India-Canada Collaborative Industrial R&D Programme 2025
A non-dilutive grant of up to ₹1.5 crore for joint India-Canada R&D projects between Indian companies and Canadian partners.
- Funding amount
- ₹1.5Cr (grant)
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- Department of Science & Technology (Government)
- Application deadline
- Rolling
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
The India-Canada Collaborative Industrial R&D Programme, a Request for Proposal (RFP) by the Department of Science & Technology, funds joint innovation projects between Indian and Canadian entities. It supports market-oriented R&D that yields new products, processes, or services. The grant covers up to ₹1.5 crore or 50% of the Indian project cost (whichever is lower), with a maximum project duration of 24 months. Funding is provided on a reimbursement basis for Indian industry and on a reimbursement/advance basis for R&D and academic institutions. It is a non-dilutive grant, meaning no equity is taken.
Highlights
- Non-dilutive grant of up to ₹1.5 crore or 50% of project cost (whichever is lower).
- Maximum project duration of 24 months.
- For joint India-Canada collaborative R&D projects.
- Indian Project Lead must be for-profit company with ≥51% Indian ownership.
- Funding provided on reimbursement basis; no equity taken.
Who can apply
The Indian Project Lead (IPL) must be a for-profit company registered under the Indian Companies Act 1956/2013, headquartered and operating in India. At least 51% of the IPL's ownership must be held by Indian citizens. The IPL must have the required expertise and team capacity. Sole proprietors, One Person Companies (OPC), and partnership firms are not eligible. Companies headquartered and owned outside India, or their Indian subsidiaries, are not eligible for DST funding. The IPL must lead the project and may include other industry partners or academic/R&D institutions as part of a consortium.
India-Canada Collaborative Industrial R&D Programme 2025 is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Deadline & timing
India-Canada Collaborative Industrial R&D Programme 2025 accepts applications on a rolling basis — there is no fixed cut-off date, so eligible startups can apply at any time. Because rolling programmes can pause without notice, confirm the window is still open on the official site before you start.
What the funding covers
The funding is a non-dilutive grant of up to ₹1.5 crore or 50% of the Indian project cost, whichever is lower, for a maximum period of 24 months. Support is provided to Indian industry on a reimbursement basis, and to R&D and academic institutions on a reimbursement/advance basis. The grant is designed to help Indian and Canadian partners develop new products, processes, or services through joint R&D.
About the provider
India-Canada Collaborative Industrial R&D Programme 2025 is offered by Department of Science & Technology, a government body. As a government-backed grant, it is publicly funded and open to eligible startups across India. You can verify current details and timelines on the provider's official website before applying.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to India-Canada Collaborative Industrial R&D Programme 2025, keep the following documents ready:
- A pitch deck or short business plan describing the problem, product and traction
- Company registration documents and PAN
- Founder identification (PAN / Aadhaar) and brief profiles
- Recent financial statements or projections
- Product details — a demo, prototype or working link if available
Exact requirements are confirmed on the official application portal — treat this as a preparation checklist.
Who this is best for
India-Canada Collaborative Industrial R&D Programme 2025 is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹1.5Cr. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding is offered?
The program offers a non-dilutive grant of up to ₹1.5 crore or 50% of the Indian project cost, whichever is lower.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline is not specified; you should check the official program page for updates.
Which entities are eligible to apply as the Indian Project Lead?
The Indian Project Lead must be a for-profit company registered under the Indian Companies Act 1956/2013, headquartered and operating in India, with at least 51% ownership held by Indian citizens.
Are sole proprietors or partnership firms eligible?
No, sole proprietors, One Person Companies (OPC), and partnership firms are not eligible.
Is DPIIT or MSME registration required?
No, DPIIT or MSME registration is not mentioned as a requirement.
Does the program take equity?
No, the funding is a non-dilutive grant, so no equity is taken.
What expenses can the grant cover?
The grant supports innovative, market-oriented R&D projects leading to new products, processes, or services. Specific expense categories are not detailed, but typical R&D costs may be covered.
How is the funding disbursed?
Funding is provided on a reimbursement basis for Indian industry, and on a reimbursement or advance basis for R&D and academic institutions.
Can Canadian subsidiaries of Indian companies apply?
No, companies headquartered and owned outside India, or their Indian subsidiaries, are not eligible for funding from DST.
Where can I apply?
Applications are submitted via the official portal: https://www.e-techcom.tdb.gov.in/company_canada_registration.php
Who offers India-Canada Collaborative Industrial R&D Programme 2025?
India-Canada Collaborative Industrial R&D Programme 2025 is offered by Department of Science & Technology, a government body. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.
How do I apply for India-Canada Collaborative Industrial R&D Programme 2025?
Apply directly through the official application link on this page. Review the eligibility criteria and prepare your startup documents before you begin.
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