2D Material Research Fab and Innovation Hub (2D Innovation Hub)

About Mission for Advancement in High-impact Areas (MAHA) Scheme, ANRF

ANRF, a statutory body of the Government of India, has been established to provide high level strategic direction for research, innovation and entrepreneurship in fields of natural sciences and scientific and technological interfaces of humanities & social sciences to promote, monitor and provide support as required as per recommendations of the National Education Policy.

Mission for Advancement in High-impact Areas (MAHA) is a program under ANRF to support priority-centric, solution-based research in Mission mode focusing at some key areas in alignment with nation’s prime requirements. It is envisaged to be multi-disciplinary, multi-institutional and multi-investigator projects with industrial partnerships in the best sorted areas of immediate concern.
ANRF had identified 2D Innovation Hub to demonstrate the interdisciplinary 2D materials-based innovations with a clear pathway towards establishment of R&D Ecosystem to enable translation, commercialization and deployment of technologies for nations need.

The objectives of the 2D Innovation Hub are to establish an ecosystem for conducting R&D in 2D materials-based technologies for electronic applications. The hub seeks to design and develop indigenous 2D materials-based technologies, prototypes, devices, components, products, sub-systems, and systems for a wide range of applications. It also emphasizes capacity building and intellectual property generation. Furthermore, the hub is committed to supporting startups and fostering entrepreneurship by providing mentorship, incubation, and access to resources. Finally, it aims to propose a governance structure and a strategy to ensure long-term self-sustainability.


About R&D Scheme, MeitY
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), a central ministry of the Government of India, is a stand-alone ministerial agency, responsible for formulating and implementing national policies and programs aimed at enabling the continuous development of the electronics and IT industry. MeitY focuses on human resource development and promotes R&D and innovation in electronics and IT with a strong emphasis on emerging sectors.

R&D Scheme at MeitY supports academia, R&D organizations, start-ups/ MSMEs, and domestic companies & multinationals; with a long-term roadmap to push the boundaries of current knowledge to create new innovations, solutions, know-how of various processes technologies, IPs, Systems and products and ensure advancements to benefit societies, industries, and economies at large.

1. Aim and Objectives of 2D Innovation Hub

1.1  Aim
To foster and nurture scientific and industrial R&D in 2D materials-based technologies, establishing an innovative ecosystem in India that drives research and development, commercialization, and deployment of indigenous technologies for various application/sectors.

1.2  Objectives

  • To establish an ecosystem to carry out R&D in 2D materials-based technologies for electronics applications.
  • To design and develop indigenous 2D materials-based technologies/ prototypes/devices/components/products/sub-systems/systems for a wide range of applications.
  • Capacity building and IP generation.
  • To support startups and foster entrepreneurship by providing mentorship, incubation, and access.
  • To propose a governance structure and a strategy to make the hub self-sustainable.

2. Focus Areas under 2D Innovation Hub

The proposals shall focus on at least 2 (and preferably more) out of the following sectors identified below (for the development of electronic devices/ products/systems), (other areas may be proposed with justification):

  1. Sensors for various sectors
  2. Emerging Electronics based Devices (Beyond Si Nanoelectronics, 2D Microprocessor Chip, etc.)
  3. Optoelectronics Devices (Next Gen LED, Photodetectors, etc.)
  4. Memory devices
  5. 2D Memristor and Neuromorphic Devices
  6. Quantum Technologies based Devices (Qubits & SPDs/SPEs, etc.)
  7. Co-integration with established technologies such as CMOS, FinFET, etc.
  8. Challenges specific to Strategic Sector (Flexible Electronics, etc.)

The number of sectors/verticals for which credible and viable proposals are submitted will be given due weightage in the evaluation of the proposals.

3. Duration and Eligibility Criteria
3.1  Duration
The duration of the project may be maximum up-to 5 years based on the complexity and nature of the project. However, a further plan for sustainability of the hub/deployment of the developed technologies need to be included.
3.2  Eligibility Criteria
3.2.1.  For Academia/R&D organizations

  1. Applicants [Lead Principal Investigator (LPI) and Principal Investigator(s) (PI(s))] should be Indian citizens. Foreign nationals (including OCI and NRI) are also eligible to apply provided they fulfil the eligibility criteria by ANRF.
  2. The applicant(s) must hold a regular academic/research position in a recognized Government/Private academic institution/national laboratory/ any other recognized R&D institution in India with proven track record in the relevant domain.
  3. Private academic institutions with valid UGC/AICTE/PCI approval, Private R&D organizations with valid DSIR-SIRO recognition and voluntary and non-governmental organizations registered under NITI-AAYOG Darpan portal are only eligible.
  4. LPI and PI(s) should have at least 5 years of service remaining at the time of submission of the proposal.
  5. Proposals involving multiple institutions with some prior R&D infrastructure and expertise in the relevant domain will be given preference.
  6. Pre-identified dedicated site for establishing a single location 2D Innovation Hub need to be proposed.
3.2.2.  Criteria for industry participating as funding agency
  1. Companies/LLPs engaged/interested in R&D including startups (as per the DPIIT notification dated 19th February 2019 or extant norms), MSMEs (as per the Gazette Notification by Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, dated 1st June 2020 or extant norms) and Indian companies/ LLP which are incorporated in India under the Companies Act, 2013/ the Limited Liability Act, 2008 and the Companies/ LLPs having foreign investment in strict compliance with the Consolidated FDI Policy of 2020 or extant norms is eligible to partner with IA as a funding agency.

3.3  IPR Ownership
The intellectual property rights (IPR) of the technologies developed will remain with the IAs, while the funding industry will hold the first right of refusal.
4. Expected Deliverables of the Proposal

The proposal may clearly define year wise deliverables (Key Performance Indicators (KPI)) (Patents, Technologies, Prototypes, Transfer of Technologies (ToTs), Devices, Start-up incubation, etc.) with commercialization strategy.
The proposal should include:

  1. At least 2 market ready products (preferably more) as per user requirement by the end of project need to be proposed in the proposal. Purely software-based products will not be considered. The complete value chain for the identified products/technology (design, development, testing, packaging etc.)
  2. Tangible technologies with high TRL >7
  3. Number of good quality IPs (not less than 10 Ips (preferably more)) (The IPR norms will be as per ANRF and MeitY)
  4. No of ToTs (not less than 5 ToTs) (preferably more)
  5. Total number of startups
    1. to be incubated (minimum 3) (preferably more)
    2. to be mentored (minimum 10 startup) (preferably more)
    3. that can access the facilities in reasonable & transparent manner
  6. Short-term, mid-term and long-term milestones and deliverables
  7. Plan for technology exploitation and market readiness
  8. Skilled Manpower
5. Roles & Responsibilities Of 2D Innovation Hub and Spokes

Only one hub is to be supported under the Call with multiple Spokes and Spikes. The roles and responsibilities are as follows:

5.1.  Roles and responsibilities of the Hub

Some of the roles and responsibilities of Hub (not limiting to) are as follows:

  1. Establishment of R&D ecosystem as a section-8 company to be accessed by academia and industry for translational R&D
  2. Registration of the Section-8 company under the Companies Act, 2013.
  3. Constitution of Advisory committee/ Governance structure for the section 8 company and Review committee for execution of Innovation Hub activities.
  4. Identification of spokes and engagement with the spokes with respect to technical and financial monitoring.
  5. Hub will be responsible to the technology development and for delivering the tangible outcomes committed under the proposal in terms of KPIs.
  6. Generation of skilled manpower through exchange programmes, training workshops, seminars, hands-on-training, etc.
  7. Startup incubation and startup support
  8. Development and launch of a national web-portal for 2D Innovation Hub.
  9. Conduct grand-challenges/Hackathons
  10. Benchmarking, develop market ready product, market-outreach for the proposed technologies.
  11. Identify a governance structure and a sustainability plan for the post-project period.
  12. To develop a national 2D materials database (material design, simulation platforms, SoP, etc.).
  13. Provision for engaging deep-tech startup accelerator for seed funding, IP-sharing norms, and connections to VCs/angel investors.
  14. To develop long-Term Sustainability & Business Model: Define industry subscription models, revenue-sharing from IP/ToT, service-based facility access to start-ups/users, or public–private partnerships beyond the grant period.

5.2.  Roles and responsibilities of the Spoke /Spike
Some of the roles and responsibilities of the Spoke/Spike (not limiting to) are as follows:

  1. To carry out R&D aligned with the technology roadmap of the Hub as per the proposed innovation outcomes.
  2. Each identified Spoke may focus on one specific material/technology.
  3. Generation of skilled manpower through exchange programmes, training workshops, seminars, hands-on-training, etc.

5.3  Industry partner(s) will be responsible for the following activities:
Some of the roles and responsibilities of the industry partners (not limiting to) are as follows:

  1. Handhold/Co-develop the solution in collaboration with the Hub/Spokes/Spikes
  2. Provide a test bed for field trials/clinical trials if available
  3. Conduct market study
  4. Provide the requirement/specifications for any identified technology/solution based on 2D materials.
  5. To carry forward the technology know how by setting up the pilot production/manufacturing line.

6. General Conditions and Guidelines
  1. Project proposals with multiple PIs from other academic institutions/R&D organizations are invited in consortium mode.
  2. 2D Innovation Hub is required to be led by experts with proven track record in related areas and working in regular positions in recognized academic institutions, public funded R&D organization, etc. The LPI should identify the Innovation Hub partners (from same institution and other partnering institutions), their roles and responsibilities and work towards the project targets/objectives for the successful completion. Post selection of the project, funds will be allocated to LPI or nodal implementing agency which will in turn be distributed to other academic/ R&D lab partners. Industry is not eligible to submit proposals as LPI.
  3. Participation of industries/PSUs/start-ups is mandatory with matching contribution (preferable in cash). The industry partner is expected to provide funding in cash (preferred) or in-kind (in the way of extending R&D facilities, providing test beds or systems for testing and validation, etc.) towards the successful execution of the project.
  4. In 2D Innovation Hub, a minimum of 3 PIs (preferably more) shall be involved from the same institution with clearly defined roles and responsibilities and time with proper justification. The fund will be transferred to the Hub only. Funding may be proposed for the PIs participating from other institutions (excluding capital head).
  5. The research grant is provided to the Hub under the capital head of ANRF and under the GIA head of MeitY for equipment including software, license fees and warranty charges, plant cost/fabrication systems/demonstration models; and under general head for research personnel, consumables, travel, contingency and other cost (user charges/outsource work, etc.). The "Overhead" will be as per the ANRF-OM dated Oct 14, 2024. No budget provision for Capital for the proposals submitted by Spokes. In case of specific requirement, budget under capital may be considered and approved by the competent authority subject to the justification provided.
  6. Priority will be given to research proposals that lead to the development of technologies and products capable of commercialization at the industry level. Clear pathways to global IP generation and technology transfer should be provided.
  7. ANRF and MeitY may suggest restructuring the proposals and reorganization of members of the consortia based on the nature of area of work, merits and technology requirements. Accordingly, it may be requested to submit revised project proposal.
  8. An expert committee needs to be constituted for the monitoring and smooth functioning of the 2D Innovation Hub with one representative from ANRF and MeitY each.
  9. The IPR sharing for hub, spokes, spikes and participating industry needs to be clearly defined. The non-exclusive right to the industry partner will be preferred. However, the first right of refusal may be kept with industry partner.
  10. Commercial exploitation of the IP created, conceived or developed under the project shall be done in a manner such that the associated revenue/ profits and/ or royalty are received by the approved applicant in India and are subject to tax in India, in compliance with applicable laws in India.
  11. Exclusionary clause: The approved applicants that receive incentives, benefits or support under the scheme shall retain ownership of the Intellectual Property (“IP”) created, conceived or developed under the project.
  12. “Intellectual Property Rights” for the purpose of this Scheme means any copyright and related rights, patents, rights to inventions, registered designs, database rights, design rights, topography rights, trademarks, service marks, trade names and domain names, trade secrets, rights in unpatented know-how, rights of confidence and any other intellectual or industrial property rights of any nature including all applications (or rights to apply) for, and renewals or extensions of such rights and all similar or equivalent rights or forms of protection which subsist or will subsist now or in the future in any part of the world.
  13. The proposal focus should be on the development of electronic devices/ products/systems.
  14. Submission of Memorandum of Association (MoA) from the industry/User/others will be preferred along with the proposal.
  15. One or more industries can contribute to the project. Engagement of the industry in R&D will be preferred.

Note: It is strongly recommended that the LPI identify the industry and secure their commitment in principle before submitting the proposal. It is desirable that broad framework of active collaborations among consortia members (LPI, PI, Spokes (if identified)) be included in the proposal. The PI should focus on more industry-oriented problems, as the ultimate goal of the R&D project is to develop technology or devices for the industry that may further be used in the country. The PIs must be specific about the deliverables and targets of the proposal and categorically mention the industry's scientific role in achieving the objectives.

7. Evaluation and Mode of Selection

7.1 Evaluation
A joint expert group called as Innovation Hub Advisory Committee (IHAC) constituted by ANRF and MeitY would consider the proposals for feasibility and carry out technical and financial evaluations for the recommendation for financial support.


Selection will be based on:

  1. Scientific and technical merit of the LPIs and PIs.
  2. Capability of the Academic Institute/R&D organization, including existing infrastructure and prior work in the area.
  3. Innovation potential
  4. Commercialization prospects
  5. Role of Industry/ Start-up
  6. Alignment with national priorities
  7. Sustainability plan beyond the project tenure

A concise concept note (as per a prescribed format) should be submitted in addition to the full proposal (along with all requisite documents) before the deadline. The proposals will be reviewed at two levels, namely, Level A and Level B.

  1. Level A: Concept notes will be screened at this stage and only the full proposals of the short-listed Concept notes will be reviewed further.
  2. Level B: The shortlisted full proposals will be subjected to rigorous assessment with the help of subject matter experts. If required, the LPI and PIs of the full proposals that clear the review process, may be invited for a discussion/presentation.

IHAC will recommend the proposals, and the Executive Committee (EC) of ANRF and MeitY will give the final approval.


8. Mode of Submission of Proposal

  1. LPI is eligible to apply for only one proposal during a call.
  2. Only one proposal to be submitted from one implementing agency as LPI.
  3. The Call for applications will be notified through the “online portal” of ANRF website www.anrfonline.in.
  4. The proposals under 2D Innovation Hub should be submitted only through online portal of ANRF. The proposals submitted in any other mode/platform will not be considered by ANRF.
9. Guidelines for Online Application Submission

For successful online submission of the application, the following points may be noted:


  1. LPI and PI(s) should first register on official website click here to register.
  2. After log-in, applicant(s) are required to fill all the mandatory fields in Profile Detail section.
  3. Some of the key elements of the proposal should be defined clearly such as Project Title (max 500 characters), Project summary (max 3000 characters), Keywords (max 6), Objectives of project (max 1500 characters), Target values being set for the Projects, Expected output and outcome of the proposal (max 1500 characters).
  4. Other Technical Details (OTD) of the proposal has to be uploaded as a single file in PDF format.
10. Documents Checklist

  1. Document 1: Performa (LPI)
  2. Document 2: Performa (PIs)
  3. Document 3: Endorsement from LPI.Download Template
  4. Document 4: Endorsement from PIs.Download Template
  5. Document 5: Certificate from Lead Principal Investigator (LPI).Download Template
  6. Document 6: Certificate from Principal Investigator(s) (PIs).Download Template
  7. Document 7: Concept Note.Download Template
  8. Document 8: Plagiarism Declaration Download Template
  9. Document 9: Other Technical Details Download Template
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What is the 2D Innovation Hub?

A1: The 2D Innovation Hub is a national initiative by ANRF and MeitY to build an R&D ecosystem focused on 2D materials, enabling indigenous development, commercialization, and deployment of advanced electronics-based solutions.

 

Q2: What is the aim of the 2D Innovation Hub?

A2: To strengthen India’s capability in 2D material science and technology for electronics applications (refer section 3 of CFP) through collaborative R&D, infrastructure development, IP creation, startup support, and long-term sustainability.

 

Q3: How many Hubs can be proposed under this initiative?

A3: Only one 2D Innovation Hub shall be established in consortia mode (LPI, PI, Spoke and Spikes).

 

Q4: What is the structure of the 2D Innovation Hub formation?

A4: It follows a Hub and Spoke model (refer CFP):

  • Hub: Central coordinating body
  • Spokes: Partner institutions conducting R&D
  • Spikes: Short-term focused research groups engaged via open calls

However, ANRF and MeitY have the right to restructure the proposed Model of the Hub/Spoke by merging/removing institutes/organizations at the approval stage.

 

Q5: What is the Hub and Spoke Model?

A5:

Hub: The hub, to be established at any Government/Private academic institution/R&D organization, needs to serve as the nodal centre for scientific and technological innovation, coordinating research, product development, and strategic initiatives across spoke institutions.

Spokes: Partnering Government/Private academic institutions/R&D organizations that collaborate with the hub on specific research based on their expertise, benefitting from the hub's resources and guidance.

Spikes: Academic institutions/R&D organizations associating with spokes/hub working on directed research identified through open calls or grand challenges.

The spokes/spikes will be linked with the Hub to avail facilities and expert support for fostering collaboration, knowledge sharing, and alignment with national priorities.

 

Q6: What is the legal structure of the Hub?

A6: It must be established as a Section-8 Company under Companies Act, 2013, preferably hosted in an academic institution/R&D organization. The Hub will receive funding through the academic institution/R&D organization to which the LPI is affiliated.

 

Q7: Where is the Hub to be established?

A7: The Hub is to be established on the premises of the Lead Principal Investigator’s (LPI’s) institute or any identified location leveraging the facilities/resources at the LPI’s and Principal Investigator’s (PI’s) Institute.

 

Q8: What is the role of the Hub?

A8: Hub is responsible for the overall progress of the project - technical and financial. Some of the responsibilities are (for details, please refer section 9.1 of CFP):

  • Creation of Ecosystem for 2D research
  • Coordinated research with spokes/spikes
  • Generate skilled manpower
  • Deliver KPIs
  • Identification and disbursement of funds to spokes and spikes.

 

Q9: Whether Hub or spoke should have prior experience in translational research under this project?

A9: Yes, it is mandatory for PI to have research experience in translational research in the proposed domain.

 

Q10: Who can apply as a Lead Principal Investigator (LPI)? Can the LPI be modified at an intermediate or later stage?

A10: LPI must be an Indian citizen in a regular academic or R&D position. Foreign nationals (including OCI and NRI) are eligible if they meet ANRF eligibility criteria.
No, LPI will not be changed in normal situations. Only in unforeseen situations with the approval of the governing body, it may be considered.
In the absence of the LPI, a PI from the same institute may be considered by the approval of the funding agencies.

Q11: Can LPI be from an R&D organization?

A11: Yes, both academic and R&D organizations are eligible to lead the Hub.

 

Q12: Can an LPI or institute apply for more than one Hub?

A12: No, LPI or institute can submit only one proposal during this call.

 

Q13: How many PIs can be included from the same institution?

A13: Minimum three experts (preferably more) need to be included as PI.

 

Q14: Is there any limit of PIs from the institute that proposes to establish hub?

A14: There is no limit to the number of PIs from the institute.

 

Q15: Do PIs from other institutions under the Hub get funding?

A15: Funding may be proposed for the PIs participating from other institutions (excluding capital head).

 

Q16: What is the difference between a PI from the Hub and PI from the Spoke?

A16: PI from other organizations associated in establishing the Hub will get funding (without any capping) excluding capital. However, a PI from the Spoke will get funding with a capping of Rs 10 crores including capital.

 

Q17: Can the LPI/PI be Foreign Nationals?

A17: Yes, Foreign nationals (including OCI and NRI) are eligible to apply provided they fulfil the eligibility criteria notified by ANRF.

 

Q18: How many Investigators are required to submit proposal to hub to be a Spoke?

A18: Proposals may be submitted to hub with minimum three investigators to establish a Spoke.

 

Q19: What are the responsibilities of Spokes and Spikes?

A19: Spokes conduct R&D in specific domains and Spikes undertake targeted research through open calls as per decisions of Hub.

 

Q20: Will Spoke receive any funds?

A20: Yes, maximum of Rs. 10 crores may be provisioned by hub for each identified spoke to carry out R&D work. Provision for all the spikes and spokes need to be a part of the total outlay of the Hub.

 

Q21: Will Spike receive any funds?

A21: Spikes will be identified through an open call or grand challenge and be facilitated to find solutions for directed problems.

 

Q22: Is a letter from Spoke agency mandatory for first level submission?

A22: A letter from the Spoke agency is preferred. However, complete details of the spokes may be submitted within three months after the approval.

 

Q23: Is industry participation mandatory?

A23: Yes, industry/startup/PSU participation is mandatory with at least one-third financial contribution (preferably in cash). However, industry/user/others may contribute more than one-third of the total contribution.

 

Q24: Can industry be the Lead PI or Implementing Agency?

A24: No. Industry cannot apply as LPI or Implementing Agency. However, industry participation is mandatory as a co-funding and co-development partner.

 

Q25: What is the role of industry partners?

A25: Some of the key roles of industry partners are as follows:

  • Co-develop technology
  • Provide testing facilities
  • Support trials and validation
  • Conduct market studies
  • Enable commercialization and scale-up
  • Support the establishment of Infrastructure, Capital and deploy manpower

 

Q26: Can industry support be in-kind?

A26: Yes, but cash contributions are preferred.

 

Q27: Is Letter of Agreement (LoA) with Industry/user mandatory?

A27: Yes, a LoA is preferable to be submitted along with the Detailed Project Report (Detailed Proposal). If not, justification to be provided with timeline.

 

Q28: What is the definition of User/User Agency/Others?

A28: User/User Agency/Others refer to collaborative entities such as industry partners, start-ups, PSUs, private companies, and government bodies that actively engage with the Hub, Spokes, and Spikes to support the development, validation, and commercialization of 2D materials-based technologies. These users may also include line ministries, departments, agencies, and state governments.

 

Q29: How many focus areas are to be proposed under proposal?

A29: At least two focus areas out of the following need to be selected (not limited to):

  • Sensors for various sectors
  • Emerging Electronics based Devices (Beyond Si Nanoelectronics, 2D Microprocessor Chip, etc.)
  • Optoelectronics Devices (Next Gen LED, Photodetectors, etc.)
  • Memory Devices
  • 2D Memristor and Neuromorphic Devices
  • Quantum Technologies based Devices (Qubits & SPDs/SPEs, etc.)
  • Co-integration with established technologies such as CMOS, FinFET, etc.
  • Challenges specific to Strategic Sector (Flexible Electronics, etc.)

 

Q30: What are the expected deliverables (Key Performance Indicators (KPIs))?

A30:

  • At least 2 market ready products (Purely software-based products will not be considered as per user requirement by the end of project. The complete value chain for the identified products/technology (design, development, testing, packaging etc.) needs to be proposed in the proposal.
  • Tangible technologies with high TRL >7
  • Number of good quality IPs (not less than 10 IPs (preferably more)) (The IPR norms will be as per ANRF and MeitY)
  • No of ToTs (not less than 5 ToTs) (preferably more)
  • Total number of startups
  • To be incubated (minimum 3) (preferably more)
  • To be mentored (minimum 10 startups) (preferably more)
  • That can access the facilities in reasonable & transparent manner
  • Short-term, mid-term and long-term milestones and deliverables
  • Plan for technology exploitation and market readiness
  • Skilled Manpower

Q31: Can software-only products be proposed as a targeted technology/product?

A31: No, only hardware-based solutions are to be proposed as expected deliverable.

 

Q32: What is Technology Readiness Level (TRL)?

A32: "Technology Readiness Level (TRL)" is a metric to measure the maturity of the developed technology. It is generally measured on a scale from 1 to 9. However, TRL 10 is also sometimes considered as productization of the developed technology. A project is evaluated against set parameters for each TRL and is rated based on its progress. The broad targeted milestones for each TRL are as follows: -



epps

 

Q33: What is the project duration?

A33: Maximum of 5 years, with a mandatory sustainability plan beyond the project period.

 

Q34: What is the funding structure?

A34: The following budget mechanism is proposed for the proposals:

  • If the Total proposed budget is less than Rs.525 crore: ANRF and MeitY will contribute 2/3rd of the total outlay and participating Industry/User is supposed to provide the rest 1/3rd (in-cash (preferred) or in-kind).
  • If the Total proposed budget is Rs.525 crore or more than Rs.525 crore: Additional funding requirement may be sought from the Industry/Users or any other stakeholders.
  • Provision for funding for the infrastructure cost (clean room and utilities) will be reviewed by the expert committee on a case-to-case basis.
  • Maximum of Rs. 10 crore should be provisioned for each identified spoke.
  • Funding may be proposed for the PIs participating from other institutions (excluding capital head).

 

Q35: What is the process of fund distribution within the Hub?

A35: The Hub, as a Section-8 Company, will allocate funds to Spokes and Spikes based on planned activities and milestones.

 

Q36: What can be the total outlay of the project?

  • If the Total proposed budget is less than Rs.525 crore: ANRF and MeitY will contribute 2/3rd of the total outlay and participating Industry/User is supposed to provide the rest 1/3rd (in-cash (preferred) or in-kind).
  • If the Total proposed budget is Rs.525 crore or more than Rs.525 crore: Additional funding requirement may be sought from the Industry/Users or any other stakeholders.

 

Q37: Can civil construction and clean room be included in the proposal?

A37: Provision for funding for the infrastructure cost (clean room and utilities) will be reviewed by the expert committee on a case-to-case basis.

 

Q38: Can the industry funding be more than 1/3rd of the total outlay (minimum funding)?

A38: Yes, the industry funding can be more than 1/3rd of the Total outlay of the project.

 

Q39: Is there any provision for funding Spokes?

A39: Maximum of Rs. 10 crores should be provisioned for each identified spoke. Provision for all the spikes and spokes need to be a part of the total outlay of the Hub.

 

Q40: What is the mode for submitting the proposal?

A40: Proposals need to be submitted only through online portal: www.anrfonline.in. Submissions through other platforms (hardcopy, email, etc.) are not accepted.
The link for submitting the proposal can be accessed through the ANRF website (www.anrfonline.in) and MeitY Official website www.meity.gov.in.

 

Q41: What documents are required for submission?

A41:

  • Concept Note
  • LPI and PI Performa
  • Endorsement letters from LPI and PI institutes
  • Consent letters
  • Plagiarism Report
  • Other Technical Details
  • Detailed Project Report
  • Letter of Agreement from Industry
  • Refer Section 13 in CFP document for complete details.

 

Q42: Is a plagiarism report required during submission?

A42: Yes, plagiarism report is mandatory.

 

Q43: What is the policy on Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)?

A43: IPR policies must be well-defined. Non-exclusive licenses are preferred; industry may be granted first right of refusal based on their contributions.

 

Q44: How are proposals evaluated?

A44: Through a two-stage process by an Expert Committee:

  • Concept Note screening
  • Full Proposal review based on scientific merit, innovation, commercialization, and sustainability

 

Q45: What are the key timelines?

A45: Deadlines for both concept notes and full proposals will be available on the portal.