SERB-Technology Translation Award
SERB-TETRA funds researchers who have a patented breakthrough from a SERB project and want to take their technology from the lab to a working prototype (Technology Readiness Level 5 or above) in collaboration with an industry partner. Awardees receive up to ₹15 lakh per year for up to 2 years with a flexible, unstructured budget. Apply online through serbonline.in when a call is announced.
About This Scheme
SERB-TETRA funds researchers who have a patented breakthrough from a SERB project and want to take their technology from the lab to a working prototype (Technology Readiness Level 5 or above) in collaboration with an industry partner. Awardees receive up to ₹15 lakh per year for up to 2 years with a flexible, unstructured budget. Apply online through serbonline.in when a call is announced.
Full official description
The “SERB-Technology Translation Award (SERB-TETRA)” is a new scheme launched by the Science and Engineering Research Board, Government of India for catalyzing technology translation in academic settings. Translation research has gained considerable focus as it has the potential to elevate results from fundamental research to a given technology readiness level, in turn catalyzing symbiotic growth of institutional infrastructure to offer a platform for scale-up of entrepreneurial ventures, supported by a variety of funding mechanisms. SERB-TETRA will challenge scientists executing SERB grants, such as CRG, to establish an effective, functional, and synergistic working collaboration with an industry partner to elevate their breakthrough results and technologies to TRL level 5 and beyond. It is implicit that PIs would have obtained the necessary patents and IPRs. TETRA Support will help entities have successful ideas to kick-start new venture processes. With seed capital, flexible working spaces, and interaction between mentor and start-up entrepreneurs, the SERB-TETRA will expand the scope by providing numerous networking opportunities, followed by presenting the finished prototype to an audience of large investors, established MSMEs and private companies, and public sector enterprises. SERB-TETRA would be awarded to select PIs who have clearly demonstrated the translational potential of their research (patents, etc.) and have established contact with industrial partners for fast-track graduation to a prototype stage and beyond. PIs would have also identified technology incubators in their own institution or in the vicinity who could support their endeavors. It is envisaged that a well-defined strategy to augment research innovation, via technology incubators, will add value to the CRG and other funding mechanisms supported by SERB.
Objective:
SERB-TETRA aims to provide awards to competitively funded Core Research Grants (CRG) and similar projects, holding potential and promise for translation at TRL 5 or beyond.
Scientific Social Responsibility:
SERB has adopted the Scientific Social Responsibility (SSR) Policy to imbibe a culture of social commitment among SERB Grantees. The policy intends to effectively utilize the scientific infrastructure and expertise of SERB grantees to benefit other S&T stakeholders, especially the less-endowed researchers and society. SSR activities need to be chosen after approval and depending on the activities chosen additional budget would be provided under a separate head to carry out the chosen activities. SERB Grantees need to undertake the proposed SSR activities during their project period.
Duration of Support:
- The funding will be provided normally for a period of two years.
Benefits
- Up to ₹15 lakh per year unstructured budget (usable for equipment, manpower, consumables, and domestic travel — international travel not covered)
- Overhead charges included within the budget
- Funding typically provided for 2 years
- Access to technology incubation support for prototype development and scale-up
Who Can Apply (Eligibility)
- Must be the Principal Inventor of an ongoing SERB research grant or one completed in the last 3 years
- Must have obtained or applied for a patent on the research work
- Must hold a regular academic or research position in India with at least 3 years of service remaining
- PI and Co-Investigators must hold a PhD in Science/Mathematics/Engineering or an MD/MS/MDS/MVSc degree
- Only one TETRA proposal allowed per person at any time (as PI or Co-PI)
- Private institutions must have valid UGC/AICTE/PCI approval; private R&D organizations must have DSIR-SIRO recognition
- Must identify an industry partner and a technology incubator for commercialization support
How to Apply
Application Procedure:
Step 01: The Call for applications will be notified through the websites "www.serbonline.in" and "www.serb.gov.in". Step 02: The application form along with a proper research proposal highlighting the research work to be undertaken should be submitted online through the website "www.serbonline.in". Step 03: Applicant should first register on the online website. Click here to register Step 04: After successful registration, the user will be sent a confirmation mail on the registered email ID. Users must click on the URL provided in the mail to confirm registration. Step 05: After login, the applicant(s) are required to fill all the mandatory fields in the Profile Detail section under User Profile, which includes Bio-data, Photo, Institute Address, etc. Step 06: Details of Patents, Publications in the last 5 years, Projects, Research Collaboration, and Academic Supervision of all investigators (PI and all Co-Inventors) have to be provided. Step 07: Some of the details of your proposed work like Title (max 500 characters), Patent summary (max 3000 characters), Keywords (max 6), Translation Methodology (max 1500 characters), Expected output and outcome (max 1500 characters), Innovation (max 1000 characters), Gap area (max 1000 characters) and Advantage of Prototype/ Product to be developed (max 1000 characters) have to be entered at the time of proposal submission. Step 08: Other relevant information of the proposal has to be uploaded in a single PDF file not more than 10 MB as other technical documents (OTD).
Selection Procedure:
- The proposals will be evaluated through stringent peer-review processes by a suitable Programme Advisory Committee.
- The selection will be based on the recommendations of the Programme Advisory Committee (PAC) constituted by the Board. If required, the applicants may be called for discussion/ presentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the aim of this scheme?
SERB-TETRA aims to provide awards to competitively funded Core Research Grants (CRG) and similar projects, holding potential and promise for translation at TRL 5 or beyond.
Who is eligible for TETRA?
Principal Investigators/Inventors (PIs) of ongoing SERB Projects and all extramural projects completed in the last three years, where PI holds or has applied a patent, with an acknowledgement to SERB support.
What is the nature of support provided under the scheme?
Under the scheme, the award will entail an unstructured budget of up to [?]15 lakhs per year (without international travel), including overhead.
Who is eligible for TETRA?
Principal Investigators/Inventors (PIs) of ongoing SERB Projects and all extramural projects completed in the last three years, where PI holds or has applied a patent, with an acknowledgement to SERB support.
How often the awards will be granted?
Call for application would be made and awards would be granted once in a year.
What is the duration of support?
The funding will be provided normally for a period of two years.
I am already implementing another SERB project. Am I eligible for TETRA?
Yes. TETRA is an award of recognition and can be concurrently held with other SERB projects.
I have applied for a number of patents. Can I submit multiple application?
No. You can submit only one application at a time mentioning about the patent details having the best translational potential.
I have forgotten to acknowledge SERB in many of my publications and patent, but I have large number of publications from the project. Will I be considered for the award?
Only publications in which SERB grant is acknowledged will be considered as project output.
Will all the PIs who holds or applied for a patent receive award under TETRA Scheme?
No. The selection committee would choose the awardees based on the potential of translation for applied or granted patents.
I have completed an CRG project 5 years ago and hold a patent with acknowledgement of SERB support. Will I be considered for the award?
No. Only PIs of ongoing projects and all extramural projects completed in the previous three financial years will be considered.
Ready to apply?
Visit the official government portal to apply for this scheme.
Apply on myScheme.gov.inDocuments Required
- Biodata (under user profile section)
- Certificate from Principal Investigator/Inventor
- Endorsement Letter from the Head of Institution
- Documents related to Technology Transfer from completed/ongoing project
- Support Letter if there is any tie-up with any Start-up or Industry
- Plagiarism undertaking