Research
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Innovation
Enterprise
URP Research Grants are funding opportunities designed to bridge the gap between academic research capabilities and real-world industry challenges.
These grants facilitate collaborative partnerships between universities and industry partners by providing financial support for research projects that address specific commercial problems while advancing academic knowledge.
The funding mode will operate in PPP model where industry is also mandated to co-fund the research. This grant program will encourage the partnering industry to extend its facilities and share their expertise in their domain of interests.
As an enabler of research–industry–government collaboration, TNRPF acts as a catalyst to bring together academia, start-ups, enterprises, and policymakers. Through the URP Research Grants, it aims to:
The program connects academic researchers with industry partners who have identified specific technical or operational challenges requiring innovative solutions. This creates a mutually beneficial relationship where academia gains access to real-world problems and funding, while industry benefits from cutting-edge research expertise.
Unlike traditional academic grants that may prioritize theoretical advancement, these grants are specifically structured to tackle practical industry problems. Research projects must demonstrate clear commercial relevance and potential for implementation.
Projects typically focus on applied research with tangible outcomes that can be translated into commercial applications, new technologies, or improved processes within partner industries.
Data-driven governance, AI/IoT solutions, and e-governance tools.
Mobility, housing, energy efficiency, and green buildings.
Urban resilience, water management, renewable energy, waste systems.
Participatory planning, affordable housing, and social equity.
Joint projects with commercialization potential.
For universities, these grants provide additional funding streams, opportunities for student training on industry-relevant problems, and potential pathways for technology transfer. For industry partners, the grants offer access to specialized academic expertise, state-of-the-art research facilities, and innovative approaches to solving business challenges at a lower cost than internal R&D.
Detailed information on eligibility, funding structure, timelines, and application process is available below.
To apply for New Problem Statements please Click below Apply Here button to redirect to New Problem Statement Entry screen
The program provides structured research grants covering project costs, manpower, and resource support. Selected projects will receive financial assistance, networking opportunities, and access to research parks for incubation and scaling. Through the URP Research Grants, TNRPF and TIDCO seek to catalyze innovation that will make Tamil Nadu’s cities smarter, greener, and more competitive at the global level.
To apply for New Problem Statements please click below to redirect to the Problem Statement Entry screen