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SERB-Technology Translation Award

The “SERB-Technology Translation Award (SERB-TETRA)” is a new scheme launched by the Science and Engineering Research Board, Government of India for catalyzing technology translation in academic settings.

Authority

Central

Region

Central Government

Status

Verified 2026

Updated

March 2026

What you get

- The award will entail an unstructured budget of up to ₹15 lakhs per year (without international travel), including overhead.

Who can apply

Submissions under TETRA can be made only by Principal Inventors of ongoing research grants and all extramural grants completed in the last three years, where the Principal Inventor holds or applied for a patent.; Applicants [Principal Inventor (PI) and/or Co-Inventor(s)] should be Indian citizens. Foreign nationals (including OCI and NRI) are also eligible to apply, provided they fulfill the eligibility criteria notified by SERB (SERB Funding Guidelines for foreign nationals dated 27th Oct 2016).; The applicant(s) must hold a regular academic/research position in a recognized academic institution or national laboratory or in any other recognized R&D institution in India with at least 3 years of service remaining.; Private Academic institutions with valid UGC/AICTE/PCI approval, Private R&D Institutions with valid DSIR-SIRO recognition, and Voluntary and Non-Non-governmental organizations registered under the NITI-AAYOG Darpan portal are eligible to host a project.; The PI and Co-Investigator(s) should hold a Ph.D. degree in Science, Mathematics, Engineering, or M.D / M.S. / M.D.S. / M.V.Sc degree at the time of applying for the grant.; An applicant is eligible to apply only one proposal during a call (as a PI or Co-PI).; Not more than one project is allowed at any given time as a Principal Inventor under the program TETRA.; Proposals submitted must be original in ideation and content.; Plagiarism in any form will not be acceptable.; All submitted proposals might be subjected to a third-party similarity check and proposals are liable to be rejected if found plagiarized.; Any text taken verbatim from other sources needs to be identified using quotation marks and proper references.; Applicants may pre-check their proposals for plagiarism before uploading.

Required Paperwork

  • Aadhaar Card
  • PAN Card
  • Income Certificate
  • Residence Proof (Domicile)

Common Questions

What is the aim of this scheme?

SERB-TETRA aims to provide awards to competitively funded Core Research Grants (CRG) and similar projects, holding potential and promise for translation at TRL 5 or beyond.

Who is eligible for TETRA?

Principal Investigators/Inventors (PIs) of ongoing SERB Projects and all extramural projects completed in the last three years, where PI holds or has applied a patent, with an acknowledgement to SERB support.

What is the nature of support provided under the scheme?

Under the scheme, the award will entail an unstructured budget of up to [?]15 lakhs per year (without international travel), including overhead.

Who is eligible for TETRA?

Principal Investigators/Inventors (PIs) of ongoing SERB Projects and all extramural projects completed in the last three years, where PI holds or has applied a patent, with an acknowledgement to SERB support.

How often the awards will be granted?

Call for application would be made and awards would be granted once in a year.

What is the duration of support?

The funding will be provided normally for a period of two years.

I am already implementing another SERB project. Am I eligible for TETRA?

Yes. TETRA is an award of recognition and can be concurrently held with other SERB projects.

I have applied for a number of patents. Can I submit multiple application?

No. You can submit only one application at a time mentioning about the patent details having the best translational potential.

I have forgotten to acknowledge SERB in many of my publications and patent, but I have large number of publications from the project. Will I be considered for the award?

Only publications in which SERB grant is acknowledged will be considered as project output.

Will all the PIs who holds or applied for a patent receive award under TETRA Scheme?

No. The selection committee would choose the awardees based on the potential of translation for applied or granted patents.

I have completed an CRG project 5 years ago and hold a patent with acknowledgement of SERB support. Will I be considered for the award?

No. Only PIs of ongoing projects and all extramural projects completed in the previous three financial years will be considered.