The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has launched a new doctoral fellowship programme that aims to change what PhD research can lead to: from academic findings to products, startups and solutions for real-world problems.
The AICTE Innovation and Entrepreneurship Doctoral Fellowship Programme (AIEDFP) has a projected financial outlay of Rs 245 crore over five years and will support 150 PhD fellowships. It was launched by AICTE Chairman Prof Yogesh Singh and Member Secretary Prof Shyama Rath.
FROM THESIS TO SOMETHING REAL
The programme will focus on problem-driven and application-oriented doctoral research, with an emphasis on outcomes that can move beyond laboratories and universities.
Researchers will be encouraged to work on projects that can lead to innovation, technology transfer, commercialisation, intellectual property, entrepreneurial ventures and societal impact.
AICTE said the programme will support both technological and non-technological innovation and encourage multidisciplinary research addressing national and global priorities.
WHAT FELLOWS CAN GET
Selected fellows will receive financial support for up to five years, subject to eligibility requirements and satisfactory academic and research progress.
The fellowship will provide Rs 60,000 per month plus applicable House Rent Allowance (HRA) for the first three years. This will rise to Rs 70,000 per month plus applicable HRA for the next two years.
But the support does not stop at a monthly fellowship.
Each scholar may also receive an Innovation Grant of up to Rs 10 lakh. The grant can be used for prototype development, testing, validation, field trials, data collection, travel and other research activities needed to turn an idea into a deployable solution.
INDUSTRY WILL BE PART OF THE JOURNEY
AIEDFP also seeks to bring researchers closer to industry, startups, research organisations and incubators.
Industry partners may provide problem statements, resources, infrastructure, datasets and mentorship. Scholars may also undertake optional industrial exposure for six to 12 months.
The larger aim is to create a clearer path from doctoral research to patents, prototypes, technology transfer, commercialisation and startups.
Importantly, the programme also recognises that innovation is not limited to technology. Research in social sciences can be assessed through policy impact, community interventions, qualitative research and social innovation.
– Ends
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