SERB Technology Translation Award: Up to ₹15 Lakhs for Translating Research into Commercial ProductsScheme StatusScheme Status

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The SERB-Technology Translation Award (SERB-TETRA) is a scheme launched by the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India. It is designed to catalyze technology translation in academic settings by challenging scientists executing SERB grants (e.g., CRG) to collaborate with industry partners. The goal is to elevate breakthrough research to Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 5 and beyond, thereby facilitating the fast-track development of prototypes and enabling new venture processes. The scheme supports translation research by providing seed capital, flexible working spaces, and networking opportunities with investors, MSMEs, private companies, and public sector enterprises.

Objective

  • Technology Translation:
    To encourage and support Principal Investigators (PIs) with promising research (supported by patents and IPRs) to establish effective collaborations with industry partners and technology incubators.
  • Innovation Scaling:
    To transform breakthrough research into scalable prototypes and commercial products.
  • Societal Impact:
    To ensure that innovative research results contribute to societal welfare through technology-enabled entrepreneurial ventures.
  • Scientific Social Responsibility (SSR):
    To promote a culture of social commitment among SERB grantees through approved SSR activities.

Duration of Support

  • The award is provided for a period of two years.

Benefits

  • Unstructured Budget:
    Up to ₹15 lakhs per year (excluding international travel) are allocated under the award.
  • Coverage:
    Funds can be used for equipment, manpower, consumables, travel, and contingency expenses, along with overheads for the host institution, as per SERB-CRG guidelines.
  • Regulations:
    The grant follows specific terms of reference, including guidelines on non-recurring cost sharing for National Laboratories and Research Institutions.

Eligibility

  • Applicant Type:
    Submissions under TETRA are open to PIs (and/or Co-Inventors) of ongoing SERB-funded projects and extramural grants completed within the last three years, provided the PI holds or has applied for a patent.
  • Citizenship:
    Applicants must be Indian citizens. However, foreign nationals (including OCI and NRI) may also apply if they meet the SERB funding guidelines for foreign nationals.
  • Employment and Tenure:
    The applicant must hold a regular academic or research position in a recognized academic institution, national laboratory, or any other R&D institution in India, with at least 3 years of service remaining.
  • Institutional Host:
    Private academic institutions with valid UGC/AICTE/PCI approval, private R&D institutions with DSIR-SIRO recognition, and voluntary/non-governmental organizations registered under the NITI-AAYOG Darpan portal are eligible to host a project.
  • Qualification:
    The PI and all Co-Inventors must hold a Ph.D. in Science, Mathematics, Engineering, or relevant medical or veterinary fields (e.g., M.D., M.S., M.D.S., M.V.Sc) at the time of application.
  • Project Exclusivity:
    An applicant is allowed to submit only one proposal per call as a PI or Co-PI, and not more than one project can be active at any given time under this scheme.
  • Mandatory Conditions:
    A female Co-PI from the same institute is mandatory. Male Co-PIs and Ph.D. guides as Co-PIs are not permitted.
  • Additional Conditions:
    Proposals must be original, and any form of plagiarism will lead to rejection. Applicants are encouraged to pre-check their proposals using similarity checking tools.

Application Process

Mode: Online

  1. Call Notification:
  2. Registration:
    • Applicants must first register on the SERB online portal. Click here to register.
    • A confirmation email will be sent; click on the URL to confirm registration.
  3. Profile Completion:
    • Log in and fill all mandatory fields in the Profile Detail section (bio-data, photo, institute address, etc.).
    • Ensure that any Co-Inventors are also registered in the system.
  4. Proposal Submission:
    • Enter details for the proposal, including:
      • Title: (Max 500 characters)
      • Patent Summary: (Max 3000 characters)
      • Keywords: (Max 6)
      • Translation Methodology: (Max 1500 characters)
      • Expected Output & Outcome: (Max 1500 characters)
      • Innovation Description: (Max 1000 characters)
      • Gap Area & Advantage of the Prototype/Product: (Each max 1000 characters)
    • Upload all relevant technical documents as a single PDF file (not exceeding 10 MB).
  5. Submission:
    • Review all entered details carefully and click “Submit” to finalize your application.
    • The selection process is based on the recommendations of the Programme Advisory Committee (PAC), and candidates may be called for further discussion or presentation.

Documents Required

  • Biodata (as provided in the online profile)
  • Certificate from the Principal Investigator/Inventor confirming eligibility
  • Endorsement letter from the Head of the Institution
  • Documents related to technology transfer from completed or ongoing projects
  • Support letter if there is any collaboration with a start-up or industry
  • Plagiarism undertaking

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • What is the aim of the scheme?
    To encourage technology translation by enabling PIs with promising research and patents to collaborate with industry partners and technology incubators, thereby moving their innovations to TRL 5 or beyond.

  • Who is eligible for TETRA?
    PIs (and/or Co-Inventors) of ongoing SERB-funded projects or extramural grants completed in the last three years, who hold or have applied for a patent, and meet the other eligibility criteria.

  • What support is provided?
    An unstructured budget of up to ₹15 lakhs per year for a period of two years, which may cover equipment, manpower, consumables, travel, and contingency expenses, along with overheads for the host institution.

  • Can I apply if I am already executing another SERB project?
    No, PIs already holding a POWER Grant or those who have completed two CRG projects are not eligible.

  • How many proposals can an applicant submit?
    An applicant is eligible to submit only one proposal per call.

  • What are the selection criteria?
    Selection is based on the nominee’s research record, patent and IPR achievements, quality of the research proposal, and the potential for effective collaboration with industry partners, as evaluated by the Programme Advisory Committee.

  • Is concurrent holding of SERB-POWER Fellowship and SERB-POWER Research Grant allowed?
    No, women scientists cannot hold both simultaneously.

  • Do I need to register my Co-Inventors?
    Yes, all Co-Inventors must also be registered on the SERB online portal.

  • Can I use the research grant for international travel?
    No, the grant does not include international travel expenses.

  • What is the process if I am away from my institute for more than 6 weeks?
    Extended absences must be approved by SERB as per the guidelines.

  • How do I apply for SERB-POWER Research Grants?
    Applications are submitted online via the SERB portal by following the registration and submission steps outlined above.

Sources and References

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