I.              Introduction

The Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) is a part of the Ministry of Science and Technology, which was announced through a Presidential Notification, dated January 4, 1985. The Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) has a mandate to carry out the activities relating to indigenous technology promotion, development, utilization and transfer.

The Technology Promotion, Development and Utilization (TPDU) Programmes are directed towards meeting the specific needs of industry and are of particular relevance in the present context.  Programmes and activities under the scheme are centered around promoting industrial R&D, development and commercialization of technologies, acquisition, management and export of technologies, promotion of consultancy capabilities, etc.

II.            Name of scheme(s)

Technology Promotion, Development and Utilization Programmes & its Components.

Objective(s)

·         Promote and support industry efforts towards R&D.

·         Encourage R&D system-industry cooperation.

·         Support industry for technology development, demonstration and absorption of imported technology.

·         Build indigenous capabilities for development and commercialization of contemporary products and processes of high impact.

·         Evaluate the status and performance of technology in selected sectors/areas.

·         Facilitate effective transfer and management of technology.

·         Promote international technology trade including export of technology projects, services and technology intensive products.

·         Promote and strengthen consultancy capabilities for domestic use and export requirements.  Support and use mechanisms, both national and international, towards transfer of technology, both within and outside the country.

·         Generate endogenous capacities for the development and utilization of digital information resources for providing inputs to scientific & industrial research in the country.

These objectives are implemented through the following six component schemes:

1.             Industrial R&D Promotion Programme

2.             (i) Technology Development and Demonstration Programme

(ii)   Technopreneur Promotion Programme

3.             Technology Management Programme

4.             International Technology Transfer Programme

5.             Consultancy Promotion Programme

6.             Technology Information Facilitation Programme

II.1          Industrial R&D Promotion Programme

Objective(s)

The main objectives of the scheme are to:

·         bring in-house R&D into sharper focus.

·         strengthen R&D infrastructure in industry and Scientific & Industrial Research Organisations (SIROs).

·         promote R&D initiatives of the Industry and SIROs.

·         ensure that the contributions made by the in-house R&D centres and SIROs dovetail adequately in the overall context of technological and industrial development.

III.           Who can submit a proposal

A scheme for granting recognition to in-house R&D units set-up by industry, is operated by the Department of Scientific & Industrial Research (DSIR). For the purpose of the recognition, R&D units have to apply to DSIR as per prescribed proforma. The proforma and other details about the scheme are available at DSIR website: http://www.dsir.nic.in/forms/rdrecog.doc

IV.           When and how to submit a proposal

Any time during the year in the prescribed format.

V.            Areas of research support

·         Recognition to In-house R&D units established by corporate industry.

·         Recognition to non-commercial Scientific and Industrial Research Organisations (SIROs).

·         Registration of Public Funded Research Institutions, universities and others.

·         Fiscal incentives for Scientific Research administered by DSIR.

VI.           Components of grant 

Not applicable at present. DSI grants recognition to in-house R&D Units  which provides Income-tax relief on R&D expenditure as per Income-tax Act.

VII.         Items not allowed out of grant

                Not applicable

VIII.        Mechanism of implementation and monitoring

After initial scrutiny, the proposal is referred to experts and whenever necessary the site is visited and  then proposal is considered by a Screening Committee which meets every month.

IX.           Contact Address

II.2(i)      Technology Development and Demonstration Programme

                Objective(s)

The Department of Scientific & Industrial Research (DSIR) under its Plan Scheme ‘Technology Promotion, Development & Utilization Programme (TPDU)’ is promoting Industry’s drive to take up New Product/Process Development.

The TPDU R&D grants scheme has the following objectives:

·         to promote innovation by sharing risk with innovators.

·         to forge industry-institute cooperation.

·         to strengthen the National Innovation capability.

Towards achieving the above objectives, the Department provides, partial financial support to New Product / Process Development projects taken up by Indian Industry, in all sectors. So far, over 140 projects of Industrial units, both in public and private sector, have been supported by the Department involving DSIRs share of about Rs. 30 crores in the total project costs of around Rs. 80 crores. These projects cover products and processes in various important industries such as, electrical, electronics, semiconductors, telecommunications, embedded software, instrumentation, mechanical engineering, metallurgy, earth moving and industrial machinery, chemicals, drugs, pharmaceuticals and explosives.

III.           Who can submit a proposal

The proposals can be made by industrial units either on their own or jointly with research/educational institutions, international bodies, companies & individuals.

IV.           When and how to submit a proposal

Any time during the year in the prescribed format.

V.            Areas of research support

·         R&D Project for development of a new/improved product resulting in Prototype development and ending with demonstration in commercial environment.

·         R&D Project for development of a new/improved product resulting in establishment of process know-how, development of process equipment and demonstration of yield, efficacy etc. in a Pilot plant.

VI.           Components of grant 

Partial financial support is given in this scheme, the details of which can be seen from the website.

VII.         Items not allowed out of grant

·         Pre-project activities (including preliminary literature survey and patent search).

·         Manpower/permanent employees costs of industry.

·         Travel costs of industry personnel.

·         Industry overheads.

·         Contingency provisions.

·         Payments for technology received from commercial organizations.

·         Infrastructure facilities like land, building.

·         Production and production test equipment.

·         Standard quality control equipment.

VIII.        Mechanism of implementation and monitoring

After initial scrutiny, the proposal is referred to experts and then considered   by  a Technical Advisory Committee (TAC).

The project is monitored by a Project Review Committee. The Committee meets  every month.

IX.           Contact Address

II.2(ii).Technopreneur Promotion Programme

Objective(s)

The programme is jointly operated by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) and Department of Science and Technology (DST) to tap the vast innovative potential of the citizens of India.  TePP is a mechanism to promote individual innovators to become technology based entrepreneurs (Technopreneurs).  The objectives are:

·         to convert an original idea/invention/know-how into working prototype/processes.

·         to develop software and patenting for immediate commercial implication.

III.           Who can submit a proposal

Any Indian individual innovators, from the owner of a ‘startup’ company/industry if the annual turnover of the company/industry does not exceed Rs. 30 lakhs per annum.  Individuals working in organizations and having innovative ideas may also apply by furnishing a ‘No Objection Certificate’ from their employer.

IV.           When and how to submit a proposal

Five copies of the proposal should be submitted in the prescribed format any time of the year, which can be downloaded from the website.

V.            Areas of research support

·         An original idea for development of science & technology.

·         Patenting for immediate commercial implication.

VI.           Components of grant

Financial support for carrying out objectives/developments of the scheme and initial support such as patents, designs etc.,and guidance, scientific/technical consultancy, fabrication assistance, networking with related research lab/institutes and demonstration for users as required.

VII.         Items not allowed out of grant

The rent of own house/own accommodation, own salary/stipend, rent of own workshop, salary of assistants etc.

VIII.        Mechanism of implementation and monitoring

After initial scrutiny, the proposal is referred to the TePP Screening Committee.  Decision of this Committee is final.

IX.           Contact address

II.3          Technology Management Programme

                Objective(s)

·         To enhance knowledge and skills in the efficient   transfer and management of technologies specific to the nation, including rural based technologies and region/sector.

III.           Who can submit a proposal

Academic institutes, Research organizations, Consultancy organizations, State Level Bodies, International organizations and other Government Departments; apart from the Small-scale sector in particular.

IV.           When and how to submit a proposal

Any time during the year in the prescribed format.

V.            Areas of research support

·         Providing assistance in efficient transfer of technology, through information in respect of foreign collaborations approved and analysis of such approvals as well as focused studies.

·         Enhancing knowledge base in respect of technologies specific to the nation, including rural based technologies and region/sector specific technologies by undertaking analytical studies, technology status and development studies.

·         Providing information to industry, Government departments and researchers through targeted research studies and policy research.

·         Promoting industry-institute interaction by setting up resource centers on technology management in appropriate locations.

·         Enhancing academic interest and contribution through active collaborations and memorandums of understanding with academic institutes.

·         Initiating State level agencies and research organizations to take up activities in the realm of Technology Management.

·         Information dissemination on Technology Management related aspects through newsletters, portals, manuals, and other forms.

·         Promoting an understanding of Technology Management in the Indian scenario through  case studies of manufacturing and research organizations in the country, distinguished technologists lecture series etc, and

·         Conducting tailor-made management development programmes, awareness programme focussed training courses, seminars and conferences on specific technology management issues and providing guidance to trainers as well.

VI.           Components of grant

                Cost of the project.

VII.         Items not allowed out of grant

                As per guidelines given in the website.

VIII.        Mechanism of implementation and monitoring

After initial scrutiny, the proposal is referred to experts and then considered  by a Technical  Advisory Committee (TAC).

The project is monitored by a Project Review Committee. The Committee meets  every month.

IX.           Contact Address

II.4          International Technology Transfer Programme

                Objective(s)

·         To promote international technology transfer and trade with India as focus, to enhance international technology transfer business prospects of industries and establishments engaged in industrial R&D.

III.           Who can submit a proposal

Government supported bodies and agencies, public funded institutions, industry associations and chambers, UN bodies, reputed consultancy organizations and NGOs would be considered for support under the programme.

IV.           When and how to submit a proposal

Any time during the year in the prescribed format

V.            Areas of research support

·         Documentation of Technology Export Performance and Capabilities.

·         Showcasing and Demonstration of Technology Export capabilities.

·         Facilitation of Technology Transfer and Trade at the Firm Level.

VI.           Components of grant

A partial support is given for generally covering costs towards documentation, professional charges, travel, office equipment and stationery, computerization, preparation and printing of documents, reports, invitation cards, banners etc., and consumables in pilot plants or working models.

VII.         Items not allowed out of grant

As per guidelines given in the website: www.dsir.gov.in.

VIII.        Mechanism of implementation and monitoring

After initial scrutiny, the proposal is referred to experts and then considered by a Technical Advisory Committee (TAC).

The project is monitored by a Project Review Committee. The Committee meets every month.

IX.           Contact Address

II.5          Consultancy Promotion Programme

                Objective(s)

·         The main objective of the Scheme is to strengthen, promote and develop consultancy services for domestic use and export markets.

III.           Who can submit a proposal

Concerned associations or promotional agencies, interested organisations / institutions.

IV.           When and how to submit a proposal

Any time during the year in the prescribed format.

V.            Areas of research support

                Strengthening consultancy capabilities:

·         Support R&D efforts of consultancy organisations and consultancy efforts of national R&D organizations.

·         Support for pilot studies, infrastructural facilities, etc, for commercialization of indigenous know-how.

·         Support for studies related to assessment of National Consultancy Needs and Capabilities in various sectors / fields.

·         Support for Skill Upgradation, Training, Quality Management etc., to Consultants.

·         Support for developing consultancy capabilities in emerging and newer areas including IPR, Bio-Technology, new materials, etc.

·         Consultancy for Venture Capital.

Development of Consultancy for SMEs:

·         Promote and support the availability of consultancy services to tiny, small & medium sector.

·         Supporting the setting  up of consultancy clinics and design & engineering services facilities in specific sectors particularly for SMEs.

·         Supporting the setting up of Consultancy Parks.

·         Support for consultancy for commercialization of technologies from R&D, and academic institutions for multiple licensing for SMEs.

·         Training programmes etc.

Documentation of experiences/Information dissemination etc.

·         Providing incentives to consultancy promotion agencies and consulting firms to document their useful experiences in major projects, particularly abroad.

·         Support to prepare publicity material, such as video films, websites directories, brochures, etc., particularly for exports.

·         Build up linkages with various institutions/organizations within the country and abroad.

·         Support for organizing and participation in training programmes, workshops, seminars and trade fairs etc., in India and abroad.

VI.           Components of grant

Support is provided in this scheme to organizations/institutes to enable them to discharge their functions more effectively and for international cooperation and export consultancy services.

VII.         Items not allowed out of grant

        As per guidelines given in the website: www.dsir.gov.in.

VIII.        Mechanism of implementation and monitoring

After initial scrutiny, the proposal is referred to experts and then considered by a Technical Advisory Committee (TAC).

The project is monitored by a Project Review Committee. The Committee meets every month.

IX.           Contact Address

II.6          Technology Information Facilitation Programme

                Objective(s)

                The specific objectives are designed to:

·         develop appropriate endogenous information capacities to support the R&D activities.

·         support the production of local content and to promote use of indigenous knowledge.

·         map the national S&T productivity in relation to the international trend.

·         support education, training and R&D in digital content development and utilization and

·         promote national and international cooperation in related areas.

III.           Who can submit a proposal

·         Professional/research institutions with qualified engineers, scientists, information professionals, statisticians and economists and belonging  to one of the following categories are eligible for assistance under the scheme:

·         Institutions receiving annual recurring grants from the Central or State Government Agencies including the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, Indian Universities, academic institutions, R&D institutions, Public Sector Undertakings, etc.

·         Institutions registered as professional societies under the Societies Registration Act.

·         Institutions incorporated under the Companies Act Professional & Industry Associations.

IV.           When and how to submit a proposal

Any time during the year in prescribed format which can be downloaded from the website.

V.            Areas of research support

To facilitate strengthening the resource base of information available and provide a mechanism for optimal utilization of the resources in the country. TIP would also facilitate collaborative research among industries and institutions.

VI.           Components of grant

Assistance can be by way of financial support (partial or full) and technical guidance.  The type of assistance required by the institution should be clearly indicated in the proposal.  However, financial assistance will be provided only for meeting expenditure on Manpower, Equipment, Consumables, Internal Travel and other miscellaneous expenditure. 

VII.         Items not allowed out of grant

                Basic infrastructure and buildings.

VIII.        Mechanism of implementation and monitoring

After initial scrutiny, the proposal is referred to experts and then considered by a Technical Advisory Committee (TAC). The project is monitored by a Project Review Committee. The Committee meets every month.

IX.           Contact Address