CFAs: Industry-Academia Research and Development Programme (India and France)

Deadline: 30-Sep-2026

The Industry-Academia Research & Development Programme (IARDP) supports collaborative research and development projects between industry and academia in India and France. The programme focuses on developing or improving innovative products and processes with societal benefits, including proof-of-concept demonstrations and prototypes at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 4–5.

About the Industry-Academia Research & Development Programme

The Industry-Academia Research & Development Programme (IARDP) is a collaborative research and innovation initiative of the Indo-French Centre for the Promotion of Advanced Research (CEFIPRA). Its main objective is to combine industrial needs and academic research expertise to develop innovative products and processes that can deliver societal benefits. The programme has supported collaborative projects that have resulted in new products and processes. Some outcomes have reached the market, while others are progressing toward commercialisation. What Does IARDP Support? IARDP supports joint research and development projects that address industry needs while creating wider societal benefits.

Projects should focus on:

Developing new products Improving existing products Developing innovative processes Improving industrial processes Creating proof-of-concept demonstrations Developing prototypes Advancing technologies toward commercialisation The programme is particularly suited to projects where academic research can help solve a defined industrial or technological challenge. Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 4–5 Projects are expected to deliver outcomes such as proof-of-concept demonstrations and prototype development up to TRL 4–5. What Is TRL 4? TRL 4 generally indicates that a technology or component has been validated in a controlled laboratory environment. At this stage, researchers have moved beyond basic research and demonstrated that the underlying technology works under relevant laboratory conditions. What Is TRL 5? TRL 5 generally represents validation of the technology in a more relevant environment. A project reaching this level should demonstrate that the technology is progressing toward practical application beyond an early laboratory proof of concept. Therefore, IARDP projects should have a clear pathway from research and development to proof of concept, prototype development, and potential commercialisation. Priority Research Areas IARDP covers several strategic areas of research and innovation. IARDP brings these strengths together to help convert research knowledge into practical products and processes. Why the IARDP Programme Matters The programme strengthens research and innovation links between India and France while supporting industrial competitiveness. Its emphasis on industry-driven research helps ensure that scientific expertise is connected to real-world technological needs. The focus on prototypes and TRL 4–5 also encourages projects to move beyond theoretical research toward demonstration, validation, technology development, and potential commercialisation. How to Develop an IARDP Project Applicants should build their project around a clearly defined industrial or societal challenge.

Step 1: Identify the Industrial Challenge

Define the specific problem that requires research and technological development. The problem should have practical relevance to an industry or societal need.

Step 2: Identify an Academic Partner

Select an academic or research partner with the technical expertise required to address the challenge. The partnership should provide complementary capabilities.

Step 3: Select a Priority Area

Ensure the proposed project clearly fits within one of the programme’s priority research areas, such as: AI and machine learning Clean energy Smart mobility Agricultural technology Sustainable nutrition Healthcare SDG-related technologies Waste management and circular economy

Step 4: Define the Product or Process

Clearly state what the project intends to develop or improve.

The proposal should explain:

What the technology is What problem it solves Who will use it What makes the solution innovative How it differs from existing approaches

Step 5: Establish the R&D Pathway

Explain how the project will progress from research activities toward: Research → Proof of Concept → Prototype → Validation → Potential Commercialisation The expected outcome should be consistent with the programme’s focus on TRL 4–5.

Step 6: Define Societal Benefits

Explain how the proposed innovation could benefit society.

Benefits may include:

Better healthcare Cleaner energy Sustainable agriculture Reduced waste Improved mobility Lower environmental impact Improved food safety Increased resource efficiency Progress toward the SDGs

Step 7: Demonstrate Commercial Potential

Where appropriate, explain how the resulting technology could eventually be adopted, scaled, or commercialised. A clear pathway toward practical use can strengthen the project’s industry relevance. Tips for Applicants

A strong IARDP proposal should:

Clearly define an industry-relevant problem. Demonstrate genuine India-France collaboration. Show complementary roles for industry and academia. Select a clearly relevant priority research area. Describe the proposed technology or process precisely. Explain the innovation compared with existing solutions. Include realistic R&D milestones. Define measurable technical outcomes. Explain the route toward TRL 4–5. Demonstrate potential societal benefits. Include a credible pathway toward commercialisation or practical adoption. Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

Submitting a project that is purely academic without a clear industry connection. Failing to demonstrate meaningful India-France collaboration. Choosing a research topic that does not fit the programme’s priority areas. Describing only the scientific problem without defining the proposed product or process. Setting objectives that are unrealistic within the proje