Jadavpur University seed grant for research scholars

Jadavpur University will provide seed-grant support towards innovative product development to students and research scholars and has sought proposals from students.

A notice issued by the university’s institution innovation council said the maximum budget allocation for a successful proposal will be Rs 30,000.

Primary screening will be based on technology commercialisation of the product, a JU official said. Shortlisted candidates will be notified via email for a interview.

At the interview, candidates have to pitch their proposals in a three-minute presentation.

Only products with relevant scientific and societal impact and commercialisation potential will be considered, said the official.

Amitava Datta, officiating vice-chancellor of JU, said they included the seed-grant provision in the university's budget to foster a spirit of research and entrepreneurship among the students and research scholars.

“We have appealed to former students to contribute towards this initiative, enabling us to allocate more funds for the projects. If we can inculcate a spirit of research and entrepreneurship with increasing fund support, this will bring more recognition both for students and the institution,” Datta told The Telegraph.

The university has constituted the institution innovation council to overlook the exercise of giving seed grants, said JU registrar Snehamanju Basu.

The application format for seed-grant support said candidates have to provide details and an abstract of the projects in 100 words and give details of the mentors and the departments and contact information.

“Once we get the proposals, they will be examined by a team of experts, which will include representatives from the industry, based on well-defined parameters. Since the seed money we are providing is not adequate, the council is in talks with a platform of former students so they could contribute to the seed-grant support as well,” said Rajib Bandyopadhyay, a JU professor who is president of the innovation council.

He said the alumni platform, headquartered in the US, has contributed $8,000 to the council.

The university has allocated Rs 3 lakh annually for the research grants.

The Telegraph reported on Tuesday that JU would offer travel support to its research scholars and teachers to attend conferences and workshops and present research papers or talks within India once a year.

Travel grants will not be considered under the purview of the seed-grant support, said a JU official.

“We are trying to support our students and research scholars as much as possible despite financial constraints because of a dip in financial support both from the state and central governments. Research alone can help JU grow more,” the official said.

“Project duration will be six months. All bills/claims along with the final project report are to be submitted within six months of the date of sanction of the project,” the notice said.

Application forms should be submitted by July 31.