Under the New INDIGO Partnership Programme (NPP) on Biotechnology applied to Human Health, India and the European Union (EU) will soon begin joint research in the field of biotechnology applied to human health. Apart from India, the other participating countries under the programme are Austria, France, Germany, Israel, Norway, Portugal and Spain.

The primary aim of the programme is to reinforce EU-India cooperation in thematic areas of mutual interest, recognising the fact that biotechnology is one of India’s research strengths while health is a field of rising importance both in India and Europe.

The programme will support high quality research networks working on collaborative projects, and at the same time to provide a mechanism for future extended projects of Euro-Indian cooperation. Multilateral research projects will be funded, providing for mobility, workshops and research costs as well as personnel costs – depending on national regulations. This includes strengthening existing contacts in order to initiate and prepare joint projects or foster cooperation.

In order to realise multilateral research cooperation project consortia have to be composed of at least two European and one Indian partner, but should not involve too many partners. Scientists from universities, research institutions and small and medium enterprises / companies from India conducting research within the health science biotechnology area can apply for the programme. The small and medium enterprises is as defined by BIRAP, DBT.

Under the programme, only trans-national projects will be funded. Each proposal must involve eligible researchers/research institutes from a minimum of two different European New INDIGO funding members, as well as one or more eligible partners from India.

Research groups from non-funding New INDIGO partner countries may participate in projects if they secure their own funding. Their participation and their secured funding need to be confirmed through signing a Letter of Commitment.