Govt. Seeks Proposals to Propel Escalation in Hydrogen Value Chain Technologies

In order to establish a full hydrogen value chain in India, the Department of Science & Technology (DST) has invited proposals to upgrade lab-scale technologies, which are at technology readiness levels (TRL) 3–4. The goal is to reach prototypes (TRL 5) and pilot plants (TRL 6).

Under this initiative, projects up to a maximum funding limit of ₹5 Cr. are expected to be completed in two to three years.

Bids must be submitted by December 29, 2023, the latest.

The call for proposals emphasizes prototypes with commercial potential and centers on the domestic development of hydrogen-related technologies.

Additionally, a detailed commercialization plan with timetables, budget justification, and interactions with possible technology transfer partners must be included in proposals.

Applications are open to people with experience in science, engineering, and technology who work in academic institutions, research and development centers, universities, and labs that have the apparatus and resources needed for research and development.

Startups in the pre-commercialization phase that have the necessary technologies are also eligible to apply.

Proposals with industry partnerships are preferred, and investigators must possess the necessary expertise.

The organization carrying out the project bears the financial and administrative burden; the industry does not receive any financial support.

For projects involving multiple institutions, the principal investigators are required to obtain formal agreements from participating scientists and institutions.

The implementation of monitoring mechanisms will entail periodic evaluations via committee reviews, financial statements, and progress reports.

Every six months, principal investigators and organizations are required to submit progress reports that include detailed updates on project expenditures and advancements.

Also,in order to guarantee efficient oversight, committees that have been approved by the DST will also make on-site visits.

DST has the right to end the grant at any time if it finds that the money hasn’t been used properly.

Every asset, including machinery and prototypes, is considered the property of the Indian government, and DST must give its prior consent before it can be disposed of or put to another use.

The Government of India will own all know-how produced by the projects, and any profits from its use or sale, including royalties, will go to the government.