URP Research Grants

Program Overview

URP Research Grants are funding opportunities designed to bridge the gap between academic research capabilities and real-world industry challenges.

These grants facilitate collaborative partnerships between universities and industry partners by providing financial support for research projects that address specific commercial problems while advancing academic knowledge.

The funding mode will operate in PPP model where industry is also mandated to co-fund the research. This grant program will encourage the partnering industry to extend its facilities and share their expertise in their domain of interests.

Urban Research Image

About the Program

As an enabler of research–industry–government collaboration, TNRPF acts as a catalyst to bring together academia, start-ups, enterprises, and policymakers. Through the URP Research Grants, it aims to:

  • Encourage cutting-edge applied research to address real-world urban challenges.
  • Support multi-disciplinary projects that promote sustainability, smart infrastructure, and inclusive growth.
  • Facilitate collaborations between research parks, universities, industries, and government to co-develop scalable solutions.
  • Provide financial assistance and mentorship to research teams for impactful project outcomes.
  • Build a knowledge ecosystem that positions Tamil Nadu as a hub for urban innovation and policy leadership.

Key Features

Industry-Academia Collaboration

The program connects academic researchers with industry partners who have identified specific technical or operational challenges requiring innovative solutions. This creates a mutually beneficial relationship where academia gains access to real-world problems and funding, while industry benefits from cutting-edge research expertise.

Problem-Focused Research

Unlike traditional academic grants that may prioritize theoretical advancement, these grants are specifically structured to tackle practical industry problems. Research projects must demonstrate clear commercial relevance and potential for implementation.

Applied Research Emphasis

Projects typically focus on applied research with tangible outcomes that can be translated into commercial applications, new technologies, or improved processes within partner industries.

Focus Areas

Smart Cities

Smart & Digital Cities

Data-driven governance, AI/IoT solutions, and e-governance tools.

Infrastructure

Sustainable Urban Infrastructure

Mobility, housing, energy efficiency, and green buildings.

Climate

Climate & Environment

Urban resilience, water management, renewable energy, waste systems.

Inclusive Development

Inclusive Urban Development

Participatory planning, affordable housing, and social equity.

Innovation

Innovation & Start-up Collaboration

Joint projects with commercialization potential.

Benefits

For universities, these grants provide additional funding streams, opportunities for student training on industry-relevant problems, and potential pathways for technology transfer. For industry partners, the grants offer access to specialized academic expertise, state-of-the-art research facilities, and innovative approaches to solving business challenges at a lower cost than internal R&D.

Scheme Guidelines

Detailed information on eligibility, funding structure, timelines, and application process is available below.

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Guidelines Document

Problem Statements

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Grant Support

The program provides structured research grants covering project costs, manpower, and resource support. Selected projects will receive financial assistance, networking opportunities, and access to research parks for incubation and scaling. Through the URP Research Grants, TNRPF and TIDCO seek to catalyze innovation that will make Tamil Nadu’s cities smarter, greener, and more competitive at the global level.

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Problem Statements

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Approved Problem Statements