First cohort of University Research Park grants scheme takes off in T.N.

A total of 20 projects have been sanctioned in the first cohort of the University Research Park (URP) grant scheme to promote industry-academia collaboration, with support of ₹2.58 crore in the Coimbatore region and ₹2.25 crore under URP Madurai, demonstrating its strong momentum across the State, S. Dinesh Kumar, CEO, Tamil Nadu Research Promotion Foundation (TNRPF), has said.

Speaking at a session to raise awareness about URP organised by EDII-Anna Business Incubation Research Foundation (EDII-ABIRF) at the University College of Engineering, BIT Campus, Anna University, Tiruchi on Friday, Mr. Kumar said the initiative was on the lookout for research which would have commercial value and would pave the way for intellectual property generation.

The session was held in association with TNRPF and Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation and focused on enabling industries to present real-world problem statements that academic institutions can address through applied research and technology development.

The sanctioned projects would have a duration of 12 to 24 months, enabling structured development and commercialisation planning.

The funding structure would involve URP support of ₹9 lakh each for the first two years, and a minimum mandatory industry contribution of ₹4.5 lakh each for the same period.

The structured co-funding model would ensure strong industry commitment, practical validation, and faster technology readiness progression.

Faculty members from higher education institutes, start-up founders, research scholars and small and medium industries from the districts including Karaikudi, Dindigul, Perambalur, Tiruchi, Thanjavur, and Mayiladuthurai participated in the session.