What is the India–Finland Joint Innovation Call 2026?
The India–Finland Joint Innovation Call 2026 is a bilateral funding programme jointly announced by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India and Business Finland, under Finland’s Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment. On behalf of DST, the Technology Development Board (TDB) is implementing this call.
Launched on 1st April 2026, the call invites Indian and Finnish companies to collaborate on market-driven, innovative R&D projects that lead to the development of new products, processes, or improved services — with clear pathways to commercialisation in global markets.
Deadline for Indian applicants: 28th August 2026 at 4:00 PM (IST)
Objectives of the Call
The call is grounded in an Implementation Arrangement between DST and Business Finland, aimed at:
- Fostering bilateral innovation partnerships between Indian and Finnish companies
- Supporting Finnish companies in accessing India’s rapidly growing market
- Promoting joint R&D that leads to commercialisable innovations
- Strengthening India–Finland ties in deep technology and sustainability sectors
Priority Sectors
The call specifically targets three strategic thematic areas:
1. Sustainable Energy
Including but not limited to: renewable energy, smart cities, hydrogen technologies, waste management, waste-to-energy, electric vehicles, carbon capture, energy storage, DERMS (Distributed Energy Resource Management Systems), VPP (Virtual Power Plants), and heat pump plants.
2. Advanced Digital Technologies
Including but not limited to: 5G/6G networks, advanced data analytics, virtual worlds, and artificial intelligence — specifically in the context of the thematic focus of the call.
3. Microelectronics and Power Electronics
Including but not limited to: MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) and sensors.
Eligibility Criteria
For Indian Applicants
- Must be a commercial (for-profit) company registered under the Indian Companies Act 1956 or 2013
- Must operate in and be headquartered in India
- At least 51% stake must be owned by Indian citizens
- Must have the required expertise and team capacity to manage the proposed project
- LLPs, Sole Proprietors, OPCs, and Partnership Firms are not eligible
- Companies headquartered and owned outside India and their Indian subsidiaries are not eligible
- The Indian company must serve as the Indian Project Lead (IPL) and may bring in other industry partners
For Finnish Applicants
- Individual companies of all sizes registered in Finland
- Research organisations with sufficient company support (Co-Research criteria apply)
- Normal Business Finland eligibility and funding criteria are applied
Funding Available
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Maximum Grant (India) | Up to ₹2.5 crore (~€2,50,000) per project, or 50% of total Indian project cost — whichever is lower |
| Disbursement Mode | Reimbursement basis (for costs already incurred, proportionately) |
| Finnish Funding | Determined by Business Finland based on eligible applications; R&D volumes expected to be in balance with the Indian side |
| Maximum Projects Funded | Up to 6 projects |
| Maximum Project Duration | 24 months (projects expected to start January 2027) |
Note: Funding from other public sources will be taken into account when awarding the grant. Applicants must declare all other funding sources in the application.
How to Apply
The call follows a one-phase application process in both countries. Both Indian and Finnish sides must submit their own applications to their respective agencies simultaneously — a single-country application is not valid.
Indian Partners
- Submit applications through the TDB website: www.tdb.gov.in
- Also apply at: TDB Online Portal
- Attach the BF-DST Joint Application Form 2026 and a signed Consortium Agreement/MoU covering IP rights
- Deadline: 28 August 2026 at 16:00 IST
Finnish Partners
- Submit through Business Finland’s online system
- At the “Programmes and other connections” section, select “Suomi-Intia-haku” (Finland-India call)
- Deadline: 28 August 2026 at 23:59 (Finnish time)
Funding decisions are expected by end of 2026, with projects commencing in January 2027.
Key Highlights at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Launch Date | 1st April 2026 |
| Application Deadline | 28th August 2026 |
| Implementing Agency (India) | Technology Development Board (TDB) / DST |
| Implementing Agency (Finland) | Business Finland |
| Grant Amount (India) | Up to ₹2.5 crore or 50% of project cost |
| Project Duration | Up to 24 months |
| Max Projects | 6 |
| Focus Areas | Sustainable Energy, Digital Technologies, Microelectronics |
| Project Start (Expected) | January 2027 |
| Eligible Entities (India) | For-profit companies under Companies Act 1956/2013 |
Contact Information
For Indian Partners — TDB Contact
Mr. Sudhir Tiwari, Project Manager
Technology Development Board (TDB), Government of India
Website: www.tdb.gov.in
Tel: 011-26511184 (22040)
For Finnish Partners — Business Finland Contacts
Mr. Mika Klemettinen, Head of International Innovation Collaboration
Mr. Aasheesh Chudasama, Senior Advisor (India Advisory) — Tel: +91 72900 50154
Mr. Mika Lautanala, Chief Funding Advisor
Website: www.businessfinland.fi
Why Apply Through Subsidy4India?
Navigating bilateral R&D calls requires careful structuring — from forming the right Finnish consortium to crafting a joint project plan that satisfies both TDB and Business Finland’s criteria. At Subsidy4India, we help Indian companies:
- Identify and connect with eligible Finnish innovation partners
- Draft a compelling Joint Application and Project Plan
- Structure the consortium agreement and IP framework
- Ensure full compliance with TDB/DST eligibility requirements
- Submit a winning application before the 28 August 2026 deadline
Don’t miss this window — only 6 projects will be funded. Reach out to our team today to get started.
Source: Technology Development Board (TDB), Government of India — Official Call Page | Department of Science & Technology (DST) | Business Finland
