AICTE Launches ‘Lab to Market’ Scheme to Boost Research Commercialisation

The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has unveiled its newly restructured Research Promotion Scheme 2025, titled Lab to Market, with a strong focus on transforming academic research into market-ready innovations.

Launched by AICTE Chairman Prof. T.G. Sitharam, the initiative aims to bridge the gap between laboratory research and real-world applications, encouraging the commercialisation of innovations developed within academic institutions.

With a total outlay of Rs 60 crore, the scheme is set to support research in high-impact areas including Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Technologies, Rare Earth Materials, and Space Research. Out of this, Rs 10 crore has been specifically earmarked for polytechnic institutions, demonstrating AICTE’s commitment to fostering innovation across all levels of technical education.

Faculty members from AICTE-approved institutions will be eligible to apply for funding under the scheme, with up to Rs 50 lakh available per project. The initiative is designed to encourage interdisciplinary collaboration and industry-oriented solutions, ensuring that promising research does not remain confined to academic journals but finds meaningful application in society and industry.

Speaking at the launch, Prof. Sitharam emphasised that Lab to Market is a strategic step towards making India a global innovation hub. “This scheme aims to nurture a research culture that is both academically rigorous and economically relevant,” he said.

The Lab to Market programme is part of AICTE’s broader mission to strengthen the research ecosystem in technical institutions while supporting India’s goal of becoming a knowledge-driven economy.

The application window and detailed guidelines are expected to be released soon on the official AICTE website.