Search
X

Resources

2+2 Projects FAQs

  • What is the 2+2 Project scheme?

    • 2+2 Project scheme is the flagship programme of IGSTC to catalyse innovation centric R&D+I projects by synergizing the strength of research/academic institutions and public/private industry from India and Germany. The 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 India and Germany.

  • What is the eligibility criterion to apply for 2+2 Scheme?

    • A consortium consisting of at least one academic/research institute and industry from both India and Germany is eligible to submit an application for 2+2 Project funding. Maximum is 3 partners on each side.

  • Who can apply / partner?

    • Applicants from public and private research organizations, public and private institutions of higher education, universities, and public or private companies having R&D bases (i.e. DSIR recognition for in-house R&D in case of Indian industry partner) are eligible to be partner in a project consortium.

  • Can an individual apply for 2+2 projects?

    • No, an individual cannot apply for 2+2 projects. Only a 4-partner project consortium can apply for 2+2 projects.

  • What are the eligibility criteria for Indian industry to take part in 2+2 projects?

    • Eligibility criteria for the Indian industry partner to be considered for IGSTC grants:

    • Indian company registered in India as per Companies Act, 1956 and amendment thereon;
    • 51% or more shareholding by the Indian citizen;
    • Fully controlled and management center present in India;
    • Fully holding company or subsidiary of any Indian holding company;
    • Sole proprietors and partnership firms are not eligible;
    • Regularly filling annual tax return and auditing of accounts;
    • Indian industry must have DSIR recognition for in-house R&D facility at the time of funding.
    • Indian company which is a subsidiary of a foreign company will be considered as ineligible to become partner in the 2+2 project as an Indian industry.

    Eligibility criteria for the German industry partner to be considered for IGSTC grants:

    • German industry must have a branch office / research facility in Germany;
  • Is it mandatory for the Project Investigators (PIs) to hold regular positions?

    • Yes. PIs should be holding regular / permanent positions.

  • How to submit the application?

    • Applicant must register on to pt-outline online application tool and submit the application as per the guideline shown on the portal. Only the coordinator of the consortium has to upload the proposal.

  • Is it necessary to send the hard copies of the application form submitted?

    • Yes, hard copies of the submitted proposal signed by all the PI’s should be submitted to IGSTC within one week after the deadline.

  • Can a proposal be submitted without industrial partners?

    • No - participation from industrial partners from both the countries are mandatory.

  • Is DSIR recognition necessary for Indian industry partner?

    • Yes, DSIR recognition is necessary for Indian Industry partner to take part in the consortium.

  • What is the quantum of the funding?

    • The maximum amount of funding to Indian partners (academia + industry) is ₹ 230 Lakhs and to German partners € 450,000 per project. This does not include the necessary contribution by industry.

  • What is the duration of funding?

    • The projects which are finally selected will be supported by IGSTC initially for a maximum period of up to three years. An additional funding period of up to two more years may be granted in exceptional cases.

  • What is the maximum grant industry can avail?

    • The Indian industry can get 50% of the project cost limited up to maximum ₹ 50 lakhs.

    The funding rate for German industry is usually 50%, but the regulations of the AGVO will be applied.

  • Is it mandatory for industry to contribute financially to the project?

    • Yes, it is mandatory for industry to contribute to the total project cost. For Indian industry it is fixed to minimum 50%. For German industry funding rate might vary due to the size of the industry and the work packages industry is involved in.

  • What is the evaluation procedure?

    • IGSTC will execute a two-step evaluation process, conducted by an Indo-German Joint Scientific Committee (JSC). the steps are as follows

    • 1st stage: JSC shortlists proposals for the 2nd stage and invite short-listed consortia to submit 2nd stage application
    • 2nd stage: Detailed evaluation by JSC for final recommendations. Consortia have to present their project proposal in front of the JSC.
  • What are the eligible costs covered in the 2+2 projects?

    • IGSTC supports grants for: Manpower, Equipment & Accessories, Consumables, Contingency, Travel & Hospitality, Network Events, Outsourcing / Subcontract and Overhead charges.

  • Can PIs draw salary from manpower cost?

    • India: No, PIs cannot take (in full / top up) salary from the manpower cost granted by IGSTC. Only those research staff hired exclusively for the project can be paid salary / fellowship from the manpower cost.

    Germany: Usually not since the permanent position of a PI in an academic position is already covered. Industry can claim manpower cost, including the director.

  • What if an application similar to the one submitted to the IGSTC is submitted to another funding agency while it is being considered by IGSTC?

    • If you are successful in obtaining funding from IGSTC for a similar application submitted to another agency, you have to withdraw the application from the other funding agency to receive IGSTC funding.