With an objective to provide support mechanism to independent innovators to emerge as Technology based Entrepreneurs (Technopreneurs), the Ministry of Science & Technology, Govt. of India has launched a novel programme called as “Technopreneur Promotion Programme (TePP)”.
The programme which is jointly operated by the Department of Scientific & Industrial Research (DSIR) and Technology Information Forecasting and Assessment Council (TIFAC) of the Department of Science & Technology begun as a new initiative during the year 1998-1999. Through this novel programme any innovative Indian from any section of the society say an Engineer, Student, Housewife, Farmer, an unemployed etc. (education, religion, status, age no bar) may avail the opportunity to convert their original ideas/invention/project into a technology which has commercial utility or societal benefit.
The programme works in a network mode with several Outreach Centres called as TePP Outreach Centres (TUCs) spread across the country. One can have proper information of the TePP Outreach Centres at DSIR website, www.dsir.gov.in. Whereas to cater the independent innovators of the North Eastern Region a TePP Outreach Centre was recently inaugurated at the North East Institute of Science & Technology, (NEIST) Jorhat, Assam.
Supports available under TePP
Phase-I
• Micro Technopreneurship support upto Rs.75,000/-. This is given as initial support to prepare the innovator to work out their initial ideas to the point where they can be considered for the fund. The fund is subject to 90% by TePP and rest 10% by the inventor.
• TePP Project fund limited upto Rs.15,00,000/-. To convert the project into a working form, sanction is given to the innovators and/or demonstrate the novel delivery models to take S&T innovations to rural India. Grant is subject to 90% by TePP and rest 10% by the inventor.
Phase - II
• Supplementary TePP support to successful TePP innovators upto Rs.7,50,000/-. The support is for TePP innovators that have developed product/process at concept proving stage for enabling technology injection to entrepreneurs. Activities supported are patent filing, testing/validation, building improved process/design, etc. The sanction is subject to 90% by TePP and rest 10% by the inventor.
• Seamless scale-up support upto Rs.45,00,000/-. Projects which aim at starting an enterprise and improving market access , by carrying out such value added work like adding product features, protection by patenting, aesthetic design, limited production for market seeding etc, as per approved business plan. The sanction is subject to 50% by TePP and rest 50 % by the inventor.
Some good projects/innovations funded by TePP in the past are:
• Geometrical Instrument
The present Geometrical Instruments have low level of accuracy and consume more time in performing geometrical exercises. Hence a new innovative Instrument was invented by an innovator from Tamil Nadu for a full proof pre fixed plotter holes mechanism, in order to perform geometrical exercise directly without doing measuring activities. This project won II prize and a cash award of Rs.1.00 lakh of INDIA INNOVATION PIONEER CHALLENGE 2008 BUSINESS PLAN COMPETITION. The product is also patented in several countries.
• Mobile charger by using wind energy
A very handy and unique concept created by an innovator from Hyderabad for charging mobile phones when one is travelling long distances. The device has wind blades which works like turbines when they come into contact with wind and while in rotation converts wind energy into mechanical energy. A Dynamo is attached with the rotating blades which produces Direct Current.
• Bomb detection robot
The product is designed to overcome the various issues pertaining to the present modules of bomb disposing systems found in India such as high cost, high level maintenance and operation, Low mobility, complications in operation by hands.
• Solar Water Heater with fused tube lights
- Utilization of Fused fluorescent tubes instead of discarding them.
- Saves money and power.
- No operation and maintenance required.
• Use of Neem and Algae against crop pests
- A better product performance.
- Organic raw material used which are found in plenty.
- Affordable price and environment friendly.
Projects which are not acceptable:
• Generic proposals on software development.
• Proposals for patenting only.
• Basic scientific research projects with no immediate commercial entity.
• Projects of academic nature (student projects and/or research projects).
Mode of Application:
Interested individual(s) may apply to TePP at the addresses given below for support details and further information giving details of the work done so far, the proposed project, including the title of the project, objectives, project cost, support sought, duration, names etc.
The Head
Technopreneur Promotion Programme (TePP),
Ministry of Science & Technology
Department of Scientific & Industrial Research (DSIR)
Technology Bhavan, New Mehrauli Road,
New Delhi – 110 016
Mr.Dipankar Neog
Coordinator
Technopreneur Promotion Programme Outreach Centre (TUC)
North East Institute of Science & Technology (Formerly RRL)
Jorhat – 785006
Assam
I.Ilika Zhimo
Scientist & Member, TUC,
North East Institute of Science & Technology, Jorhat, Assam .
