IITI DRISHTI CPS Foundation is a Section 8 not-for-profit organization established in December 2020 as the first Technology Innovation Hub and incubation centre at IIT Indore. Set up under the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS) with funding…
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is NM-ICPS?
NM-ICPS stands for the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber Physical Systems (CPS). This mission is being coordinated by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India. There are 25 Technology Innovation Hubs (TIHs) under the NM-ICPS, and IIT Indore is one of them, with a focus on the technology vertical of System Simulation, Modelling & Visualization.
What is DRISHTI CPS?
The TIH for System Simulation, Modelling, and Visualization of CPS was set up at IIT Indore, christened DRISHTI CPS. It is registered as a Section 8 company as IITI DRISHTI CPS Foundation and has been upgraded to a Technology Translation Research Park (TTRP) under NM-ICPS, supported by DST, Government of India, focusing on Digital Healthcare.
What is the L2M initiative?
The L2M initiative aims to accelerate the adaptation of market-ready medical devices by translating innovative technologies developed in academic laboratories into practical healthcare solutions. It targets academic endeavors with a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 6 and above.
What are we looking for?
We are seeking Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) technologies where a proof-of-concept has been established and a prototype is ready. Prototypes will be evaluated for innovation, technical and practical feasibility, market potential, and societal impact.
Who can apply?
The scheme is open to faculty members and researchers from Institutes of higher education and research, and medical institutes across the country. Principal Investigator(s) interested in advancing their lab-ready products toward commercialization are eligible.
What are the advantages of the program?
Support includes financial assistance for commercialization, technology enhancement, product development, invention validation and field deployment, synergy between market requirements and technology conception, Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) protection, entrepreneurship and startup support, and technology licensing/commercialisation.
What are the focus areas?
The program focuses on Simulation, Modelling, and Visualization for Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) in Digital Healthcare. Specific areas include Medical Devices & Smart Healthcare Systems, Wearables & Continuous Monitoring Technologies, Sensors & Patient Data Acquisition Systems, and Point-of-Care Diagnostics.
How to submit your entry?
Applicants need to upload the required details and a presentation as per the provided format using the online application form.
What is the deadline for submission?
Applications are open until 31st July 2026. Applications will be reviewed regularly, even before the final end date.
What will be the evaluation process?
Entries will be shortlisted based on mandate fit with DRISHTI's focus, innovation, market size, and time to market. Shortlisted entries will be invited for a prototype demonstration to an expert panel (online/offline).
What about the IPR norms?
IITI DRISHTI CPS Foundation encourages IPR creation, protection, and commercialization. IP ownership may vest with the Foundation, solely or jointly with the Host Institution, with revenue sharing among stakeholders as per agreement.
What will be the total duration of the project?
The initial project duration is 1 year, extendable up to an additional 3 months, totaling a maximum of 15 months.
What are the eligibility criteria?
PIs/Applicants must demonstrate market clarity and assess potential competitors. Project proposals require endorsement from host institutes. Preference is given to projects with patenting potential, real-life applications, startup registration, and commercialization prospects. All applicants must be affiliate members of IITI DRISHTI CPS Foundation.
Can the project proposal have a Co-PI?
Yes, a Co-PI is allowed, provided they are also an affiliate member of IITI DRISHTI CPS Foundation.
How much financial support will be provided?
Selected projects may receive financial support of up to INR 150 lacs. The exact quantum is determined by the External Investment Committee (EIC) based on project merit, requirements, and commercialization potential.
What is the budget for undertaking a project?
Financial grants, decided by the EIC, include a maximum of 10% overhead or 2 lacs for the host institute. PIs have flexibility in fund utilization, with maximum allowable salary for manpower as per DST Norms. Capital expenditure is discouraged if it exceeds 40% of the total grant. Proposals with at least 10% industry co-financing are strongly encouraged.
What are the manpower requirements under the program?
Each project mandates onboarding at least one PhD candidate and two undergraduate (UG) candidates for 6 to 15 months. Other human resources like PG students, Postdoctoral Fellows, JRFs, SRFs, and research staff can also be included.
What is the process of review after the project is selected?
IITI DRISHTI CPS Foundation ensures continuous evaluation of selected projects through bi-monthly reviews conducted via in-person presentations or online meetings.
What are the selection criteria?
Selection criteria include innovative ideas with application potential, possibility of patenting, end-user application, cost-effectiveness, technical depth, feasibility, relevance to Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS), and the involvement of system simulation, modelling, and visualization.
Quick Answer
The Lab-to-Market (L2M) Program by IITI DRISHTI CPS FOUNDATION offers financial and developmental support to faculty members and researchers for transforming prototype-ready medical devices into market-ready solutions.
The Lab-to-Market (L2M) Program, an initiative by IITI DRISHTI CPS FOUNDATION at IIT Indore, focuses on accelerating the development and validation of medical devices. This program is designed to bridge the critical gap between promising laboratory innovations and their successful commercialization as practical healthcare solutions. Many academic research projects in medical device development typically reach the proof-of-concept stage, often at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6 or above, but face significant challenges in terms of time, budget, and resources to translate these prototypes into market-ready products.
IITI DRISHTI CPS Foundation, recognized as a Technology Translation Research Park (TTRP) under the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber Physical Systems (NM-ICPS) coordinated by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, specializes in Digital Healthcare. The L2M program leverages this expertise to identify high-potential medical device prototypes and provides comprehensive support to fast-track their journey from academic labs to commercial viability. The program aims to foster an ecosystem where innovative technologies can overcome translational hurdles, ensuring they adapt to market requirements and ultimately benefit society through improved healthcare solutions.
Eligibility
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Timelines & Process
Selection Process
The selection process for the L2M Program is rigorous and multi-phased to identify high-potential medical device innovations. Applications are initially screened based on their fit with DRISHTI CPS Foundation's mandate, the innovation's novelty, estimated market size, and projected time-to-market. Shortlisted applicants will then be invited to present and demonstrate their prototype to an expert panel, which may include internal and external domain specialists. This technical presentation stage assesses the technical depth, practical feasibility, and overall potential of the innovation. Following this, proposals are reviewed by an External Investment Committee (EIC), comprising academic and industry experts, who evaluate commercialization potential and recommend the quantum of financial assistance. A final documentation and compliance check precedes the announcement of results.
Benefits & Funding
Amount
Up to ₹1.5 Cr
Fund type
Grant
Equity
Equity-free
Repayment
Non-repayable
What You Get
The LAB TO MARKET (L2M) Program offers substantial financial support of up to INR 150 Lakhs for selected projects, crucial for advancing medical devices towards commercialization. Beyond funding, participants gain comprehensive technology enhancement and product development assistance, ensuring their innovations meet market standards. The program also provides critical support for Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) protection, technology licensing, and commercialization, along with dedicated entrepreneurship and startup support to help researchers establish ventures. This includes guidance on market requirements, invention validation, and access to a vibrant technology translation ecosystem, facilitating a seamless journey from lab to market.
