Sector calls for proposals
A programme by Technology Development Board (TDB) (Technology Development Board)
Periodic calls aimed at one named sector at a time, run on TDB's standard funding terms; every one listed on its site has closed.
At a glance
| Best for | Indian companies with an indigenous technology at commercialisation stage in whichever sector is being called |
|---|---|
| Stage | Early revenue – Growth |
| Cost | Free |
About Sector calls for proposals
From time to time TDB issues a call for proposals for a single sector, inviting Indian companies with an indigenous technology at commercialisation stage in that field. Eligibility and the financial support follow TDB's standard funding guidelines, so the instrument is the same soft loan or equity as the core route; what a call adds is a focus area and a deadline.
Status: every national sector call listed on TDB's site has closed. The most recent were on semiconductor supply chain technologies and on metals and ceramics 3D printing, both extended to 30 October 2025. Earlier ones covered electronics and telecom, eco-friendly chemicals, rare disease solutions, sustainable agritech and supply chain, medical devices and sustainable energy. Do not treat any of these as live; if the sector fits, apply through the rolling core route instead, or watch the programme menu for a new call.
How to apply when one is open: register your company through the apply button on the call page and tick the call option while registering, then log in and either fill the online form or download the form, complete it and upload it with the supporting documents.
Where to apply
Other TDB programmes
- TDB Core FundingTDB's standing, all-year route: project financing for an Indian company commercialising an indigenous technology, given mainly as a soft loan.
- Funding through the Research, Development and Innovation Fund (TDB as Second Level Fund Manager)A newer national route where TDB lends to companies and startups building strategic technologies; the scheme states it does not give grants.
- India-Finland Joint Innovation Call 2026An open joint call where an Indian company and a Finnish partner apply together; the Indian side is funded by grant on a reimbursement basis.
- Bilateral international joint calls (DST/TDB country programme)A standing route of joint calls with partner countries' innovation agencies, each opening and closing on its own dates; all are closed except the India-Finland call.
- Call for proposal: Empowering Tech Startups Ready for CommercializationA dedicated startup call that closed in April 2025; it is worth knowing because it set out exactly what TDB wants from a startup applicant.