies such as ST Councils , Autonomous bodies working in water sector and 3. Network of individuals/ institutions may be insisted in the event project activities require multi-disciplinary multi-institutional participation. Several such possible options could include research work by academic / RD institutions in association with Industry / NGO, demonstration in consortia mode involving RD institution/industry/NGO, state government line departments, ST field groups and local panchayats.

Clean coal technology encompass a new generation of energy processes that sharply reduce air emissions and other pollutants from coal-burning power plants. DST’s Call on coal is focused on research, development and demonstration of power generation by using clean coal technologies. The spectrum of activities include translational research to generate and convert know how to useful product / process etc as well as applied research aimed at performance enhancement of existing processes and systems. This would also include but not limited to Research, Design, Development and Engineering R DDE, Prototype Development of Product/System, Process Development, etc.

Innovation in smart grid and storage technologies and the development of community or city scale grids powered largely or solely by renewables that can operate in parallel with, or independently from, the main grid.The objective of this Call is to undertake Research Development in the field of Smart Grids to innovate on components /systems / sub-systems / technologies required to address the challenges related to the design, development, integration, operation, management, and optimization of the grids in a way that can allow the use of up to 100 renewable energy. The funding opportunity will financially support activities towards design, research development and demonstrations that can address the issue of integration and interoperability of existing centralized power networkswithout disturbing the existing power network with renewable energy based power plants in the short run and also develop RD pathways for 100 renewable powered grid.

Reduce the production cost of fuel cell systems to be used in transport applications, while increasing their lifetime to levels which can compete with conventional technologies, increase the electrical efficiency and the durability of the different fuel cells used for power production to levels which can compete with conventional technologies, while reducing costs, increase the energy efficiency of production of hydrogen mainly fromwater electrolysis and renewable sources while reducing operating and capital costs, so that the combined system of the hydrogen production and the conversion using the fuel cell system can compete with the alternatives for electricity production available on the market demonstrate on a large scale the feasibility of using hydrogen to support integration of renewable energy sources into the energy systems, including through its use as a competitive energy storage medium for electricity produced from renewable energy sources reduce the use of the ‘Critical raw materials’, for instance through low-platinum or platinum-free resources.

The objective of the call is to develop knowledge through RD and demonstration and developing solutions in the context of Water Conservation, Waste Water Treatment and Water use efficiency in Industry. The focus is on Research and Development proposals, where RD and private sector work together to design generic solutions for optimal water management in industrial sector. These research leads and solutions are expected to generic best practices for wider adoption. The demand for intervention need to be evident and established clearly in the proposal. The present call intends to prioritize the following four challenges i Technological options leading to optimal use of water in industry. ii Industrial waste water treatment and management. iii Near Zero Liquid Discharge Options for effluents including energy savings. iv Balancing water demand and use utilizing technological tools.

Department of Science Technology DST has participated in a multilateral ACT Accelerating CCS Technologies programme that is focused on accelerating CCUS technologies. After first level of joint evaluation 5 pre-proposals received against the ACT Call 3 with Indian lead/participation has been shortlisted for next level of evaluation and are requested to submit the full proposal by 17.30 IST 1300 -CET on 15 March 2021. Shortlisted pre-proposals are requested to upload full proposal on the DST ePMS ACT website by the due date on DST e-PMS https//www.onlinedst.gov.in/ website and ACT website.

Several parts of the country are facing severe environmental challenges. These challenges can be effectively addressed by indigenous research led technological solutions, provided these technologies are packaged innovatively to deliver sustainable solutions. Implementation of such successful technological solutions at appropriate scale would have direct impact on the quality and economic life of the citizens. Science, technology and innovation strategies are integral parts of sustainable development policy. Proposals on environmental technology interventions for sustainable development need to address applied research and innovation, supported by stakeholders and transfer of technology for the societal benefits. As a society, it is required to identify environmental challenges eg. energy, water, air etc and develop solutions through science and engineering and implement through governance, the technological, economic and social measures that will set a course towards the achievement of a desirable, sustainable and secure future.

This joint Indo- Dutch DST-NWO call under Water Technology Initiative scheme of DST aims to contribute to Cleaning the Ganga, which is defined as high priority field for the Indian and Dutch governments and water sector. The call will focus in particular on the impact of agriculture on the Ganga water system and the related scopes for interventions. The Hindon sub-basin is selected as case area. The call addresses several SDG’s, in particular 2 Zero Hunger, 6 Clean Water and Sanitation and 13 Climate Action. In The Netherlands this topic links to the topsectors Water Maritime, Horticulture Starting Materials and AgroFood and one of the 4 societal missions defined in the new Mission-Oriented Research and Innovation Policy, ‘Agriculture, water and food’. This call in Indian context will be in line with the significant National Missions such as “Namami Ganga” and “Swatch Bharat”.

The EU-India Clean Energy and Climate Partnership foresees strengthened cooperation in energy research and innovation, in particular related to renewable energy and its integration in the energy system. As part of the implementation of this Partnership, a joint call for proposal is launched aiming at smartly integrating large amounts of renewable energy in local energy systems and in this way make energy supply cleaner, more efficient and affordable. This joint call is also fully in line with both the European Union’s and India’s involvement in Mission Innovation MI, a global initiative of 24 countries and the European Commission on behalf of the European Union, committed to reinvigorate and accelerate global clean energy innovation with the objective to make clean energy widely affordable. DST proposal format and submission - Indian 'Project Coordinator' should submit complete proposal, Part A Part B administrative and financial form same as submitted on the Horizon 2020 Funding Tenders Portal as one single consolidated PDF file at e-PMS www.onlinedst.gov.in along with other requisite documents. Online e-PMS submission of proposal can be made until 3rd September2020 at the latest. In addition, two 2 hardcopies of uploaded research proposal should also be sent to DST by Speed Post and reach before 15th September, 2020. The envelope should be superscripted with the title “India–EU Joint Call on Integrated Local Energy Systemsquot. Important DST should receive the same copy as the copy of project submitted to the Horizon 2020 Portal by the closing deadline of this call which is 1 September 2020 1700 Brussels Time.

1. Context In recent past, there is a rapid decline in the costs of renewable energy generation. For example, levelized solar energy costs in India are competitive or, in some cases, cheaper than the average cost of electricity for residential use. The adoption of renewable energy sources is therefore economically viable. Further, it has the potential to provide access to uninterrupted and clean electricity to almost all households of rural India. However, a major hurdle for the realization of the national dream of complete rural electrification is the absence of an economically viable energy storage solution that can be integrated with renewables, which are an intermittent energy sources. Cost effective and reliable integration of renewable energy with storage is therefore essential to provide an uninterrupted electricity supply. 2. Objective The objective of this grand challenge is to develop cost effective, viable and reliable solutions that can address the challenge of energy access through an energy storage system integrated with appropriate renewable energy sources. 3. Possible Technology Options As the biggest contributor to the cost of the proposed system is the energy storage component, this grand challenge seeks innovative solutions in the area of energy storage. Possible energy storage technologies of interest could include, but are not limited to, electrochemical energy storage such as second use Li-ion batteries, Ultra-capacitors, Advanced Pb-Acid Batteries, Flow batteries etc. Fuel cells might also be considered if suitable locally sourced from the same establishment as the installation fuel sources such as Bio-gas or Photo-electrochemical water splitting can be employed for hydrogen generation, Thermal energy storage systems such as Thermal energy storage in brines or Supercritical CO2 based thermal energy storage may also be proposed if techno-economically viable according to the afore-stated requirements. Innovative business solutions that use existing energy storage technologies that could meet the afore-stated requirements without large scale technology innovation will also be considered. Development of novel energy storage technologies that could meet the above requirements is a possibility. However, such proposals should clearly be at a Technology Readiness Level TRL that can translate to a product within the time frame of this grand challenge. 4. Challenges Conventional storage technologies such as Lead-Acid or Li-ion are not cost competitive with residential electricity costs in India. Average electricity cost of a rural household with approximately 2 kWh of daily usage is about Rs. 5 per kWh or less. Therefore, for widespread adoption, it is imperative that renewables integrated with energy storage should be cost competitive with the average electricity cost for residential use. However, such systems available on the market today have a levelized cost of Rs. 30 per kWh. Furthermore, the upfront capital investment for an energy storage system integrated with renewables is very high and, in most cases, a major obstacle for adoption of clean energy sources. In addition, most storage technologies have not been fully benchmarked for operating in climatic conditions pertinent to India. It is beyond doubt that bringing clean and uninterrupted power to rural India will require innovative solutions that are specific to the socio-economic and climatic requirements of these regions. 5. Performance and Cost Benchmarks The proposal should target the development of a system that meets the following conditions 1 Un-interrupted power supply for at least 12 hours necessarily including night time 6 pm to 6 am can be provided 2 The total daily energy requirement for a single home is set at a minimum of 2 kWh while having a peak power capability of 5 kWh 3 The system for an individual home need to be a grid integrable system capable of operating both off-grid as well as on-grid. The system for a small rural establishment should also have same capabilities. 4 The Levelized Cost Of Energy LCOE for the proposed system, either being developed for a single home or for a small rural establishment should be Rs. 10 per kWh available government subsidies could be used for this calculation. Cost without government subsidies should also be provided 5 As the capital cost of such systems are expected to be higher than conventional systems, innovative business approaches encouraging wider adoption without the requirement to buy out such a system should be included. The levelised cost of electricity takes into account investment expenditures in year including financing, operations and maintenance expenditures in year, fuel expenditures in year, electricity generation in year, discount rate and life of the system. The proposer would be required to provide this calculation as per standard practice in support of his application.

Objective • The objective of setting up Integrated Clean Energy Material Acceleration Platform IC-MAP is to accelerate the discovery of high performance low cost clean energy materials for energy harnessing, energy storage and energy efficiency for diverse sectors such as power, buildings, transportation, storage, construction etc. Each IC- MAP is expected to focus its activities on a specific segment of above thrust areas, identify the gaps and missing links and commit to a tangible output over a time frame of 3 years. IC-MAP needs to also leverage the RD infrastructure already available and bring in funding from private sector. It is important that the research consortium is engaged in cutting edge RD and has proven research and technical competence to execute the project. The lead organization hosting the MAP should have ability to connect with various stakeholders to translate the research outputs for practical applications. • This call for Letter of Intent is to identify the interested researchers keen to develop this multi- disciplinary platform leveraging their individual expertise through forming inter-disciplinary teams. The first stage with include identification of individual researchers in all relevant domains. The second stage will be catalyzing formation of inter-disciplinary teams of these researchers who would formulate proposal for IC-MAP. Focus • Advanced theoretical, applied physical chemistry/materials science, next-generation computing, artificial intelligence machine learning and robotics tools in a fully integrated approach to help model, simulate, predict, synthesize, characterize, and test the properties and performance of new clean energy materials up to 10 times faster. Target Materials • High performance low cost clean energy materials for energy harnessing, energy storage and energy efficiency for diverse sectors such as power, buildings, transportation, storage, construction etc. • Combining material science with three key technologies – robotics, artificial intelligence and advanced computing to accelerate development of Clean Energy materials. Work plan and timelines for IC-MAP to be awarded to maximum 5 consortia, each with focus in diverse sector such as power, buildings, transportation, storage, construction etc after successful Stage-II Duration 3years Eligibility • Faculties/Scientists working in regular position in recognized Academic Organization /Public funded RD Institution/ Laboratories. Participation of industries and industry association is also strongly recommended. However, they would be required to partner with Academia or RD organizations. • The shortlisted researchers will also be given opportunity to collaborate with other Mission Innovation countries working in this domain and an exposure visit may be planned if the domain area matches with parallel initiatives elsewhere. Components of Funding • Additional research manpower especially hired for the project in India existing research manpower will not be eligible for funding. • Travel domestic and international for student / researcher mobility • Dissemination activities and stakeholder workshops • Contingent expenditure such as stationery, incidentals etc. • Equipment, wherever possible, researchers are advised to make use of existing facilities and equipment, including those hosted at MI countries. If equipment is needed as part of the research proposal, applicants must follow DST norm for requesting equipment which will be made available only on the basis of strong dedicated requirement for the project. • Outsourcing / Fabrication costs. Evaluation Process The evaluation process will be conducted in two stages Stage-I All interested applicants are invited to submit a Expressions of Interest. Stage-II From these initial submissions, Evaluation Committee EC will shortlist the eligible applicants through peer review process. A consortium / consortia will evolve out of these eligible participants and they will be required to submit the detailed proposal for setting up material acceleration platform. The EC will be constituted by DST. Applicants found eligible at Stage-I evaluation will be requested to submit detailed proposals for participation in Stage-II and these will be critically evaluated by constituted expert committees in India

Department of Science Technology DST India and Swedish Energy Agency SEA Sweden, invite proposals in collaborative industrial research and development projects in the area of Smart Grid. The call includes applied RD projects focused on co-development of new technologies, services or processes to address challenges within the context of electrical smart grid.

Focus Development of Equipment/Tools /Consumables for the solar sector. Eligibility The proposals have to be submitted with appropriate Institute – Industry - User partnership only. The proposals are to be led by faculties/ scientists working in regular position in recognized academic institutions, public funded RD Institution/ Laboratories, DSIR recognized SIRO organization in partnership with other academic/ RD organisation etc. Participation of industries/ start-ups and industry association is strongly recommended. The role of industry in the proposal should be tangible and it should show interest in promoting or encouraging the developed technology. The company/industry has to be willing to contribute in the form of industry attributable technical inputs and resources in kind. Financial participation of the industry will be viewed positively.

Focus Development of frugal innovations for India centric requirements including development of solution to address the problems faced by developers of solar power plant/ solar parks. Eligibility The proposals are to be headed by faculties/ scientists working in regular position in recognized academic institutions, public funded RD Institution/ Laboratories, DSIR recognized RD organizations in partnership with other academic, RD organisations, industries/ ST based voluntary organisations and Users Utility, Panchayat, Municipal Corporation etc.. Participation of industries/ start-ups is also welcome, where-ever applicable. The consortium team may include at least a user having interest in the intervention, a solution designer and a solution provider.

Focus Leading to enhancement of the Technology Readiness level of the Device / Process System to lab /fields demonstration. Eligibility The proposals have to be submitted in the institute – industry / user partnership only. The proposals are to be led by faculties/ scientists working in regular position in recognized academic institutions, public funded RD Institution/ Laboratories, DSIR recognized SIRO organization in partnership with other academic/ RD organisation, state line departments, ST based voluntary organisation, etc. Participation of industries/ start-ups and industry association is strongly recommended. The role of industry in the proposal should be tangible and it should show interest in promoting or encouraging the developed technology. The company/industry has to be willing to contribute in the form of industry attributable technical inputs and resources in kind. Cash contribution will be added advantage. Preference will be given to proposed work targeting to upgrade the TRL of previous work done by the group rather than supporting new area of research.

Focus Leading to potentially viable deployment at a credible scale for technology in real field set up. Other renewable resources like hydro ,wind, bio-gas etc. may also be integrated as per the site location. Unique selling point USP of such demonstration must be aptly mentioned in proposal. Eligibility The proposals have to be submitted in the consortium mode only The proposals are to be led by faculties/ scientists working in regular position in recognized academic institutions, public funded RD Institution/ Laboratories, DSIR recognized RD organizations in partnership with other academic, RD organisations, industries and Users Utility, Panchayat, Municipal Corporation etc.. Participation of industries/ start-ups is also welcome, where-ever applicable. The consortium should essentially include at least a user having interest in the intervention, a solution designer and a solution provider. The role of solution designer and provider may be assumed by the same organization, if the organization has required expertise and experience

Focus Proposal leading to establishment of proof of concept and to explore disruptive innovative ideas with a view to showcase the unique advantages of the idea over existing option. Only project evolving exceptional scientific research having potential for breakthrough will be supported. The projects related to photovoltaic and thermal of incremental nature will not be supported. Eligibility The proposals are to be led by faculties/ scientists working in regular position in recognized academic organizations / public funded RD Institutions/ laboratories, central and state government autonomous organisations

Indian along with ERA-Net Smart Energy Systems ERA-Net SES of European Union and Mission Innovation have launched the Joint Call 2019 for projects that focuses on the development of integrated storage systems and will support solutions answering to identified challenges within this area. This call will support Research Development and Deployment RDD projects that contribute to the development of sustainable, integrated storage solutions for both short- and long-term storage within areas such as • Electrical storage • Electrochemical storage • Material storage • Thermal storage • Mechanical storage Projects are typically expected to utilise innovative combinations or deployments of existing technologies. The projects need to be transnational by nature, involving at least two independent, actively participating, partners from two different countries and develop integrated energy storage solutions, as well as prepare or implement demonstration projects within Technology Readiness Level 5-8 TRL.