General Information on Research & Development Funding Schemes of Central Government Departments/Agencies

Many innovators have enquired about this. They can download this information from DST web site.
http://dst.gov.in/r&d_funding/rdfs2.htm#dst

NABARD-SDC RURAL INNOVATION FUND (RIF)

National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) in association with Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) has constituted the "NABARD-SDC Rural Innovation Fund (RIF) " . Like in TePP independent innovators are also eligible to apply. As those that would be eligible for NABARD grant would not be considered for support under TePP, applicants for agriculture related innovations may approach NABARD. For details of NABARD program see their website.

An illustrative list of areas is given below :

* Biological and Engineering measures/techniques which improve productivity of water.
* Design of economic and efficient water harvesting structures.
* Efficient water use systems : low cost micro-irrigation technology/ micro tube irrigation technology, etc.
* Diversification of farm activities - agro-forestry, silvipasture, agro-horticulture and animal husbandry etc.
* Organic farming - bio-fertilisers and pesticides.
* Development of location specific crops and agronomic practices.
* Development of small hand operated/ power operated tools/ implements that will support system diversification in rainfed farming/ crop husbandry.
* Support for design, development, plan and adoption of traditional efficient water harvesting systems.
* Support for documentation of farmers' innovations/indigenous technological knowledge.
* Innovative rain water harvesting for rural dwellings.
* Rural energy from biomas, agri waste.
* Storage devices for agricultural and rural products.
* Materials and designs for rural roads.
* Rural sanitation and waste disposal.

TePP innovator Ramesh Nibhoria

Ramesh Nibhoria's innovation` Sanjha Chulha' was extensively covered in Business World special issue, Volume 26, Issue 21, for the week 10-16 October 2006 under the heading `innovation'. The article by Geetanjali Krishna says Sanjha Chulha (translated it means a combined cookstove) design is simple. It has a combustion chamber into which briquettes are fed at a rate of about 15 kg an hour. Above it are hotplates, designed to provide uniform heat. Three small electric fans control the flow of gases through the stove, providing the primary air flow to get the briquettes burning, and the secondary air to burn the emanating volatile gases. A 400-litre water tank around the chimney absorbs heat from the exhaust gases, and provides hot water for cooking and making tea.His invention has won the 2005 Ashden Award, the green Oscar coveted the world over, which he received from Prince Charles.

Drugs & Magic Remedies Act, 1954

Innovators submitting applications to TePP, for Ayurvedic/ Siddha, Unani & Homeopathy formulations for treatment of Asthma, Diabetes, HIV/AIDS, Kidney stones etc are advised to refer to this act, which prohibits such claims. Check the list of treatments covered in the schedule of the act at http://www.indialawinfo.com/bareacts/druma.html

TePP Innovation fund camps

To reach out to the independent innovators, TePP has been organising `Innovation fund camps' at different places in the country. These camps provide an opportunity to innovators of the region to meet TePP officials and discuss their plans. Till date camps were held at Trichy,Kavaraipattai, Gudur, Ambala, Gurgaon,Davengere,Belgaon,Vadodara ,Patiala and Pune.
In the next round camps are planned at Vishakhapatnam,Vijaywada,Tirupati,Hisar,Rewari,Mohali,Baddi,Surathkal,
Chhapra,Muzzafarpur,Patna,Bhagalpur,Ranchi ,Jamshedpur,
Sonagaon (Satara),Akaluj (Solapur) and Karad (Maharashtra).

Before the camps are held, the event is advertised in local press. Innovators interested in attending the camps can contact TePP.

Innovator Identification Camp in Chennai on 26th September,2006

This camp was organised by TePP outreach centers, VITTBI,TREC STEP and PSG STEP along with Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited, Honeywell Technology Solutions Labs, SIDBI, Indian Bank and Technology Development Board.The idea was to inform the participants about the start up eco system prevailing in the incubator to mitigate risks in the initial period. The camp, first of its kind, was a success in reaching out to 64 prospects, in providing them sufficient information and knowledge about the Incubation activity, enlightening them about the emerging business opportunity in the Industry and increasing their awareness about the fund raising opportunity. The event also has generated wide publicity in the media and eight popular dailies have given good coverage in their papers. The presentations made in Chennai camp is available for download in the following link:
http://www.knowledgebiz.org/downloads/kbiz_iic_downloads.asp
The next camp is scheduled in Coimbatore on 7th OCtober'06.

Design support for innovators

India is home to several design firms offering creative solutions to innovators. See the list of product development designers (source:Design in India). Others, not listed there, can respond to this post and offer their services to TePP innovators.