MAHA Drones Program
A programme by Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) (Anusandhan National Research Foundation)
A consortium programme for drone subsystems that needs at least one industry or startup partner alongside an academic or laboratory lead.
At a glance
| Best for | Drone and deep-tech startups willing to join an academic or laboratory-led consortium |
|---|---|
| Stage | Prototype – MVP |
| Duration | Up to 3 years to a level-7 demonstrator |
| Format | Online |
| Cost | Free, no equity |
About MAHA Drones Program
The MAHA Drones Program aims for demonstrators at technology readiness level 7 within three years. It asks academia, national laboratories, deep-tech startups, MSMEs and industry to form structured consortia. Output software, models and patents fall under ANRF's open licence framework, and the programme backs an open-source drone platform effort.
Who can apply
- Consortia of several principal investigators across academia, research organisations, industry and startups
- The lead investigator must hold a regular academic or research position at a recognised institution, national laboratory or DSIR-SIRO recognised body
- Every proposal needs at least one industry or startup partner that commits to the translation plan. Purely academic proposals are not considered
- One lead investigator can submit one proposal per call
- A person from industry or a startup can be named an honorary investigator
Money for startups: The programme page says funding may go to consortia that include registered startups and MSMEs. It also says ANRF gives no financial support to industry and startups in this mission. The two statements disagree, so confirm with ANRF before you plan around funding.
How selection works: Several teams may be supported at early readiness levels. Later support depends on milestones, technical performance and industry commitment.
How to apply: Proposals go through the ANRF application portal when a call opens. We could not find dates.
Where to apply
Other ANRF programmes
- MAHA MedTech MissionANRF's mission to fund medical devices and diagnostics from technology readiness level 3 to 8, open to DPIIT startups, MSMEs, hospitals and academic teams.
- ANRF Translational Research and Innovation (ATRI)Funds academic teams to set up centres that move technology from technology readiness level 4 to 7 and mentor startups.
- MAHA Water ProgramA mission for water technologies from technology readiness level 2 to 7, led by academic or laboratory teams with startups and industry as cash-contributing collaborators.
- ANRF Catalytic Partnership ProgramSeed funding for institutions that want to create a new, large research and innovation institution with industry and philanthropic partners.
- Research Development and Innovation (RDI) FundA government fund that lends and invests through fund managers into private research and development, including startups. It does not give grants.
- ANRF researcher grants and fellowshipsGrants, fellowships and chairs for academics and scientists, such as PM ECRG, Ramanujan, J. C. Bose and N-PDF. Not for startups.
Everything about Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF)