Technology Development Board (TDB) India-Finland Joint Innovation Call 2026

• Indian companies collaborating with Finnish partners on climate, deeptech or AI innovations.

About this scheme

The Technology Development Board (TDB), operating under India's Department of Science & Technology, in collaboration with Business Finland, launched the India-Finland Joint Innovation Call 2026. This initiative aims to foster bilateral research and development partnerships, strengthening technological ties between the two nations. The program supports innovative, market-driven projects focused on developing new products, processes, or enhanced services that will lead to commercialization in global markets.

Indian entities are eligible for grant funding up to INR 2.5 crore per project. This amount is capped at 50% of the total Indian project cost, with disbursement occurring on a reimbursement basis for already-incurred expenses. This funding mechanism is designed to support high-potential deep-tech ventures. The call specifically targets projects within three strategic sectors: sustainable energy, advanced digital technologies, and microelectronics & power electronics. This collaboration is designed to accelerate market entry and drive commercial success for joint R&D outcomes.

Who can apply

• The applying entity must operate as a commercial for-profit company, duly registered under either the Companies Act of 1956 or the Companies Act of 2013 in India.
• The company must establish and maintain its primary headquarters and operational base within the geographical boundaries of India.
• It is a strict requirement that a minimum of 51% of the company's ownership stake is held by Indian citizens.
• The Indian company applying for this call is mandated to serve as the designated Indian Project Lead (IPL) for the entire duration of the collaborative project.
• A crucial condition for eligibility is the establishment of a mandatory bilateral R&D collaboration with a company registered in Finland, demonstrating a clear partnership intent.
• Entities such as Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs), sole proprietorships, One Person Companies (OPCs), and traditional partnerships are explicitly not eligible to apply for this program.

Eligible entity types: Private Limited

Benefits & funding

• Grant funding up to INR 2.5 crore (50% of Indian project cost) on a reimbursement basis.
• Supports innovative, market-driven deep-tech R&D projects in sustainable energy, digital tech, and microelectronics.
• Fosters India-Finland bilateral partnerships, strengthens technological ties, accelerates market entry, and drives commercialization of joint R&D outcomes.

How the application process works

The journey below is informational, compiled from the official program guidelines. Applications are submitted directly with Technology Development Board (TDB), in your own name.

1. 1

   Indian and Finnish partners apply separately to their respective agencies in a single-phase process, with a mandatory joint application form and consortium agreement.

2. 2

   Projects are evaluated on innovation quality and market-driven potential with a clear pathway to commercialization.

3. 3

   Funding decisions are made jointly by TDB and Business Finland for qualifying projects in sustainable energy, advanced digital technologies, or microelectronics.

Frequently asked questions