ICMR Call for Proposals 2026: New ₹8 Crore “Follow-on” Grants to Scale Medical Innovations
Pharm'Up 
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has officially announced a major funding call for 2026, introducing a specialized category of “Follow-on Research Grants.” This initiative is designed to ensure that breakthrough medical leads generated in previous cycles don’t stall due to funding gaps, specifically targeting projects that have shown significant “translation potential” over the last five years.
The Strategic Shift: From Leads to Solutions
The ICMR Extramural Research Programme is moving toward a more solution-oriented framework. By prioritizing multidisciplinary projects and those that build upon existing ICMR-funded leads, the council aims to convert laboratory successes into public health realities for India.
Grant Categories & Focus Areas
The 2026 call classifies research into four distinct pillars, each serving a specific stage of the medical innovation lifecycle:
| Category | Description | Key Examples |
| I. Discovery | Proof-of-concept and preclinical validation of novel modalities. | Biomarkers, drug targets, AI-ML drug discovery, organ-on-chip, 3D-printed biomaterials. |
| II. Development | Creating or refining interventions to be safer and more affordable. | Point-of-care (POC) tests, molecular diagnostics, medical devices, Phase 1–3 clinical trials. |
| III. Delivery | Implementation research to overcome barriers in the health system. | Scaling national health schemes, reducing neonatal mortality, mental health treatment gaps. |
| IV. Descriptive | Understanding disease burden and risk factors for policy making. | Impact of air pollution on pregnancy, impact of vaccinations on disease diversity. |
Funding Details and Eligibility
This “Intermediate” grant represents a significant financial commitment to the Indian scientific community.
- Budget: ₹2 Crores to < ₹8 Crores per project.
- Duration: Up to 4 years, with an additional 6-month preparatory phase (no-cost).
- Capacity: A maximum of 50 proposals will be selected for funding.
Who is Eligible?
- Regular Faculty: Scientists in Indian medical institutes, universities, and recognized R&D labs (including NGOs with DSIR certificates).
- Contractual/Temporary Faculty: Can apply as a PI, provided the Head of the Institute takes administrative responsibility and at least one Co-PI is a regular employee.
- Exclusions: ICMR-owned institutes/scientists cannot apply as PIs but may join as Co-PIs (without receiving funds).
Selection & Scoring Criteria
Proposals are evaluated on a 100-point scale. To succeed, PIs must demonstrate not just scientific rigor, but a clear path to impact.
- Methodology (30 pts): Appropriateness and robustness of study methods.
- Rationale (20 pts): Potential to solve a high-priority health problem.
- Impact (20 pts): Likelihood of improving health outcomes or influencing policy.
- Novelty (15 pts): Innovation in the idea or application.
- Feasibility (15 pts): Implementation strategy and realistic milestones.
Critical Deadlines for 2026
Researchers must submit their applications exclusively via the ICMR e-PMS portal.
- Submission Window: 29 December 2025 – 20 March 2026 (17:00 hrs IST).
- Peer Review & Selection: July 2026.
- Final Document Submission: September 2026.
- Release of Funds: October 2026.
Important Note: Do not submit the same project for both “Small” and “Intermediate” grants. If a PI submits multiple similar versions, only the last submitted version will be reviewed; all others will be rejected.
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