About the Organization
India is one of the top-ranking countries in the field of basic research. Indian Science has come to be regarded as one of the most powerful instruments of growth and development, especially in the emerging scenario and competitive economy. In the wake of the recent developments and the new demands that are being placed on the S&T system, it is necessary for us to embark on some major science projects which have relevance to national needs and which will also be relevant for tomorrow’s technology. The Department of Science & Technology plays a pivotal role in promotion of science & technology in the country. The department has wide ranging activities ranging from promoting high end basic research and development of cutting edge technologies on one hand to service the technological requirements of the common man through development of appropriate skills and technologies on the other.
About the Grant
Proposals are invited through online for consideration of support under the Scheme “Sophisticated Analytical and Technical Help Institutes (SATHI)” of the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India. SATHI Scheme is largely aiming at: (a) acquiring of high-end equipment and Research Infrastructure (RI) / facilities necessary for research/ testing/ manufacturing/ fabrication and to cater service by understanding the demands of researchers, scientists, students, start-ups, manufacturing units, industries and R&D Labs, (b) to provide access and sharing of scientific equipment and research infrastructure (RI), (c) Capacity building of scientific & technical manpower d) Monitoring of usage of expensive scientific research facilities for its maximum utilization and to be a part of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan’ (Self Reliant India Campaign).
Inclusive purpose of SATHI is generation/ creation of knowledge adopting best practices of such facility, to promote translational research in thematic areas and to take forward to next stage to gain better societal outreach. Predominantly it would emphasize on testing, designing, prototyping, proof-of concept, manufacturing, insertion of business planner, start-ups, MSME, related engineering industries and their back & forth connectivity from R&D to industry and to boost indigenous presence comprising all level together at local and global scale. Noticeably, this would encourage & ensure to establish a National Network of Laboratories and testing facilities, tightly linked to global standards. Hence higher efficacy of SATHI through focused approach of viz: Technology, Testing, Certification & Compliance (T2C2) model will boostup the clusters of academia as well as industries.
To promote networking among grantee agencies at local levels and to avoid duplication of research infrastructure (RI), a consortium mode of approach with academia, research institutes, non-government organizations, S&T councils and industries belonging to the same domain that lie in close vicinity on mutually agreeable terms of conditions of DST are encouraged to participate. A collection of grantee agencies (minimum of 5 organizations or more, forming a cluster) may propose to establish a SATHI facility. While heading to form a cluster one has to be acknowledged as lead organization, which will host all equipment under one roof among the grantee agencies and others may be co-opted as partner organization. This would not only reduce redundancy of sophisticated equipment / RI within a cluster, but also help to acquire more varieties of RI, thereby benefiting the whole cluster and that region at optimum level.
Nature of Support: The Scheme will provide optimal national level infrastructure facilities through networking / cluster mode. Prominently it will provide a shared, professionally managed services and strong Science and Technology RI / facilities, with efficiency, accessibility and transparency of highest order under one roof to service the demands of faculty, researchers, scientist and students of Host and User institutes / organizations (including other academic institutes, universities, national laboratories, start-ups, manufacturing and engineering industries, SMEs, R&D Labs/organization) to enable them to carry out R&D activities. While implementing the plan of self-sustainable model, the usage of the SATHI facility will be guided by the basic principle of maximum and effective utilization and accessibility to all through I-STEM portal (https://www.istem.gov.in/). SATHI facility will have dedicated sections for fabrication work, rapid prototyping, material testing, characterization, new device fabrication, smart manufacturing and characterization facilities etc. If required on a round-the-clock basis with minimum down-time will also be adopted for SATHI activities. Proposal towards individual institute/ organization/ departmental R&D support would not be accepted under this scheme. The synergy and focus of research under this scheme may preferably be aligned to National Missions/ priorities approaching through thematic areas of research.
Duration: The duration of support for SATHI Project will be for a period not exceeding 4 years.
Eligibility
Both Government and Non-Government academic Institutions / DSIR recognized R&D centres / Organizations / Private industries with DSIR recognition are eligible to apply in cluster, while fulfilling other criteria as mentioned in the format & check-list of SATHI. For University / Degree awarding Academic Institutions / DSIR recognized R&D centres / organizations/ private industries with DSIR recognition, the support will be considered for that region in a cluster approach (at national level, if supported). The Government and NonGovernment Academic Organization enjoying the previous support of SAIF/ PURSE grant of DST, has to either merge those facilities with SATHI project or forgo the SAIF/ PURSE grant, if recommended recently, before implementing the SATHI grant at cluster level. PRIVATE Academic University/ Institution / Organization under Not-for-Profit status would be considered as Academic Institutions (Private) option during the process of online submission of proposal.
How to Apply
Online Application must be submitted by 30th JULY 2023 (up to 17.00 hours).
For any enquiry, contact: Dr. Pravakar Mohanty; Email id: pravakar.mohanty@gov.in.
Submit the proposals only through online mode (www.onlinedst.gov.in).
For more information, visit Link
