IGSTC Matchmaking: 2+2 Call 2026 on Economic and Sustainable Solutions and WISER Call 2026

IGSTC intends to catalyse innovation centric R&D&I projects by synergising the strength of research/academic institution and public/private industry from India and Germany. This Call for proposals is aimed at supporting joint R&D&I projects of industrial relevance by means of “2+2 Mode of Partnership” i.e. involvement of at least one research/academic institute and one public/private industry from both the countries. Project proposals are expected to provide insights and exploitable research results leading to new technologies, products, processes, patents and/or services.

Applicants from public and private non-profit research organisations, public and private institutions of higher education, universities and public or private companies having R&D bases are eligible to submit an application. Principal investigators should be holding a regular/permanent position. Applications of SME´s are encouraged.

This Call for proposals is aimed at supporting the joint R&D&I projects of industrial relevance by means of the “2+2 Mode of Partnership” in the overall thematic area of Economic and Sustainable Solutions with subtopics:

• Mobile Health and Telemedicine

  Modern Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) have revolutionized various aspects of our lives, including the healthcare sector and the delivery of patient care. Mobile Health (mHealth) and telemedicine leverage mobile and wireless technologies to improve health outcomes and make healthcare services more accessible and cost-effective. These technologies are primarily employed for patient monitoring, health awareness, decision support, emergency management, and disaster response, among other applications. Research in this field encompasses a wide range of topics, such as ensuring the secure handling of patient data, developing or refining wearable devices and sensors, enhancing care for first responders, and creating new applications for patient treatment and monitoring—both before and after care. It also includes the use of AI-based diagnostics to support local healthcare providers and AI models designed for the early detection of large-scale health threats. Proposals should demonstrate the ability to develop cost-effective solutions.

• Integrated Water Resource Management

  Integrated Water Resources Management, as defined by UNEP, refers to the coordinated development and management of water, land, and related resources with the aim of maximizing economic and social welfare in an equitable manner, while safeguarding the sustainability of essential ecosystems. At its core, IWRM recognizes the interdependence of the many competing uses of finite water resources. Its effective implementation not only protects the global environment but also supports economic growth, sustainable agricultural development, democratic governance, and improved public health. Within this call, IGSTC—as a technology-oriented institution—seeks to advance technological solutions that contribute to the more sustainable use of water resources. Applicants should therefore clearly explain and demonstrate how their proposed technologies integrate into the broader IWRM framework. Interdisciplinary consortia, particularly those involving social scientists, are strongly encouraged. Proposed technologies should be designed with cost-effectiveness and scalability in mind to enhance their potential for practical application and market viability. Research topics may focus on technological innovations that promote more sustainable water use in agricultural, industrial, or domestic contexts.

The project proposal should have already reached at least Technology Readiness Level 3 (TRL 3).

The funding is provided in the form of grants amounting about Euro 500.000 per project to the German partners and INR 350 Lakhs to the Indian partners (this includes up to INR 150 Lakhs for the Indian industry) including overheads / Projektpauschale. The entire project funding will be provided under the umbrella of Indo-German Science &Technology Centre (IGSTC). Financial support for the Indian partners will be released by IGSTC in India and financial support for the German partners will be released through DLR-PT in Germany.

Indian Partners:

• Academic/research partner: 100% of its eligible costs in the form of grant to the institutional partner (research/academic).

• Industry partner: Upto 50% of its eligible costs in the form of a grant (with a limit of INR 150 Lakhs) to the industry partner. Eligible cost for Indian industry partner means up to INR 150 Lakhs plus matching contribution from industry’s own funding sources.

German Partners:

• In principle 100% of the eligible costs in the form of grant to the institutional partner (research/academic). Eligible costs for industry partners are funded in the form of a grant based on De-Minimis or AGVO. For the calculation of the funding quote, the rules by the AGVO have to be applied. For details, see the German Call text. For the research establishments, which receive basic funding from the Federal or State Governments, project funding to cover additional expenditure can be granted only under certain conditions.

To apply, applicants have to build a consortium consisting of at least one research/academic institute and one public / private industry from both of the countries. A maximum of three partners from each side is acceptable. Each consortium shall determine one coordinator. All correspondence of IGSTC will be channeled through the coordinator. Applicants from public and private non-profit research organisations, public and private institutions of higher education, universities and public or private industries having R&D bases are eligible to submit a proposal. Principal investigators should be holding a regular/permanent position. Applications of SME´s are encouraged. One PI from one organization will be considered for an proposal.

An Indian industry is defined as one which is registered in India with 51% or more ownership held by the citizens of India.

German industry partners need to have a branch office or a commercial unit in Germany.

Also please note:

• It is preferred to have a DSIR recognized Indian industry partner in the consortium. In the absence of DSIR recognition certificate, IGSTC shall perform check for technical competency and financial stability of the Indian industry partner following IGSTC’s own norms.

• Those who are already having an ongoing 2+2 project with IGSTC (on the Call deadline) are not eligible to apply.

The project proposal is expected to provide insights and exploitable research results leading to new technologies, products and/or services. The benefits of partnership should be clearly identifiable.

The project proposal should ensure that all the project partners contribute substantially to and benefit from an equitable and balanced cooperation with adequate protection for intellectual property rights used in and generated during the joint efforts.

IGSTC will execute a two-step evaluation process with the support of a Joint Scientific Committee. Each evaluation step might take up to three months. The projects which are finally selected will be supported by IGSTC initially for a maximum period of three years.

For complete details, please check the Call Text on www.igstc.org