Call Open: PACE scheme of DSIR

As you are aware that  Patent Acquisition and Collaborating Research and Technology Development (PACE) scheme of DSIR provides catalytic support to industries and institutions for development and demonstration of innovative product and process technologies, traversing the journey from proof of concept or laboratory stage to pilot stage, so that they can be launched for commercialization. Industries can submit proposals directly to DSIR either on its own or in collaboration with R&D organizations /academic institutions/universities/PFRIs (Public Funded Research Institutions).  For projects of industry in collaboration with R&D organization / academic institution / university / PFRIs, Industry gets loan whereas  R&D organization/academic institution/university / PFRIs get grants.

Last date for submission of proposal is 22nd August 2023.

The Department of Scientific & Industrial Research (DSIR) invites proposals from REGISTERED INDIAN
COMPANIES/FIRMS/SMEs etc. under the PACE Scheme for funding development and demonstration of
innovative product/ process technologies, traversing the journey from proof-of-concept or laboratory stage to pilot stage, ready to be launched for commercialization. For more information visit us at and see PACE Guidelines at https://dsir.gov.in/patent-acquisition-and-collaborative-research-and-technology-development-pace.

GUIDELINES FOR SUBMISSION OF APPLICATIONS
The prescribed guidelines and application format can be downloaded from the website: www.dsir.gov.in. They must submit five hard copies of the proposal duly signed + one soft copy [MS Word file and not a PDF file] through Email and by enclosing a pen drive) to: Dr. Sujata Chaklanobis, Head (PACE), Department of Scientific & Industrial Research, Ministry of Science & Technology, Technology Bhawan, New Mehrauli Road, New Delhi-110 016. Email: priya@nic.in super-scribing “CONFIDENTIAL, PACE PROJECT” on the document holder.

SALIENT FEATURES OF PACE SCHEME:
 Development and Demonstration of Technology by industry (either alone or in collaboration with R&D
organizations/ academic institutions/ universities).
 Loan to Indian industry and grant to R&D organization/ academic institution/ university in case of
collaborative project. Grant to institution in case of collaborative project will be concurrent with loan and it shall not exceed the loan amount sanctioned to the company. The loan shall be secured through a bank
guarantee which shall be thirty-three and one-third per cent more than amount of the loan.
 The scheme shall support proposals in any industrial sector* leading to industrially useful applications.
Innovative projects towards energy efficiency, low cost automation, IOT, AR/VR etc. may also be considered.
 The scheme shall support proposals which give evidence of existence of proof-of-concept and aim at fulfilling an unmet need. Total support sought from DSIR (Loan for industry and grants for collaborating partner) should not be more than Rs 3.00 crores.
 Special consideration for projects aimed at benefiting women, including those led by women scientists and technologists.

  • Except for proposals purely in the area of Bio-technology and software as a service.
    ELIGIBILITY FOR PROPOSAL SUBMISSION:
     Company should be registered in India and should have a healthy financial track record or a promising financial health forecast and should be in a position to furnish bank guarantee for the loan.
     At least 51% of the shares of the company should be held by Indian Citizens, including NRIs.
     Industry should have IP ownership, acquired or developed by it (patented or un-patented), that will be used for value addition or up-scaling in the proposed project.
     Industry should preferably have a DSIR recognized in-house R&D unit.
     Industry must be in a position to provide evidence that it shall be able to raise its share of funds in the project.
     Collaborating partner, if applicable, should be Indian public funded research institution, implying that one of the criterions should be that at least 50% of the recurring expenses of the institution should be met by the government.