The Abdul Kalam Technology Innovation National Fellowship 2025-26 is a prestigious opportunity offered by the Indian National Academy of Engineering (INAE) and funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India. The fellowship is intended to recognize and encourage excellence in engineering research and innovation, because translational research has real impact.
The fellowship is available to outstanding engineers working in academic, research or industries, with innovation that results in visible technology solutions in the real world. Every year, the fellowship is expected to select up to 10 fellows and provide an annual research grant of ₹15,00,000 as well as a monthly fellowship amount, and additional support to the fellows.
Eligibility Criteria
This prestigious fellowship is for excellent qualified engineers doing excellent cutting-edge research and innovation. This program seeks to provide support for engineers in India, so there are specific eligibility criteria for applicants working in Indian institutions.
To be eligible, an applicant must:
- Be an Indian national or Overseas Citizen of India (OCI)
- Be employed in a permanent position in the engineering profession, at a public-funded academic, research or industry institution in India
- Have sufficient professional qualifications in engineering or related fields
- Hold minimum at least a bachelor’s degree, in an area of engineering or technology
- There are at least 5 years of service left at their institution to the award date
- Not hold any other fellowship at the same time as the fellowship is identified.
Benefits
The Abdul Kalam Technology Innovation National Fellowship provides significant support and funding for high-impact engineering innovations. The award consists of individual and research funding to help strengthen translational research for up to 10 exemplary candidates annually.
Selected fellows will receive:
- A monthly fellowship of ₹25,000 on top of their existing salary/income
- An annual research grant of ₹15,00,000 for their innovation and project
- All annual overhead of ₹1,00,000 to the host institute for administrative purposes
- Recognition as a National Fellow and added career profile and research impact
- Support for applied and translational research to solve engineering problems in real-world conditions
Documents
The applicant is required to provide verified documents for eligibility and professional qualification. The accounts will verify that the candidate possesses the academic, employment, and professionalism as outlined in the fellowship guidelines.
The following documents are required at the time of the application:
- A Bachelor’s degree certificate and marksheets to confirm academic qualifications
- Certificates on relevant professional qualification supporting the applicant’s engineering eligibility
- Proof of current employment (a bonafide certificate or a recommendation letter confirming the applicant is permanently employed at a public-funded institution)
How to Apply
The application process for this fellowship is nomination-based and has been managed by the Indian National Academy of Engineering (INAE). Interested individuals cannot apply directly but must be nominated by eligible personnel. The steps to successfully apply for this prestigious opportunity are:
Steps to apply:
- Download the nomination format from the official INAE website: www.inae.in
- Obtain a nomination from an eligible authority like an INAE Fellow, Head of Institution, or a recipient of numerous major national concessions like SS Bhatnagar or JC Bose (self-nominations are not allowed)
- Fill up the nomination format and attach all the required documents including CV, research proposal, certificates, proof of employment etc.
- Send the application in single PDF through email to inaehq@inae.in
- Optional: If needed, send a signed hard copy with the required paperwork to INAE's office (see the latest guidelines on the website).
Selection Criteria
The Abdul Kalam Technology Innovation National Fellowship is awarded to exceptional engineers that can lead technology development and demonstrate the ability to translate research to societal relevance. The selection is made by a high-level expert committee appointed by the Indian National Academy of Engineering (INAE).
Candidates are evaluated using the following criteria:
- Track record of innovation and research excellence in engineering or applied science
- The potential for translational research with the purpose to have societal or industrial impact
- Quality and feasibility of the proposed research project and its aims and anticipated outcomes
- Recognition and achievements, e.g., awards, patents, publications, leadership activities in the engineering profession
- Enabling research environment at the level of the applicant's host institution to provide an opportunity for project success
