AICTE Unveils ‘Lab to Market’ Research Promotion Scheme 2025 to Boost Translational Innovation

AICTE has launched the Research Promotion Scheme 2025, "Lab to Market," aimed at accelerating translational research and facilitating the conversion of innovative ideas into market-ready solutions.

AICTE Unveils ‘Lab to Market’ Research Promotion Scheme 2025

The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has launched the restructured Research Promotion Scheme 2025, titled Lab to Market, with the goal of transforming India’s research landscape by facilitating the journey of innovations from laboratory prototypes to commercially viable products. The scheme was officially revealed by AICTE Chairman Prof. T.G. Sitharam, in the presence of Vice Chairman Dr. Abhay Jere and Member Secretary Prof. Rajive Kumar.

AICTE: Lab to Market

The new scheme places a strong emphasis on translational research with real-world impact, targeting cutting-edge areas such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, rare earth materials, space technology, and disability management, among others. The scheme’s online portal for proposal submissions will open on June 9, 2025, and remain accessible until July 31, 2025.

The research grant shall be awarded for a duration of two to three years and will support projects in various emerging areas. Additionally, the grant will support research in semiconductors; smart cities; smart mobility; space and defense; and any other area related to emerging technologies.

AICTE has allocated a total of INR 60 crore for the initiative, with INR 10 crore specifically set aside for polytechnic institutions. Faculty members from AICTE-approved institutions will be eligible to receive grants of up to INR 50 lakh for projects that demonstrate the potential to reach Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 6 (lab testing) and 7 (field testing).

Speaking at the launch, Prof. T.G. Sitharam, Chairman of AICTE, said: “Through this scheme, we aim to nurture a robust culture of innovation and product development in our institutions. From school-level initiatives to faculty-led research, we are building a pipeline of talent that can serve national priorities. This scheme will not only fund transformative ideas but also support patent filings through initiatives like the KAPILA scheme. The selected researchers will undergo bootcamp workshops.”

Dr. Abhay Jere, Vice Chairman of AICTE, highlighted the holistic approach of the Council’s recent initiatives: “This scheme is designed to ensure research doesn’t stop at the lab level. This complements our recently launched AICTE Research Internship Scheme for students. While that program engages students early in research, this one empowers faculty to lead high-impact projects. This dual approach supports our national goal of becoming a knowledge-based economy and contributes to our vision of Viksit Bharat@2047.”

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