Technology Development And Utilization Programme For Women
R&D grants for women-focused technology projects · NGOs, institutions & industry bodies · up to 2 years
TDUPW is a DSIR scheme that funds registered organisations working on technology development, documentation, training, and awareness programmes that directly benefit women — in areas like food processing, water conservation, healthcare, and women entrepreneurship. Applications are accepted year-round for projects up to 2 years. Apply online via the Service Plus portal or submit a hard copy by post to DSIR.
About This Scheme
TDUPW is a DSIR scheme that funds registered organisations working on technology development, documentation, training, and awareness programmes that directly benefit women — in areas like food processing, water conservation, healthcare, and women entrepreneurship. Applications are accepted year-round for projects up to 2 years. Apply online via the Service Plus portal or submit a hard copy by post to DSIR.
Full official description
Introduction
In order to meet the specific needs of women and to enhance the contribution of women towards technology capability building, the “Technology Development & Utilization Programme for Women (TDUPW)” has been formulated by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR). DSIR has a mandate to carry out activities relating to indigenous technology promotion, development, utilization and transfer. DSIR under its “Technology Development and Utilization Programme for Women (TDUPW)” provides assistance for those projects which are relevant to technology development and utilization by the women.
Objectives
Promoting the adoption of new technologies by women.
Awareness creation and training of women on technology-related issues with regard to women.
Promoting Technological upgradation of tiny, small and medium enterprises run by women entrepreneurs.
Showcasing appropriate technologies and organizing demonstration programmes for the benefit of women.
Design and development of products, and processes beneficial to women.
Benefits
- Financial support (partial or full) for project costs: manpower, consumables, domestic travel, and miscellaneous expenses
- Technical guidance from DSIR alongside financial support
- Funds released in instalments tied to milestones and progress reports
- Projects up to 2 years preferred
- Note: Building/infrastructure costs are not covered
💡 Why Startups Should Care
If you run a women-led startup or an organisation developing tech products (food processing, water conservation, hygiene) for women, DSIR's TDUPW funds the R&D phase — covering manpower, consumables, and travel for projects up to 2 years, which can bridge the gap before commercial revenue kicks in.
Who Can Apply (Eligibility)
- Government and non-government organisations, professional bodies, and industry associations working on technology for women
- Must be registered as a society, company, trust, or be a PSU/government institution
- NGOs must be registered on NITI Aayog's NGO Darpan portal
- Must have an established track record in S&T, R&D, entrepreneurship, or SME promotion
- Eligible project types: technology needs surveys, training programmes for women, documentation of best practices, consultancy cells, and case studies of women innovators/entrepreneurs
Exclusions
- Does not fund basic infrastructure or building construction
- Not available to organisations not involved in technology promotion, R&D, or entrepreneurship development
How to Apply
- Visit serviceonline.gov.in/dbt and register your organisation (use the parent legal entity name matching your NGO Darpan registration for non-government organisations).
- Log in with your registered credentials.
- Navigate to: Apply for Services → View all Available services → search 'TDUPW'.
- Fill the online application form, upload all mandatory documents in PDF format, and submit.
- You will receive an Acknowledgement with an Application Reference Number (App Ref No.).
- Track your application status via: Login → View Application Status → Track Application Status → enter App Ref No.
- Alternatively, send a hard copy of the proposal (Format C from dsir.gov.in) by speed post to DSIR, Technology Bhawan, New Mehrauli Road, New Delhi-110016.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Full Name Of The TDUPW Scheme?
The full name of the TDUPW Scheme is "Technology Development & Utilization Programme for Women".
For What Kinds Of Projects Is The Assistance Provided?
In this scheme, DSIR provides assistance for those projects which are relevant to technology development and utilization by women.
What Objectives Does This Scheme Have?
This scheme has the following objectives -
- Promoting the adoption of new technologies by women.
- Awareness creation and training of women on technology-related issues with regard to women.
- Promoting Technological upgradation of tiny, small and medium enterprises run by women entrepreneurs.
- Showcasing appropriate technologies and organizing demonstration programmes for the benefit of women.
- Design and development of products, and processes beneficial to women.
What Shall Be The Duration Of The Project? Is The Duration Fixed?
The project should be time-bound, depending upon the nature of the project. Normally a duration of less than 2 years is preferred.
Will The Financial Assistance Be Provided As A Lump Sum Or In Installments?
The assistance can be by way of financial support (partial or full) and technical guidance.
Will The Assistance Also Be Provided For Travel Outside The Country?
No, the financial assistance will be provided only for meeting expenditures on Manpower, Consumables, travel within the country and other miscellaneous expenditures.
Will The Assistance Also Be Provided For Basic Infrastructure?
No support will be provided for basic infrastructure and buildings.
On What Factors Will The Time And Amount Of Assistance Depend?
The assistance will be released in instalments and will be linked to specific milestones achieved as per the time schedule indicated in the proposal. The release would also be dependent on the completion of formalities like submission of progress reports and Utilization Certificates.
Where Can I Find The URL Of The User Manual Of The Application Process?
The URL of the User Manual of the Application Process is - https://dsir.gov.in/online-application-submission
Are The Case Studies On Successful R&D, Technology Development And Businesswomen Eligible For Assistance In This Scheme?
Yes, the case studies of successful R&D, Technology Development and businesswomen are eligible for assistance.
To Whom Should The Hard Copy Of The Application Be Addressed?
One set of hard copy of the proposal, along with the required (self-attested) documents, should be sent by speed post to: Dr. Sujata Chaklanobis Scientist 'G' and Head A2K+ Department of Scientific and Industrial Research Technology Bhawan, New Mehrauli Road New Delhi-110016 Tel: 011-26520887, 2659 0277 Fax: 011-26520887 Email: priya@nic.in
Who Will Sanction The Project?
The project will be sanctioned by the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC)' of the Ministry.
When And How Will The Funds Be Released?
The institutions receiving the assistance are then required to accept the conditions formally and sign an agreement on a judicial stamp paper of Rupees Ten only or an MOU as the case may be and as per GOI rules. On signing the agreement and its submission, the first instalment of assistance would be released.
Ready to apply?
Visit the official government portal to apply for this scheme.
Apply on myScheme.gov.inDocuments Required
- Letter of forwarding from the head of institution (Format A)
- Certificate of Responsibility and Commitment from investigators (Format B)
- Technical and financial details of the proposal (Format C)
- Copy of registration certificate
- Annual reports for the last 3 years
- Audited accounts for the last 3 years