Multiplier Grants Scheme

Multiplier Grants Scheme

Multiplier Grants Scheme is implemented by DeitY (i.e., the Department of Electronics and Information Technology). The Scheme, basically, aims to bridge the gap between research & development and commercialization.

The current article covers the objectives of the Multiplier Grants Scheme; eligibility conditions under Multiplier Grants Scheme and procedures followed under Multiplier Grants Scheme.

Objectives of the Multiplier Grants Scheme –

The objectives of the Multiplier Grants Scheme are highlighted hereunder –

1. To establish, nurture and strengthen the links between the industry and the research institutes;

2. To encourage the institutes to carry out industry oriented research & development;

3. To boost and accelerate the development of indigenous goods/ products and services;

4. To reduce the gap between research & development/ proof of concept and commercialization/ globalization.

Eligibility under the Multiplier Grants Scheme –

The broad eligibility conditions prevalent under Multiplier Grants Scheme are highlighted hereunder –

1. The idea for collaborative research should have come from industry, industry consortium and academic institutions/ R&D bodies conducting industry specific research;

2. The project should be for innovation in the field of electronics and information technology in modules or products or packages or services;

3. The idea behind the project proposal should mainly focus on one main area of business in that particular industry;

4. The selected institute/ project investigator should have adequate skills as well as experience in the suggested field;

5. The investigator will assess the research & development capabilities of the institutions participating in the collaborative research under the Scheme;

6. The output of the suggested innovation should be commercially and technically viable;

7. The industry should possess the necessary staff for technical absorption and also the infrastructure for in-house production or a definite plan for outside procurement.

Procedure followed under the Multiplier Grants Scheme –

The procedure followed under the Multiplier Grants Scheme is briefly explained hereunder –

• The project proposal needs to be submitted by the academic institutions/ R&D bodies along with the industry/ industry consortium. Further, the project proposal is to be submitted to the Department of Electronics and Information Technology;
• The idea with regard to the collaborative research should originate from the industry/ industry consortium;
• Based on the availability of the funds, the proposals can be invited up to a maximum of three times in year;
• Scrutiny and evaluation of the proposals will be done by the ‘Working Group’ set up by the department;
• The working group may recommend the department for appropriate financial support. Further, based on the proposals being considered, the working group may also invite additional domain experts;
• The Project Review & Steering Group will do as under –
  • Will carry out periodical steer as well as review the technical and financial progress of the project;
  • May recommend grant release;
  • May recommend continuity or extension or short-closure etc.;
• The grants under the proposed scheme would be subject to specified terms & conditions like –
  • The grant amount should be spent for the project only and within a specified time;
  • Any unutilized amount should be surrendered back to the Department;
  • The grantee institution will have to maintain an audited report for permanent/ semi-permanent assets acquired out of the grant;
  • Such assets will be the property of the department which can be sold or disposed off at the conclusion of the project by the department;
  • The grantee institution will render progress-cum-achievement report for an interval of not more than 6 months;
  • The grantee institution will also render an audited statement of accounts to the department;
  • The department or its nominee has rights to access to the books and accounts maintained by the grantee institution;
  • The department will also appoint a Project Review & Steering Group which will periodically monitor the project in all the respects (including technical and financial).