The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has announced a call for proposals to establish Centres for Advanced Research (CAR) in assistive technology. This initiative is part of the National Initiative for Reliable Medical Device Development and Assessment Network - Assistive Technologies (NIRMAN-AT). Institutions interested in developing innovative assistive technologies can apply for funding up to Rs 15 crore per project, with support lasting up to five years.
- Proposals must be submitted electronically through the ICMR e-PMS portal by November 13, 2025, 5 pm.
- Eligible institutions should have multidisciplinary teams in healthcare, rehabilitation, biomedical engineering, and technology development.
- The budget can be up to Rs 15 crore per Centre for Advanced Research, following ICMR guidelines.
- Collaboration across academic institutions, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, start-ups, and industry partners is encouraged.
Who Can Submit Proposals to ICMR?
Proposals are open to investigators from institutions eligible for ICMR extramural research support. The principal investigator must be a regular faculty member or scientist with extensive experience in health-technology development, clinical or rehabilitation research, biomedical engineering, or related fields.
What Are the Requirements for the Research Teams?
The proposed Centres for Advanced Research should have multidisciplinary teams that include clinical and rehabilitation experts, biomedical engineers, and technology development specialists. The team must demonstrate a strong track record in areas such as prototype development, clinical validation, patents, technology transfer, start-up incubation, manufacturing translation, or deployment of health technologies.
How Should the Proposal Demonstrate Institutional Support?
Proposals must provide evidence of access to target users or patient populations and facilities suitable for usability studies, clinical evaluations, and field feasibility studies. Additionally, the institution should show a commitment to sustaining research, technology development, and translation activities beyond the ICMR funding period.
Why Is This Initiative Important?
This initiative aims to translate research into affordable, accessible, and indigenous assistive technologies that empower persons with disabilities and improve their quality of life. By encouraging collaboration across disciplines and institutions, ICMR hopes to foster innovation that can lead to practical solutions in healthcare and rehabilitation.
How Can Institutions Collaborate?
ICMR encourages collaboration with other academic institutions, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, start-ups, industry partners, and user organizations. Such partnerships are essential to strengthen the research programme and enhance the development and deployment of assistive technologies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the deadline for submitting proposals?
A: Proposals must be submitted by November 13, 2025, up to 5 pm through the ICMR e-PMS portal.
Q: What is the maximum funding available per project?
A: The maximum budget per Centre for Advanced Research is Rs 15 crore for a period of up to five years.
Q: Who is eligible to lead a proposal?
A: The principal investigator must be a regular faculty member or scientist with experience in health-technology development or related fields.
Q: Are collaborations encouraged?
A: Yes, collaboration with academic institutions, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, start-ups, and industry partners is highly encouraged.
