COVID-19 Special Call Under Indo-Australian Biotechnology Fund

Indo-Australian Fund for S&T Cooperation in Biotechnology

Indo-Australian Biotechnology Fund (IABF)

Guidelines for Round Thirteen- COVID-19 Collaborative Research Projects (2020-21)

Email:

ssdiwan.dbt@nic.in

Website:

www.dbtindia.nic.in

Guidelines for Round Thirteen (2020-21) of the Indo-Australian Biotech Fund

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Contents 1. Purpose of these guidelines and processes for Round ThirteenCOVID-19 collaborative research projects 2. About the program 2.1 Grant opportunity under round thirteen 2.2 Other government funding

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3. Project grant period

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4. Priority areas

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5. Timelines for round thirteen of the IABF 6. Eligibility requirements 6.1 Eligibility criteria 6.2 Eligible activities for funding support 6.3 Costs not eligible for support 6.4 Cash and in-kind support from other sources 7. Assessment criteria and processes 7.1 Assessment criteria 7.2 Guidelines relating to assessment criteria 7.3 Supporting documentation 7.4 Eligibility checks and assessment of applications 7.5 Ethics and research practices 7.6 Notification of application outcomes to successful IABF applicants 7.7 Evaluation of the program 7.8 Unsuccessful IABF applicants

8. Submission of application 8.1 Submitting an application 8.2 Information required in the application 8.2.1 Applicants’ details 8.2.2 Project proposal details 8.2.3 Project partners 8.2.4 Project plan and budget 8.2.5 Intellectual property rights

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1. PURPOSE OF THE GUIDELINES AND PROCESSES FOR ROUND THIRTEEN-COVID-19 COLLABORATIVE RESEARCH PROJECTS These guidelines are provided to assist applicants for submitting an application under Round Thirteen- for collaborative projects on COVID-19 for the Indo-Australian Biotechnology Fund (IABF).

These guidelines are applicable to Indian IABF applicants only. Australian applicants must apply to the Australian Government.

These guidelines provide an overview of the IABF, which includes information on the funding components, current priority areas for funding and important dates for Round THIRTEEN. Provide information on the eligibility requirements that must be met in order to successfully apply for funding under Round THIRTEEN; information about funding provided to successful applicants; the assessment criteria that will be used in determining successful proposals under Round THIRTEEN.

Process: The CALL for proposals opens Guidelines are published on DBT website  Complete and submit application by due date  Assessment of all applications All the applications are checked against eligibility criteria Eligible applications are assessed against the assessment criteria and compared to other eligible applications.

 Recommendations of the Expert Panel The respective Expert panels evaluate and provide recommendations on applications.  Grant decisions Joint Committee decides which applications are successful based on defined criteria  Announcement of the Results/outcome Results will be announced on the DBT website Successful Indian applicants will be informed about the outcome.

(We may not notify unsuccessful applicants.)  Grant agreement A detailed agreement between Indian and Australian partner applicants is to be executed first and submitted along with the application. Application without IPR agreement will not be considered. Grant agreement after processing the application for clearance by the authorities of the DBT concerned will be executed.  Release of grant First installment will be released after execution of respective agreements. Project activities will start. The project will be monitored for progress and further releases will be made after evaluation of reports.

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2. ABOUT THE PROGRAM The Indo-Australian Biotechnology Fund (IABF) is a platform for bilateral collaboration in science jointly managed and funded by the governments of India and Australia. The aim of the collaboration is to promote & support cutting edge science and technology (S&T) research by supporting: collaboration between Indian and Australian researchers in strategically focussed, cutting edge, scientific research and technology projects; strengthen strategic alliances between Indian and Australian researchers; and facilitate India and Australia’s access to the global S&T system.

Since its establishment in 2006, the IABF has supported collaborative, leading-edge research between scientists in Australia and India across a range of jointly agreed upon priority areas.

It has also helped to build linkages between premier research and educational institutions in both countries.

The Indo-Australian Biotechnology Fund is managed jointly by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India and Department of Industry, Innovation and Science (DIIS), Govt. of Australia.

2.1 GRANT OPPORTUNITY UNDER ROUND THIRTEEN OF THE IABF The objective of the round 13-COVID 19 under IABF is to fund short collaborative research projects with tangible outcomes focused on responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The intended outcomes of the support are to:  bring together leading research institutions and/or industry in both India and Australia currently working on areas relevant to COVID-19 in the priority areas of this call.  projects of a mutually beneficial nature whose outcomes contribute to the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Support is provided under Indo-Australian Biotechnology Fund for Bilateral collaborative research projects involving Indian & Australian partners. An application should clearly demonstrate that the activities will ‘add value by achieving something worthwhile’.

Under the IABF, the Indian Government will contribute towards the direct costs of bilateral activities in one of the priority areas for collaboration The grant will be provided for one year with the budget approved as appropriate for the project.

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2.2

OTHER GOVERNMENT FUNDING

IABF grants are not intended to duplicate support available from other sources, including other Indian Government funding mechanisms. Where applicants already received Indian Government funding for their core activities, they will only be eligible if they can demonstrate that the activity for which funding is sought is additional to their core activities.

Applicants must list all current and requested funding under any other Government Funding scheme for all key personnel included in their proposal.

Collaborative Workshops will not be funded under round 13

3. PROJECT GRANT PERIOD Projects may be submitted for financial support for one year. An extension for another six months may be considered after a thorough review, provided you complete the project after extension. Indian Government support will not be provided for activities undertaken or expenses incurred prior to the execution of a funding agreement and funds will be released based on the milestones achieved.

4. PRIORITY AREAS The priority areas of research for Round Thirteen COVID-19 of the Indo-Australian Biotechnology Fund are: i.

Development of immunotherapeutics

ii.

Development of animal model / in vitro model for vaccine development

iii.

Assay development and validation for testing of vaccines and therapeutics

iv.

Viral genomics and bioinformatics

5. TIMELINES FOR ROUND THIRTEEN OF THE IABF The call for applications under Round Thirteen of the IABF will be open for four weeks. The round will open on 4th June, 2020, and close at 11.55 pm (IST) on 2nd July, 2020.

The table below summarises the steps and indicative timing for the selection process for Round Thirteen:

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Activity

Timelines

Round Thirteen opens for applications

4th June, 2020

Closing date for Round Thirteen applications

2nd July, 2020.

Applications assessed and ranked by IABF Expert Panel.

Joint public announcements made by Indian and Australian Governments on successful applications Contract negotiations with successful applicants

6 weeks 4 weeks

4 weeks

Projects commence After execution of Agreements Please note the timelines are subject to change.

6. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS 6.1 ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA To be eligible to apply for funding under the Indo-Australian Biotechnology Fund, the Indian applicant must: 

Submit an IABF application in one of the identified priority areas of research of the call



Be one of the following ‘eligible organisations’ (or a consortium of eligible organisations): Indian Education institution; Indian Cooperative Research Centre / University; Indian Public research company; * Indian Private research company; * Indian State/Territory-funded research organisation; Indian not for profit research organisation; or Other Indian incorporated entity; *



Be from an organisation that is registered under DSIR, is incorporated or if a university, is exempted from income tax; and

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Have at least one Australian partner and confirmation from the implementing Australian agency that a corresponding application from that Australian partner has been received (this confirmation will be obtained by the Indian Government).

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Joint applications involving more than one Indian partner are acceptable, provided the lead applicant is the main driver of the project and is eligible to apply.

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IABF projects should ‘link Indian and Australian research institutions, as well as other partners, collaborating on a single substantial project or conducting a range of researchrelated activities in a specified field under priority area. These Projects may be used as a catalyst to bring together leading institutions in India in a particular research field with Australian partners to help build research capacity and maximise the application, commercialisation and sustainability of research outcomes for prevention and treatment w.r.t COVID-19 and thus support economic growth and development in India.

Involvement of end-user partners is strongly encouraged and funding will be aimed at Projects that can demonstrate a clear path to end use in support of health improvement, economic growth and development in India and Australia.



Details of mutual consent in the form of written agreements to take care of equal distribution of the knowhow generated among the Indian and Australian Partners should be provided along with the application.

* Funding strictly as per DBT’s norms of International R&D funding to industry. Significant financial contribution by the Industry is required.

Applicants must satisfy eligibility criteria to be considered for funding.

6.2 ELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES FOR FUNDING SUPPORT The table below lists the expenses for which funding provided under the IABF for collaborative research projects on COVID-19 can be used in the priority areas specified:

Expense

Notes

COVID-19-related international and domestic travel restrictions imposed by governments and institutions may preclude travel during your project.

However, if travel restrictions are eased or removed and domestic and international travel is available, eligible travel and overseas expenditure may include as provided in next rows.

International Travel to Australia: International economy class return airfares for Indian researchers travelling to Australia to participate in meetings & activities related to the Joint project.

Note: International airfares for Australian researchers travelling to India for this project will be met by the Australian Government.

Domestic Travel within India: For workshops and meeting with the partners of the project

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Living Expenses: Living expenses, including accommodation and meals, for Australian researchers travelling to India to participate in meetings and activities related to the joint project.

Salaries: Salaries and on-costs for Indian personnel/researchers employed specifically for the collaborative project (this includes postdoctoral and postgraduate researchers).

IABF will contribute a maximum of AUD$300 per person per day, or AUD$ 4,000 per person per month, whichever is the lesser amount.

Note: Living expenses, including accommodation and meals, for Indian researchers travelling to Australia will be met by the Australian Government.

Note: The occupant of this position must reside in India. The maximum amount of funding provided per annum for each postdoctoral fellowship and postgraduate stipend in India will be as per norms applicable to Indian other post graduate (JRF/SRF/RA etc.) positions as per DBT’ norms (DBT follows DST’ and other Govt. funding agencies’ norms)

Bench Fees: Project-specific bench fees, consumables, special equipment, freight and access to facilities essential to the project.

Cost for activities including prototyping, commercialization, product design and testing, initial manufacture, and other translational activities which will be useful in Indian Context.

NOTE: Travel and living expenses combined must not exceed 20% of the total funds awarded. Please note that budget under travel can be spent only if travel restrictions are eased or removed and domestic and international travel is available.

Other project-specific expenses Any other project-specific expenses are subject to negotiation with the Department and considered in relation to the value of the projected benefit to India and Australia. Funding of other project-specific expenses is at the discretion of the Department.

Funding sought for eligible expenses must be clearly itemised in the application form.

Funding will not be awarded for any other expense except at the discretion of the Department where the applicant can demonstrate specific need for the specific expense if any.

Please note that grants are intended to contribute towards the cost of eligible activities and are not intended to fully reimburse expenditure.

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6.3 COSTS NOT ELIGIBLE FOR SUPPORT The following activities/costs will not be funded for research projects by the Indian Government:

Not eligible for funding Any activity, equipment or supplies that are already being supported through other sources including support from Indian government.

Any cost incurred prior to the execution of a funding agreement with the Indian Government.

Costs that duplicate the in-kind support from the applicant or other participants in the project.

Costs involved towards the purchase or upgrade/hiring of software (including user licenses) and ICT hardware (unless it can be used only for the project).

Administration/overhead and infrastructure costs e.g.  capital expenditure for the purchase of assets such as office furniture, motor vehicles, photocopiers, and the construction, renovation or extension of facilities such as buildings and laboratories;  costs such as rental, renovations and utilities; Indian project manager’s salary and salaries for staff currently employed by the applicant organization or a collaborating partner organization, including salary related expenses; Staff recruitment and relocation costs.

International Travel to countries other than Australia International travel and living expenses for undergraduate and Masters students.

Indian Researchers’ living expenses in Australia.

Costs associated with the protection or patenting of intellectual property;  

costs associated with market research for products or research carried out by surveys to assess the size of the market and the price of a particular service or product; costs associated with marketing Projects, i.e. activities aimed at creating demand for goods and services of consumers, businesses and government; rentals and utilities.

Costs associated with the internal preparation of finance and audit statements.

Debt financing. 

membership of professional organizations and groups;

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   

non-Project-related staff training and development costs; communications costs; staff recruitment and relocation costs; subscription costs for access by Indian personnel to major international research facilities.

IABF grants are not intended to duplicate support available from other Indian Government sources. Where applicants already received Indian Government funding for their core activities, they will only be eligible if they can demonstrate that the activity for which funding is sought is additional to their core activities. This list is not exhaustive. Other costs may be ineligible where the department assesses they do not directly support the achievement of the planned outcomes for the research activities or they are contrary to the objectives of the IABF. The recipient must ensure it has adequate funds to meet the costs of any ineligible expenditure associated with the research activities.

6.4 CASH AND IN-KIND SUPPORT FROM OTHER SOURCES Applications will be assessed on the level of support that they can procure from both Indian and Australian organisations (including the applicant’s own organisation) for the collaborative research proposal and/or workshop.

There is no requirement for applicants to demonstrate that the Indian contribution (cash and/or in-kind) to the project matches or is more than the funding sought from the Indian Government.

Indian contribution to the project may be in cash and/or in-kind. The contributions may be from the applicant’s own organization, or other Indian sources, for example, collaborative participants, industry contributions or contributions from other Indian Government funding sources. Salaries for Project Coordinator may also be included as an in-kind contribution.

In-kind contributions will be required to be detailed and costed. In-kind costs must be directly related to costs of delivering the activities of the project and can include salaries of staff for the time they are involved and other costs incurred for the duration of these activities.

Industry will have to contribute financially in the project as per DBT’s norms.

7. ASSESSMENT CRITERIA AND PROCESSES Applications will be assessed on a competitive basis against the assessment criteria.

Follow the guide below to ensure all criteria are followed effectively.

Provided that the Eligibility Criteria have been met, applications under the Indo-Australian Biotechnology Fund will be assessed on a competitive basis against the following assessment criteria. Each Criteria require supporting documentation to be provided with the application.

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The information contained in your application must be consistent with that provided to the Australian Govt. by your Australian partner.

If a document addresses more than one criterion, clearly name the file to indicate which criteria are addressed.

Do not use overly technical jargon or refer to other sources such as websites for additional information. Acronyms or abbreviations must be spelt out in the first instance.

Clear demarcation of objectives to be met by the Indian applicant and Australian Applicant should be there.

Funding will be aimed at projects that can demonstrate a clear path to product and end use.

An application should clearly demonstrate that the activities will ‘add value by achieving something worthwhile that would not occur without the grant’.

7.1 ASSESSMENT CRITERIA There are four assessment criteria which need to be addressed in the application:

CRITERION 1 The extent that your project proposal will advance research in priority areas to deliver tangible outcomes and benefits for both India and Australia (25 points) You should demonstrate this by identifying: a. the problem that your project will address, why it needs to be addressed and how your project will address it b. how your project will build on any existing research in one or more of the priority areas c. the expected outcomes and benefits of your research and how they would contribute to the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including demonstrating a clear path to end use such as application of outcomes for the public good and/or commercialisation.

CRITERION 2 Scientific quality - the appropriateness of the design and methodology for your research (25 points) You should demonstrate this by:

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a. providing the rationale for your research and clearly demonstrating your chosen methodology b. identifying the current competitive landscape in your chosen area of research, including a comparative analysis of similar or alternate technology.

CRITERION 3 Benefits to Australia and India (25 points) You should demonstrate this by identifying: a. the application of your research outcomes including the commercialisation potential of new products, processes or services b. the social, environmental and/or economic short-term and long-term benefits to be gained from your project proposal c. how your project will develop robust and sustainable collaborations between Australia and India in your chosen area of research.

CRITERION 4 Your capacity, capability and resources to deliver the outcome of the project (25 points) You should demonstrate this by identifying: a. your access to personnel with the right skills and experience, including management and technical staff, and to any infrastructure, capital equipment, technology and intellectual property required for the project b. a sound project plan to manage and monitor the project including arrangements for governance and intellectual property rights and identification of risks and mitigation strategies c. your ability to fund your share of project costs not covered by the grant.

ADDITIONAL NOTES:

 

The supporting documentation must confirm and demonstrate the claims made. Support for the project may encompass either a financial commitment or an in-kind commitment.

In-kind costs must be directly related to costs of delivering the activities of the project and can include salaries of staff for the time they are involved, and other costs incurred for the duration of the activity. The proportion of each staff member’s time allocated to the project should be specified.

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7.2 GUIDELINES RELATING TO ASSESSMENT CRITERIA The assessment criteria provide the basis for assessment of an application. It is the applicant’s responsibility to provide all relevant information and documentation required.

Please note that: “Applicants may be asked to provide additional information to clarify any issues raised during the assessment process.”

You are responsible for making sure your application is complete and accurate. Giving false or misleading information is a serious offence. If we consider that you have provided false or misleading information we may not process your application. If you find an error in your application after submitting it, inform us immediately through email.

If we find an error or information that is missing, we may ask for clarification or additional information from you that will not change the nature of your application.

However, we can refuse to accept any additional information from you that would change your submission after the application closing time.

7.3 SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION Supporting documentation is mandatory for the full assessment of your application.

Plan your application ahead of time to ensure all required supporting documentation is uploaded by the due date. Documents will not be accepted after the closing date.

Below is a supporting documentation checklist to assist in preparation of your application.

Supporting Documentation

Detailed written proposal in the format provided.

Letter from the Australian collaborator confirming that the proposal is jointly prepared. The letter should state that the Australian collaborator agrees to submit an equivalent proposal to the Australian Government.

Details of project partners and Curriculum vitae for each of the key personnel (both Indian and Australian) i) Detailed Project plan/ ii) Indian Component Budget and iii) Australian Component Budget.

Declaration Certificate/ Letter of support from the applying organization clearly articulating the organization’s financial support (cash and/or in-kind) for the project and commitment to engage in the research collaboration.

If applicable, letter of support from any other Indian partner organizations clearly articulating the organization’s

Has the document been provided in your application? 􀂅 􀂅

􀂅 􀂅 􀂅

􀂅

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financial support (cash and/or in-kind) for the project and commitment to engage in the research collaboration.

Letter of support from the Australian partner organization clearly articulating the organization’s financial support (cash and/or in-kind) and commitment to engage in the research collaboration.

Letter of support from any other international partner organizations clearly articulating the organization’s financial support (cash and/or in-kind) and commitment to engage in the research collaboration.

Wherever applicable, a letter of support from partner clearly articulating the organization’s commitment to actively engage in the research collaboration needs to be in place.

IPR agreement signed as per the template provided Copies of Ethical and other clearances’ certificates obtained/ applications submitted for such approvals to respective bodies if relevant to the project

􀂅

􀂅

􀂅 􀂅 􀂅

7.4 ELIGIBILITY CHECKS AND ASSESSMENT OF APPLICATIONS All applications received by the notified closing date will be reviewed by the Department to determine whether they meet the eligibility criteria. The application will then undergo a peer review process by an independent Expert panel against the assessment criteria.

The panel will be appointed by the Secretary, DBT. Panel members will be subject to standard conflict of interest requirements where necessary.

Each government assesses applications independently in accordance with its own processes and decides which projects to refer for joint consideration.

Drawing on the recommendations from the panel, the Indian and Australian Governments will negotiate on the final set of projects to be supported under the round. Their decision will be final.

The list of successful applications will be published on the Department’s website and letter/email of selection will be sent to the successful applicants.

The Program officer and division decide which grants to approve taking into account the recommendations of the committee and the availability of grant funds.

The Program Officer’s decision is final in all matters, including:   

the grant approval the grant funding to be awarded any conditions attached to the offer of grant funding.

We cannot review decisions about the merits of your application.

The Program officer will not approve funding if there are insufficient program funds available across relevant financial years for the program.

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7.5 ETHICS AND RESEARCH PRACTICES Certificates/approvals of Ethical clearance and other clearances if relevant for the project must be submitted along with the application. In case requests for the same have been made to the respective approving authorities/bodies, copies of such applications/letters may be submitted along with the application. As soon as the approvals are obtained, DBT may be informed about the same with proper evidence. Funds will not be released without these documents. Also, please visit website of the DBT for details on the policy on Ethics.

7.6 NOTIFICATION OF APPLICATION OUTCOMES TO SUCCESSFUL IABF APPLICANTS The Department will write to successful Indian applicants advising them of the level of funding the Indian Government will offer to support the project proposal. Applicants must then enter into a funding agreement with the DBT that sets out the terms and conditions associated with the IABF funding.

The successful application will form basis of the funding agreement and associated schedules which must include details of the project activities, budget, phases, and performance indicators for project reporting.

The Department will be the last signatory to the agreement and has no obligation to provide successful applicants with any funding until the funding agreement has been executed by both parties and required documents including IPR agreements signed between/among the Indian and Australian partners have been provided by the applicant.

Successful applicants must not start work on the project until the funding agreement is in place.

The Funding Agreement stipulates reporting obligations and relevant due dates. Reports must be submitted using the templates provided by DBT. If the Recipient is unable to submit a report by the due date specified in the Funding Agreement, they must notify the Department prior to the due date. This notification must include the reason for the delay, which will be considered and may result in action being taken in accordance with the Funding Agreement.

The DBT may recover grant funds if there is a breach of the grant agreement.

7.7 EVALUATION OF THE PROGRAM Under the terms of the funding agreement, successful applicants will be required to participate in a broad evaluation of the program if requested to do so by the Department. This evaluation, if conducted, will seek to identify the degree to which the program is meeting its objectives.

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7.8 UNSUCCESSFUL IABF APPLICANTS Results will be announced at the DBT website. Unsuccessful candidates may not be notified.

Feedback on the overall round outcomes will be provided to unsuccessful applicants if they request the same.

8. SUBMISSION OF APPLICATION 8.1. SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION Applicants for funding should submit completed application form and IPR agreement between the partners only in the format provided through single e-mail with all relevant, clearly labelled attachments to the following address: Dr. Suraksha S. Diwan, Scientist ‘E’ Department of Biotechnology Ministry of Science & Technology Govt. of India E-mail address: ssdiwan.dbt@nic.in

8.2

INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE APPLICATION

The application must have the following pages and fields, which must be completed as described below:

8.2.1 APPLICANTS’ DETAILS Organisation name and Affiliation: the eligible organisation (see Eligibility Criteria) being an Indian legal entity, which if successful, will enter into a contractual funding agreement with the Indian Government. Project Coordinator: the researcher who will manage the project.

Contact Officer: the officer nominated to receive all correspondence in relation to the application, including the outcomes at each level/step. If the applicant is from a University, the Contact Officer must, where possible, be from the University’s Research Office.

8.2.2 PROJECT DETAILS Project Title: limited to 200 characters or 25 words.

Activity Type: A collaborative research project.

Priority Area of Research: select the most appropriate priority area of research Tentative Proposed start date and finish date: please note that project tenure may only span up to a maximum of 1 year duration.

Number of Indian and Australian personnel participating in the project.

Amount of Indian and Australian funding sought for the proposed project proposal.

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Project Summary: provide a summary of the project, including aims and objectives. Use simple-English, non-technical terminology (maximum of 200 words).

Expected Outcomes: detail out the anticipated outcomes of the project. Specify the key outcomes, including any joint publications, from the original IABF funded project - whether completed or nearing completion and explain how the proposed project will bring the research closer to end-use stage. Use simple-English, non-technical terminology (maximum of 200 words).

Project Snapshot: provide a brief, non-technical, overview of the project objectives which, if successful, may be used to publicly promote the project (maximum of 50 words)

8.2.3 PROJECT PARTNERS Indian partner(s): provide contact details of each Indian partner along with letter of support from each partner.

Australian partner(s): provide contact details of each Australian partner along with letter of support from each partner.

8.2.4 PROJECT PLAN AND BUDGET Project details : a maximum of 6 activities which must include: 

the activity name;



funding sought for the activity from the IABF;



description of the activities to be undertaken during the project duration, including a detailed costing/breakup of eligible expenses to be supported using IABF funding.



a list of the key personnel that will be involved in the activity;



the expected outcomes from the activities; and



measurable performance indicators against the activities.

Contributions: applicants do not need to demonstrate that the Indian contribution (cash and/or in-kind) to the project matches or is more than the funding sought from the IABF. However, the level of support (cash and/or in-kind) for the project from Indian and Australian organisations (including the applicant’s own organisation) will be considered in the assessment of the proposal (see Assessment Criteria and Cash and in-kind support from other sources).

Industry will have to put in financial contribution in the project.

8.2.5 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS Applicants must provide details of the Intellectual Property (IP) issues in their applications.

This includes both the use of IP in the project proposal and the proposed ownership of rights of IP generated by the project as well as strategies for protecting India’s interests. The template Guidelines for Round Thirteen (2020-21) of the Indo-Australian Biotech Fund

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of IPR agreement is provided and must be filled in and signed by the partners and submitted along with the application. Where IP is likely to be generated by the project. Applicants will be required to execute additional protocols or contracts with their Indian partners on the management of IP issues. These agreements should be in accordance with laws and regulations prevailing in India and Australia and provide for: 

Adequate and effective protection and equitable distribution of any benefits from IP rights created in or resulting directly from cooperative activities (foreground IP rights),



Ownership of foreground IP rights to be allocated on the basis of respective contribution and equitable interests,



Terms and conditions for the commercialisation and other forms of dissemination of the foreground IP rights, and



Adequate and effective protection of IP rights provided by the organisations, enterprises and institutions prior to or in the course of such cooperative activities, for example the licensing or utilisation of such IP rights on equitable terms (background IP rights).

PLEASE NOTE THAT A WRITTEN AGREEMENT DULY SIGNED BY BOTH INDIAN AND AUSTRALIAN PARTNERS IS MANDATORY TO BE PROVIDED ALONGWITH/IN THE APPLICATION IN THE TEMPLATE PROVIDED.

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