Applications are invited for the India-Sweden Collaborative Industrial R&D Programme 2025. The deadline for submission of application is November 14!
About the Programme
On June 30, 2025, the Technology Development Board (TDB), Ministry of Science & Technology, India, launched the India‑Sweden Collaborative Industrial Research & Development Programme 2025 in partnership with Sweden’s Innovation Agency, Vinnova. This joint Request for Proposals (RFP) aims to fund innovative, industry‑led R&D focused on the green transition in steel and cement industries, including AI-enabled solutions and sustainable materials.
Key Dates
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| RFP Launch | June 30, 2025 |
| Proposal Deadline (Vinnova) | November 14, 2025 – 2:00 PM CEST |
| Proposal Deadline (DST/TDB) | November 14, 2025 – 5:00 PM IST |
| Result Announcement (Estimated) | April 2026 |
| Project Start (Estimated) | May 2026 |
Note: No extensions or late submissions will be entertained. Submit well in advance.
Eligibility Criteria
Indian Side (Industrial Coordinator)
- Must be a for-profit company registered under the Companies Act (1956/2013) with 51% or more Indian ownership.
- Must have in-house R&D infrastructure and proof of concept (PoC) ready.
- Sole proprietorships or partnerships are ineligible.
Swedish Side (Industrial Coordinator)
- Must be a registered company in Sweden.
- Project Leader must belong to the Swedish Partner Company (SPC).
- Sole proprietorships and limited partnerships are ineligible.
- Universities, research institutes, and public bodies may participate as additional partners.
Focus Areas
Projects must aim to achieve Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 4–8, and must fall under at least one of the following focus areas:
| Focus Area | Description |
|---|---|
| AI as an Enabler | Smart emission monitoring, process optimization using AI. |
| Optimisation of Process | Green manufacturing methods in steel and cement industries. |
| Alternative Materials | Substitutes for traditional materials to enhance sustainability. |
| Impact Measurement Tools | Instruments to evaluate environmental or societal outcomes. |
Funding and Cost Sharing
Indian Funding (DST–TDB)
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Max Funding | ₹150 lakhs per project |
| Industry Share | 50% of eligible costs (matched funding model) |
| Academic Share | Up to 100%, balanced with industry share |
| Disbursement | Based on milestone progress and expenditure |
Swedish Funding (Vinnova)
| Entity Type | Max Funding Rate |
|---|---|
| Large Companies | 40% |
| SMEs | 50% |
| Startups | 70% |
| R&D Institutes | 100% |
| Public Sector/Non-Economic Bodies | 80% |
Project Structure and Duration
- Project Duration: Up to 24 months
- Each consortium must have one Indian and one Swedish industrial coordinator
- Additional participants (R&D orgs, academia, government bodies) are allowed
- Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) and commercialization terms must be pre-agreed within the consortium
Evaluation Process
| Stage | Description |
|---|---|
| Eligibility Check | Initial screening by national agencies |
| Technical Review | Scientific, financial, and market viability assessment |
| Interview/Site Visit | Optional, depending on the agency’s discretion |
| Final Ranking | Jointly ranked and approved by both nations |
| Contract Signing | Separate funding agreements with TDB and Vinnova |
How to Apply?
- Indian Applicants: Submit proposals through the TDB online portal
- Swedish Applicants: Apply via Vinnova’s e-service portal
- Forms to prepare:
- Proposal application
- Project summary
- Cover letter
- Budget breakdown
- Consortium agreement
Note: Templates are available on the official websites.
Matchmaking Support
To help applicants form partnerships:
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EoI) form via Vinnova or TDB
- Join the LinkedIn group: “Sweden India Innovation Initiative” to network with potential collaborators
- Reach out to your national agency for guided matchmaking
Why This Matters?
This joint call between India and Sweden is a rare opportunity to jointly develop green, AI-enabled, industrial innovation with funding from both governments. It fosters long-term international cooperation while delivering sustainable solutions in critical manufacturing sectors.
Application Link
Interested applicants can apply through this link.
Deadline
The deadline for submission of applications is November 14, 2025.
