The BRICS Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Framework Programme has launched a multilateral call for collaborative research and innovation projects involving member countries.

This initiative encourages institutions across at least two BRICS nations to jointly develop technologies that can advance toward commercialization and real-world deployment. The programme is designed to strengthen scientific cooperation, accelerate innovation, and support shared economic and social development priorities across Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.

The call aligns with the XVI BRICS Summit Kazan Declaration, emphasizing the need to foster new partnerships among high-tech, research-driven organizations. The programme aims to support projects that can make measurable contributions to improving quality of life, boosting economic resilience, and addressing global and regional challenges. The focus is on maturing early-stage research into market-ready innovations and developing business models that can sustain long-term commercial implementation.

Project proposals may address any thematic priority, following a bottom-up approach, and may run for up to three years. The initiative places a strong emphasis on contributing to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, including advancements in public health, environmental sustainability, food systems, and technology-enabled economic growth. Projects are expected to scale innovations that are socially relevant, economically viable, and adaptable across BRICS countries.

Proposals submitted in India must meet additional eligibility criteria based on the participating funding agency. Applications to the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) must focus on biotechnology-based products or technologies at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 3 or above, with a proven proof of concept and a clear plan for maturation and commercialization. DBT may support projects up to ₹20 million for a duration of two to three years.

Applications to the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) should focus on technologies at TRL 6 and above, emphasizing prototype development, deployment, and entry into global markets. CSIR will support its participating research units with up to ₹4.5 million per project. In both cases, participation from Indian industry is encouraged, with companies expected to contribute at least 50% of project costs when involved.

Each consortium must include at least one principal investigator from each participating BRICS country and meet national eligibility requirements. Indian participants may include universities, research institutes, Section-8 companies, and recognized scientific organizations. International industrial and academic partners will receive support according to their own national funding arrangements.

Overall, this call provides a significant platform to translate research into innovation, foster cross-border industrial linkages, and advance technologies that address sustainable development priorities across BRICS nations.

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