I⁴F is cooperation between the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, and the National Technological Innovation Authority in Israel (Innovation Authority) to promote, facilitate and support joint industrial R&D projects, between companies from India and Israel.

DST and Innovation Authority have jointly created a $40 Mn USD I⁴F fund with equal contribution from both sides over the period of Five years. I⁴F is aimed to promote, facilitate and support joint Industrial R&D between India & Israel which would lead to co-development and commercialization of innovative technologies benefiting both the countries.

The objective of this programme is to respond to the global issues concerning science & technology while developing technologies that can be commercialized and localized within 2 years through joint cooperation between India and Israel.

In India, on behalf of DST, funding and other services will be provided through Global Innovation & Technology Alliance (GITA) and in Israel, funding and other services will be provided through Israel Innovation Authority.

Applicants are required to review the complete application guidelines before developing and submitting a complete proposal.

Please note that the proposal preparation guidelines should be seen as suggestions which will be helpful to applicants in preparing a proposal that addresses the issues on which the evaluation will be based. Applicants can choose to address the suggestions that they believe will strengthen their proposal.

Department of Science & Technology (DST)

The Department of Science & Technology (DST) was established in May 1971, with the objective of promoting new areas of Science & Technology and to play the role of a nodal department for organising, coordinating and promoting S&T activities in the country. The Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India has an important role in building a strong base for Research, Development and Demonstration in India and in addressing national concerns about strengthening science and technology. DST, as a national agency for strengthening the base of Science and Technology in the country has made sincere attempt to address national concerns of India in basic research.

For more information about DST, please visit www.dst.gov.in

Global Innovation & Technology Alliance (GITA)

GITA is a “not–for–profit” Public Private Partnership (PPP) company promoted jointly by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) with 51% holding and the Technology Development Board (TDB), Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India (GoI) with 49% holding.

It is an innovative mechanism between the government and Indian industry for attracting the industry’s investment in technology by mapping technology gaps, evaluating technology offers across the globe, connecting among technology developers, providers, commercializers, and funding last phase of technology development that connects the market and deployment of technology solutions.

For more information about GITA, please visit www.gita.org.in

Israel Innovation authority

The Israel Innovation Authority, responsible for the country’s innovation policy, is an independent and impartial public entity that operates for the benefit of the Israeli innovation ecosystem and Israeli economy as a whole.

Its role is to nurture and develop Israeli innovation resources, while creating and strengthening the infrastructure and framework needed to support the entire knowledge industry.

As such, the Israel Innovation Authority advises the government and Parliament ("Knesset") committees regarding innovation policy in Israel and furthermore monitors and analyzes the dynamic changes taking place throughout the innovation environments in Israel and abroad. The Authority creates cooperation with counterpart agencies to promote technological innovation in the Israeli industry and economy.

Innovation is by far the most valuable resource for the State of Israel, serving as a national asset crucial to economic prosperity. Strengthening the innovation ecosystem is the mission of the Israel Innovation Authority, which seeks to further develop and support technological innovation in Israel through various support tools.

The Israel Innovation Authority provides a variety of practical tools and funding platforms aimed at addressing the dynamic and changing needs of the local and international innovation ecosystems.

With deep knowledge and understanding of the unique challenges facing the Israeli companies and entrepreneurs, the tools and programs offered by the Authority are based on the specific stage and needs of the company. This includes programs for early stage entrepreneurs, mature companies developing new products or manufacturing processes, academic groups seeking to transfer their ideas to the market, multinational corporations interested in Israeli technology, Israeli companies seeking new markets abroad, and traditional factories and plants seeking to incorporate innovative and advanced manufacturing into their businesses.

For more information about Israel Innovation Authority, please visit https://innovationisrael.org.il/

The collaboration aims to promote projects that are innovative and reflecting consumer demands, so that they are market-oriented at the same time focused on creating a new product or process that will eventually lead to commercialization.

On this basis, this CFP 2018 is open to the applied R&D projects in major strategic area of:

• Water
• Energy
• Agriculture 
• Healthcare
• Information & Communication Technologies (ICT)

The CFP is open to projects in the above sectors, based on the merit that include Science & Technology (S&T) development leading to commercial success, social good and benefit to both countries.

Selected R&D project participants will receive funding from GITA, on behalf of Department of Science & Technology (DST) -, Government of India, in India and from Israel Innovation Authority in Israel respectively. Funds will be provided in accordance with the national laws, rules, regulations and procedures established by each organization, and/or each jurisdiction/country.

Although the individual type and value of individual contributions allocated to India-Israel project may vary, each bilateral project must highlight the total contribution from each participating country. Total contribution may be defined as the combined value of cash, human resource effort, services and/or equipment that each country invests in an R&D project.

Funding for R&D Project Participants in India

GITA on behalf of the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India, will fund the successful projects, as follows: 

·         DST-GITA will support a Minimum of 0.25 Million USD to Maximum of 1.25 Million USD per project or 50% of the Indian Project Cost whichever is lower.

I4F will cost-share in the joint development by supporting approved Applicants a conditional grant totalling 50% of the Total Joint Project Budget, or another percentage as determined by the Governing Board. Each Project Applicant directly receives the portion of the total grant that is relative to its share in the budget.

Repayment of Conditional Grant will be based on the total revenue resulted from the total incomes resulted from the Product developed in the joint project, at a rate of no less than 2% and no more than 5% per year, until the Conditional Grant is fully repaid. The Indian Project Partners/ Consortium will repay I⁴F via DST/GITA while the Israeli Project Partners/ Consortium will repay I⁴F via the Israel Innovation Authority.

Funding for R&D Project Participants in Israel

·         Innovation Authority will support a Minimum of 0.25 Million USD to Maximum of 1.25 Million USD per project or 50% of the Israeli Project Cost whichever is lower.

Each proposal must include an eligible Project Lead Applicant who would be responsible for application submission and leading the project in the two countries respectively. Although it is not mandatory, projects that engage a technology developer and a technology end-user /first customer are strongly encouraged.

Before submitting the proposal, the heads of the principal entities (Project Leads) of both countries shall have completed negotiations on details including payment of contributions, roles and mutual responsibilities.

Indian Applicants

Eligible Indian applicants must be researchers or managers of companies that operate and are headquartered in India. Academic institutions, Research entities, other R&D institutes having headquarter and operation base in India strongly encouraged to participate in the projects as Intellectual Contractors/Partners with INPL (as appropriate/agreed with INPL.)

Specific criteria for eligible applicants are as follows:

• The Indian Project Lead (INPL) (i.e. lead company) must be a commercial company under the Indian Company Act 1956, which operates in and is headquartered in India.
• At least 51% stake of the INPL Company must be owned by Indian citizens.
• The INPL should have the required expertise and team capacity to manage the proposed project.
• Sole proprietors and partnership firms are not eligible for support under this programme
• Companies headquartered and owned outside India and their subsidiaries in India, or vice versa, are not eligible to receive funding from DST/GITA under this programme.

Preferences will be given to:

• Indian companies having partnership with government-funded Indian academic and R&D institutions.
• Indian companies having in-house R&D Centre which is recognised by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR), Government of India.  For details, please refer to http://www.dsir.gov.in/forms/irdpp/Application%20for%20R&D.pdf.
• Companies that fall under the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) category, as defined by the Government of India. For definition of MSME, please refer to http://www.dcmsme.gov.in/ssiindia/defination_msme.htm.

Israeli Applicants

An Israeli for profit R&D performing company, which is registered, operate in Israel as Project Lead (ISPL), responsible for the Israel application submission, leading the Israeli side of the project and communicating with the Indian Project Lead.

• The Israeli Project Lead (ISPL) ((i.e. lead company) and any other Israeli company that is signed on the Cooperation and Project and Funding Agreement, are subjected to the Israeli Research and Development Law (1984) and to the Israel Innovation Authority Board Guideline number 1.

Important Notes

• Collaborations must be business-led from both sides.
• Sub-contractors (i.e. universities, research institutions) are eligible to participate as partner as part of bi-lateral Indo-Israeli consortium for the project as long as they have background IP that will be used in the joint project or if they get ownership on the new developed Product.

Important Note:

Please do not leave your submission to the last minute.

If any technical difficulties arise or if you identify any errors in your submission, we will not be able to grant an extension to the above deadlines.

It is your responsibility to ensure you follow the competition guidance rules and in doing so allow sufficient time to complete all of the competition requirements described in this document.

Two types of projects will be considered for program funding:

• Full-Scale R&D Projects, focused on development of new products, processes or technologies    
• Product Adaptation Projects -In addition to R&D projects aimed at the development of new, innovative and R&D-intensive products, companies are also eligible for funding support for projects focused on the adaptation and customization of a product to in the markets e.g. in Israel, India or elsewhere, including but not limited to:
  • Adaptation of product in consideration of local cultural / technical considerations.
  • Adaptation to local conditions, such as climate, infrastructure etc.
  • Regulatory considerations, particularly for foods and drugs.
  • Reduction of price to customer by the utilization of local components.
  • Reduction of price to customer by optimization of specification.
  • Establishment of beta-sites.

GITA and the Israel Innovation Authority will use the following joint evaluating criteria in preparing their recommendation:

• The Product and the Technology – What is the extent of technological innovation in the product to be developed? Is the technological approach sound? What are the technological challenges and assessment of the technological risks? What competing technologies exist and what is their relative disadvantage?
• The cooperation level between the partners- synergy between the companies, complementary technological abilities, tasks' balance between the partners, benefits of each partners from the joint collaboration, the cooperation as a key factor to develop a product/technology with a substantial added value to the relevant markets, to what extent each partner benefits from the each other existing IP, in what way the partnership is strategic for the projects' partners
• The Budget – Is it realistic? Does it contain unnecessary expenses or does it lack others that are crucial?
• The Market – Is the estimate of the market size, market share and commercial potential realistic? Who are or will be the main competitors in this market?
• Capabilities of the Companies – The qualification of the development teams and their ability to successfully carry out the development objectives. The resources available to carry out the marketing/sales and sales support responsibilities.
• Benefits – What benefits is the project expected to yield to both companies and to the Israeli and Indian national economies?

Any team proposing an R&D project that addresses the above criteria is eligible to apply to this CFP in accordance with the national laws, rules regulations and procedures of their respective country

What You Can Claim as Eligible Costs for the Project?

This document is intended for use with the CFP/Competition Guidance Document. It covers the following:

There are ranges of costs that can be supported as your eligible project costs.

The estimates of the costs that you use to complete the project cost must be the total costs for the project and will include costs for all activities and all participants that are involved in your section (part) of the project.

Please Note: Any revenue generation activities cannot be included as part of project costs. Only Research & Development related activities can be included as part of project costs.

Eligible Costs

For a cost within your project to be eligible for funding it must:

GITA pays your grant based on audited actual eligible costs. These costs must be incurred and paid between your project start and end dates.

• DIRECT LABOUR

Definitions of Eligible Direct Labour

Permanent/Contractual personnel directly related and relevant to the project that are based in India for the Indian company, and based in Israel for the Israeli company. The R&D personnel may be directly employed or on contract and receive the compensation from the applicant company. The R&D personnel should hold relevant technical qualification and experience

Conditions

The rules of salary expenses, including overhead and administrative expenses, will apply according to the accepted practice in each country

R&D personnel who are foreigners working in India or Israel must hold valid work passes.

Not Supported as Direct Labour

Temporary R&D personnel (to be classified under V. Subcontractors & Consultants) R&D personnel who are employed and paid by a related company, subsidiary, overseas branch, 3^rd party, etc.

• EQUIPMENT / SOFTWARE DEPRECIATION

Definitions of Eligible Equipment / Software Depreciation

 The usage cost in value of the new equipment or software deployed during the project and the purchase of equipment/software which are required for and relevant to the project shall be supported according to DST/GITA and Israel Innovation Authority policies.

Not Supported as Depreciation Cost

Miscellaneous cost such as VAT/GST, bank charges, shipping, delivery, setting up, servicing, etc.

Full purchase cost of equipment and software

• EXPENDABLE MATERIALS & SUPPLIES

Definition of Eligible Expendable Materials & Supplies

Off the shelf consumables which are used during the Project and are not reusable.

Items which require to be custom-made by 3^rd parties if required for the project.

Condition

The applicant company supplying consumables to its Project's partner during the Project should not charge the consumables cost to the partner's proposed project budget. The applicant company should include such cost in its own proposed Project budget

Not Supported as Expendable Materials & Supplies Cost

Office supplies, rental, utilities, etc.

Miscellaneous cost such as VAT/GST, bank charges, shipping, delivery, etc.

• TRAVEL

Definitions of Eligible Travel Cost

Cost incurred during trips between India and Israel as well as internal travel cost in India

Airfare, room and Board according to the applicant company’s policy Travel cost related to joint commercialization activities - to be classified under VII. Joint Commercialization

Conditions

Only trips made by R&D personnel listed in the approved project budget are recognized

Trips should be of R&D nature and directly related to the project

The applicant company's R&D personnel, who travel to the project partner's country, should not charge their travel costs to the partner's proposed project budget. The applicant company should include such costs in its own proposed project budget

Not Supported as Travel Cost

Trips to countries other than India and Israel

Passport and visa application, travel insurance, etc.

• SUBCONTRACTORS & CONSULTANTS

Definition of Eligible Subcontractors & Consultants

3^rd parties which are engaged by the applicant company to assist in the engineering and technical aspect of the project Consultants who are engaged by the applicant company to develop a marketing/commercialization plan

Conditions

I⁴Fwill qualify the applicant company's proposed project budget. The total outsourcing cost is recognized at maximum 30% of the qualified cost before I⁴Fincludes the additional overhead and general & admin cost

The applicant company's contractual agreement with the subcontractors or consultants shall be submitted to I⁴F upon request. The contractual agreement must comply with these Guidelines and in particular the provisions of the IPRAnnex.

The applicant company engaging its related company or subsidiary as subcontractor or consultant shall be charged at cost

 The applicant company does not possess the expertise of the subcontractor or consultant. Legal consultation related to the project, other than the dispute or arbitration.

Not Supported as Subcontractors & Consultants

3^rd parties which are engaged to carry out mass production, business/legal consultation, etc.

The applicant company's project partner

• CERTIFICATIONS

Definition of Eligible Certifications

Regulatory activities and standards certifications related to the project which are mandatory before the proposed product or technology can be commercialized

Supported as Certifications Cost

Patent applications

Not Supported as Certifications Cost

Tests done by 3^rd parties which are not mandatory for the commercialization of the proposed product or technology (to be classified under V. Subcontractors & Consultants)

• JOINT COMMERCIALIZATION

Definition of Eligible Joint Commercialization Cost

Any further certifications or testing required for commercialization based on a detailed report.

Joint participation in trade exhibitions, joint presentation at conferences, joint marketing collaterals and joint road shows in Israel/India or other third countries

Examples of joint commercialization costs: Rental of exhibition booth space, conference registration fee, printing of brochures/posters, travel cost related to joint commercialization activities

Conditions

For each commercialization activity, a prior confirmation is needed by the both fund managers.

Grant amount up to equivalent of US$30,000 per project each side is provided for the pre-defined joint commercialization costs stated above.

 Both the applicant company and its Project partner must share the commercialization cost, hence, the commercialization cost must be included in both companies' budget forms

Not Supported as Joint Commercialization Cost

Commercialization activities which are not carried out jointly by the applicant company and its project partner

Commercialization activities which are not related to the proposed product or technology.

The I4F common applications are to be submitted following these criteria and in accordance with the national laws, rules, regulations and procedures in effect:

• At least two science and technology companies from the respective countries should express a desire to cooperate in the research and development of a new product or a new process.
• The project may involve more than one company from each side; academic/research entities are eligible to join as sub-contractors or as part of a bi-lateral Indo-Israeli consortium.
• The product should be technologically innovative and should have commercial potential. The joint industrial R&D project should aim at the development of products/processes leading to commercialization in the global market.
• The project partners should agree in advance on the IP rights and on the commercialization strategy of the product or process.
• The project should demonstrate the contribution of the participants from both countries
• The project must be balanced between participants and significant to both partners (no less than 40%-60%)
• The project timeframe is limited to 2 (two) years.
• A minimum of 50% of the total project costs must be incurred by the business partners (Israel and India).
• Although it is not mandatory, projects that engage an end-user/first customer are strongly encouraged in either side of the consortium

Applications meeting all basic criteria of the CFP are invited to submit full project proposals using the I4F common forms to both Implementing Organizations simultaneously within the deadline of the particular CFP's period. Applications submitted after the deadline of the call period would be considered eligible for the next call period.  The proposal's application must be signed following the CFP instructions. 

The Israeli partner is required to submit I4F application forms in accordance with the Israel Innovation Authority regulations, through the official Israel Innovation Authority website's online system. The Indian partner is required to submit I4F application forms to DST/GITA website's through an online system.

Only online mode of submission will be accepted.

• Covering letter
• Completed Full Project Proposal in Application Form along with all annexures (signed and stamped by Authorized signatory) 
• Executive Summary
• Presentation for Evaluation Committee Meeting – add photographs in PPT
• Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between All Consortium Partners. This MoU should basically cover the following points:
  • Percentage sharing of IP Rights on new product/process/knowledge being developed/ created/invented during this collaborative R&D Process.
  • Background IP’s of the partnership (If Any) to be used for this project scope.
  • Probable/possible market for the new product/process/knowledge & rights to manufacture/License in the respective market for  the period of Time (time span)
  • % sharing of Royalty
  • Dispute and arbitration clause
  • Exclusivity and Non-Exclusivity rights if any
  • Duration of this agreement in force
• Registration Certificate of all project partners, including Academia/R&D Labs, issued by competent authority
• In case of in-house R&D Centers, all relevant certificates from stakeholders, competent authority relevant for in-house R&D, Defence Manufacturing & production should be submitted. 
• Audited Annual Reports (including Income Tax Return, Balance Sheet, and Profit & Loss Account & Auditor’s Reports) of all Consortium partners for the last three Financial Years.
• Know Your Customer (KYC) documents of all Consortium partner(s). KYC means Identity & Address proof of the organization which includes Company PAN Card, Electricity Bill, etc.)
• Self-Declaration of Applicant on Company letterhead, signed by MD/CEO/Company Secretary, as all Statutory Norms are complied by the Applicant till date.
• Share Holding Patter of the Company (highlighting the Foreign Investment, if any)
• Copy of all relevant Certification like CMMI, ISO, etc, if any