Special Call for Proposals for Establishment of ICMR Centre for Advanced Research (CAR) for the Development of Priority Medical Devices and Diagnostic Technologies

Strictly restricted to regular faculty members of engineering and technological institutions ranked among the nation's top 25 premier institutions designated by the NIRF 2025 under the Overall Category. Participating institutions must show robust capabilities in translating conceptual frameworks into tangible technologies (e.g., prototyping, tech transfers, startup incubation).

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is launching a mission-mode initiative under its Extramural Research Programme to establish Centres for Advanced Research (CAR). These centres will focus on the development of priority medical devices and diagnostic technologies addressing unmet clinical needs identified by ICMR.

Scope and Key Highlights

• Technology Target: Applicants must select and propose the development of at least 8 to 10 technologies (a mixed bag of low-risk and high-risk technologies) from the ICMR ~100 Priority Technologies List.
• Infrastructure: Implementation must leverage existing infrastructure. Funding is restricted to product development; no grants will be provided for new infrastructure development, though specific upgradation may be permitted with justification.
• Evaluation Preferences: Preference will be given to institutions with an established start-up ecosystem, a proven track record in MedTech commercialization, and proposals where applicants are already working on functional prototypes at TRL 3 or TRL 4 (or above).