Online applications are invited for the Indo-French Call for Joint Research and Innovation Project Proposals 2025. Check the eligibility and other details below!

About the Project

To catalyze a stronger and rejuvenated Indo-French scientific partnership, Department of Science and Technology (DST), Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India, and French National Research Agency (ANR), France are launching the 1st joint call for submission of the project proposals in “Green Hydrogen Innovations for Sustainable Energy Solutions”. This is in pursuance of the decision taken during the second meeting of the Indo-French Joint Committee of Science and Technology (JCST) which took place in Delhi NCR on January 18th, 2024.

The aim of this call is to consolidate Indo-French research networks in hydrogen and create new ones. Through bilateral funding, both organizations seek to fund innovative binational projects that demonstrate strong synergy between the teams in each country and real integration of joint work, i.e. effective cooperation between the Indo-French partners. Partners will work together as a joint team with complementary competencies in one common project, creating a joint output.

Indo-French Call for Joint Research and Innovation Project Proposals 2025 [Funding Upto 9 Crore]
Indo-French Call for Joint Research and Innovation Project Proposals 2025 [Funding Upto 9 Crore]

Theme

Green Hydrogen Innovations for Sustainable Energy Solutions

Key Details

  • Call Announcement: March 6, 2025
  • Funding Agencies:
    • India: Department of Science and Technology (DST)
    • France: French National Research Agency (ANR)
  • Total Funding Available:
    • India: ₹9 crores (~1 million EUR)
    • France: 1 million EUR
    • Each project can receive up to ₹2.25 crores (~250k EUR) from DST and 200k–500k EUR from ANR
  • Project Duration: Up to 3 years
  • Final selection results will be announced in July 2025.

Research Focus Areas

  • Electrochemical Hydrogen Production & Fuel Cells
    • Alternative electro-catalysts for electrolyzers/fuel cells
    • Bio-inspired and enzyme-based hydrogen production
  • Hydrogen Carriers & Storage
    • Chemical carriers (e.g., ammonia synthesis/cracking)
    • Liquid carriers (LOHC)
    • Materials-based storage (hydrides)

Note: Highly innovative proposals aligned with these themes are encouraged, including safety, deployment conditions, and socio-economic impact.

Application Requirements

  • Joint proposal submission by one Principal Investigator (PI) each from India and France
  • At least one Co-PI in India recommended
  • Industry participation encouraged (co-applicants or advisory roles)
  • Project must align with the themes and demonstrate significant Indo-French collaboration

Evaluation Criteria

  • Scientific Excellence (Relevance, innovation, methodology, feasibility)
  • Consortium & Implementation (Expertise, industry collaboration, resource utilization)
  • Impact & Benefits (Scientific, economic, and social contributions)

How to Apply?

  • Indian applicants: Online submission at DST Portal, with a PDF sent to ranjith[dot]krishnapai[at]gov[dot]in
  • French applicants: Submission via ANR Platform

Deadline

Proposal Submission Deadline: May 6, 2025 (05:30 PM IST / 05:00 PM CET)

Click here to view the official notification of the Indo-French Call for Joint Research and Innovation Project Proposals 2025