Objective:
Technological innovation is a key driving force for economic growth and national development. For rapid progress, it is essential that every phase of the research-to-product pipeline is equally advancing. However, the transition stage between laboratory-scale validation (TRL4) and prototype demonstration in an operational environment (TRL 7) is extremely critical but remainsunder-supported. As a result, manytechnologies that have demonstrated potential in research fail to reach the end goal of commercialisation. ANRF intends to bridge this gap, to ensure that promisingresearch translates into market-ready products, thereby enhancing global competitiveness and economic growth.
The ANRF Translational Research and Innovation (ATRI) initiative will bring together all key stakeholders to channelise the expertise and resources for unlocking the tremendous innovation potential. Under this initiative, ANRF will establish ATRI centres to provide targeted support for advancing potential technologies from TRL 4 to TRL 7, thereby strengthening the innovation pipeline from lab to market.
Operational Model:
The ATRI centres will be established in sector-specific, focused areas built on the foundations of innovative technologies and strategic partnerships.They will be equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure for prototyping, demonstration, testing and other facilities required for transitioning the lab-scale proof of concept to pre-commercial validation. A team of researchers with innovative technological know-how and industry partners with specialised expertise, resources, and market proficiency shall work jointly, with a clear focus on market translation and preparation for downstream commercialisation.
While the proposed technology will remain the central focus, the ATRI Centre is expected to develop enabling facilities, shared infrastructure, and complementary capabilities anchored around the proposed technology, with relevance to the broader thematic area. The centre should function as a sector-focused translational facility with the potential to support researchers, startups, industries and other stakeholders, enabling collaboration and strengthening the overall innovation ecosystem.
Scope and Requirements:
A group of investigators from an academic institution or research organisation, with a potential technology and demonstrated commitment to translational research, may apply for support to establish ATRI Centres in specific areas under the tentative sectors specified. The technological area proposed should effectively combine technology push with market pull to drive the progression of technology to a higher TRL level. The innovation gap or current as-is state should be clearly demonstrated, along with a well-defined demand for the proposed new capabilities. Letters of commitment from prospective users / industry partners should be provided to support this demand. Industry interest and collaboration are central to the ATRI initiative. Proposals must demonstrate credible and compelling synergies with industry, reflected through outcome-oriented engagementwhere industry partners contribute substantially to technology development, validation, market alignment and creation of pathways to commercialisation.
The Lead Principal Investigator (LPI) has to submit the proposal on behalf of the team.
Objective of ATRI Centres :
Nature of Support:
The nature of support is based on a co-funding model, in which project cost will be shared between ANRF and external partners. ANRF support is capped as a percentage of the total cost, and the balance is to be supported by non-ANRF sources, preferably industry. Multiple industries can team up as consortia to support the centre. Other than industries, the support can also be leveraged from other sources such as state governments, autonomous bodies, central government departments/ministriesor non-governmental foundations. The non-ANRF support should be in-cash, as detailed in the following table.
| Category | Total Project Cost | ANRF Contribution | Industry# / Non-ANRF Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mode I(a) | ₹50 Cr - ₹200 Cr plus | Upto 50% of total budget or ₹100 Cr, whichever is less | The balance amount (Total project cost-ANRF contribution) in cash |
| Mode I(b) | ₹10 Cr - ₹50 Cr | Upto 70% of total budget or ₹25 Cr, whichever is less | The balance amount (Total project cost-ANRF contribution) in cash |
Industry partners play a pivotal role in the success of ATRI Centres and their engagement is expected to be strategic, sustained and directly relevant to the proposed technology translation. Each proposal must have atleast one committed industry partner related to the technology proposed, identified at the time of submission.
Apart from co-funding in cashand a top-up in-kind contribution, the industry partnersare expected to:
Proposals in which industry participation is peripheral or not aligned with the translational objectives may not be viewed favourably during evaluation.
The sectors listed below are only indicative, and proposals in other relevant sectors may also be submitted. Proposals may also combine not more than two sectors, where appropriate. Further, translational research that form pipelines aligned with sectors identified under RDI Scheme are encouraged. Please visit https://rdifund.anrf.gov.in/ for more details.
Indicative Sectors:
Q1. Can an applicant submit multiple proposals?
A1: No, an applicant can submit only one proposal under a given call..
Q2: Can there be multiple proposals from a host institution?
A2: Yes, multiple proposals in different thematic areas can be submitted; however, only one ATRI Centre per institution will be supported.
Q3: Will fundamental research with a strong possibility of practical application be supported?
A3: No, the ATRI Centres are intended for technologies at higher TRL levels of 4 and above, with potential for commercialisation. Proposals must also demonstrate strong market interest for commercialisation.
Q4: At what stage of maturity must the technology be for funding support?
A4: The technology must have reached at least TRL 4, where proof of concept has been validated in a laboratory environment. Proposals should demonstrate a clear pathway for advancement to TRL 7 (prototype demonstration in operational environment.
Q5: How many team members are required to submit a proposal for ATRI centres?
A5: Each proposal must include one PI and a minimum of two Co-PIs.
Q6: Can a Co-PI belong to a different institution?
A6: Yes. While the ATRI Centre will be established at the host institution of the PI, Co-PIs with relevant complementary expertise may belong to other institutions. However, funding will be provided only to the host institution.
Q7: How should the market interest or readiness be demonstrated?
A7: Applicants must provide a compelling justification for market readiness, includingan Expression of Interest from industry partnerswilling to adopt, collaborate or support the proposed technology.
Q8: Can a Co-PI be added at a later stage while the project is ongoing?
A8: Yes, Co-PIs can be added with proper justification during the course of the project.
Q9: Can I submit a proposal that was previously submitted to ANRF or another R&D scheme?
A9: No. Proposals that overlap with those submitted earlier to ANRF or any other R&D funding schemes are strongly discouraged. PIs are advised not to submit such proposals to ATRI Centres.
Q10: What if my idea has been explored before, but has now progressed further?
A10: If the proposal demonstrates clear advancement and presents technologies that fall within TRL-4 to TRL-7, it may still be considered, provided the progress is substantial and well-documented.
Q11: Do I need to identify an industry partner before submitting the proposal?
A11: Yes. Each proposal must have at least one committed industry partner identified at the time of submission.
Q12: Can existing centres or facilities be proposed under the ATRI initiative?
A12: No. Proposals should not be based on rebranding, restructuring, or continuation of existing centres or facilities. While Principal Investigators may build upon prior experience or capabilities, the ATRI Centre itself must be a newly established entity and not a scaled-up version of an earlier establishment.