Call for Proposal in Quantum Technology for Team Building, Networks and Cluster Development

Encouraged by ‘National Quantum Mission’, the Department of Biotechnology is announcing this Call for Proposal in order to develop the quantum based R&D ecosystem for understanding the biotechnological phenomenon at atomic level and application of its outcome for Industrial processes such as biomolecular engineering, developing detection and diagnostic tools, resolving synthetic biology challenges and product development such as precise biosensors and imaging technologies etc. as well as supporting the start up ecosystem. 

Eligibility

• Any Indian National holding a regular position (at least four years before superannuation) in any Indian academic and scientific institution either on their own or in collaboration with other academic institutions 
• Industry
• Start ups may 

How to apply

• Electronic copy of a proposal (Choose from given) needs to be submitted through DBT’s online proposal submission system under Call for Proposal for Quantum Biotechnology
• Candidate need to choose in any of following areas:
• Quantum inspired techniques and simulations for biotechnology applications e.g. study of biomolecular properties and reactions.
• Quantum biosensing for medical diagnostic device development, in particular development of devices based on accurate magnetic & electric field measurements together with necessary electronics.
• Quantum photonics and applications for developing sensitive imaging devices having high resolution and therapeutic purpose.
• Support from closely related developments in nanorobotics, machine learning a nd mobile phone Apps in order to expand public outreach of the new devices.
• Understanding the quantum dynamics of various biological phenomena for new biotechnology application
• Candidate need to submit the proposal in following format:
• A Proposal should be written in English language ONLY
• Investigators must hold a regular position in an academic and/or scientific institution 
• Proposals of exceptional quality leading to thorough execution of the priority areas and likely to deliver after the completion of the project will be preferred.
• The proposal should have clear objectives, rationale, clearly specified deliverables and a detailed work plan as well as complimentary in case of network proposals.
• Any collaborative/network proposal must clearly define the role of each collaborator. The role of collaborator must be complementary in nature rather than repetitive/independent to achieve the defined components of objectives. Network proposals will be given preference.
• A proposal encompassing the comprehensive approach for achieving the defined priority areas will be preferred.
• Investigator(s) having a track record for technology development will be preferred
• The Indian principal investigator must have at least four years of the employment remaining in the institution at the time of proposal submission
• Proposals having public-private partnership will be preferred
• Once the proposal is recommended for support the following documents must be submitted –
• Declaration/Certificate, including the check list, signed by the Head of the institution
• Applicable clearances of the Institutional Biosafety Committee, Certificate for Animal Ethics Committee, Institutional Ethics Committee or any other committee etc.
• ‘National Biodiversity Act (2002)’ has to be followed by each investigator 
• Any project involves product/technology development/transfer/ commercialization; an applicant has to submit a declaration certificate duly endorsed by the Institution along with the proposal that to the best of the knowledge, the submission is original and does not violate or misappropriate any third party trade secret, “know-how,” copyright, patent or other intellectual property right. 
• Applicant also warrant and represent that there are no obligations of any nature, legal or otherwise, which would prohibit, restrict, or interfere with their participation in the call or submission of their design report, and agree to obtain any necessary clearances, authorizations and/or approvals prior to participation 
• Any other government regulation/framework or order 

Tenure of Support: 3 years + 2 years extendable 

Selection Process

• The following category of proposals will be given preference:
•  having academic and industrial linkage
• multidisciplinary and inter-institutional
• collaborative with clear objectives
• having short term deliverable potential
• proposing national interest e.g. proposing towards achievement of sustainable development goals
•  having either industrial component or international collaboration
• The subsequent year funding depends upon timely submission of the annual progress report, financial documents as well as other documents desired and based on the performance appraisal of the project
• No financial support will be provided to an industry. The industry may partly support the academic component and a copy of the written agreement may be provided along with the proposal. 
• The Investigator is required to submit an annual progress report for evaluation by an expert committee as per DBT’s guidelines or as and when required.
• The extension will be based purely on performance/outcome of the project

Perks

• Financial support to Academic or Scientific institution, however, an industry may collaborate with them to develop a product 
• Infrastructure will be established in an academic institution only

LAST DATE: 20 August 2025

Direct Apply: Submit here

Official notification: Official notification