NEW DELHI, October 2024: The newly operationalised Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) has launched its first two initiatives aimed at advancing India’s research and development landscape— the Prime Minister Early Career Research Grant (PMECRG) and the Mission for Advancement in High-Impact Areas – Electric Vehicle (MAHA-EV) Mission.
The PMECRG is designed to attract and support early-career researchers, encouraging them to contribute to India’s growing scientific innovation. Meanwhile, the MAHA-EV Mission focuses on building a robust R&D ecosystem for Electric Vehicle (EV) technologies, specifically in the areas of Battery Cells, Power Electronics, Machines and Drives (PEMD), and Charging Infrastructure.
Prime Minister Early Career Research Grant (PMECRG)
The PMECRG aims to boost the innovation potential of young researchers, providing them with the resources to conduct high-quality research and expand knowledge boundaries. ANRF CEO, Professor Abhay Karandikar, emphasized that this initiative reflects ANRF’s commitment to nurturing young talent and driving technological progress. By empowering early-career researchers, the grant seeks to build a strong culture of research and innovation, ensuring that India remains competitive on the global stage.
Mission for Advancement in High-Impact Areas – Electric Vehicle (MAHA-EV) Mission
The MAHA-EV Mission is designed to advance India’s capabilities in EV technology, with a focus on promoting domestic innovation and reducing dependency on imports. It aims to position India as a global leader in the development of EV components by catalyzing collaboration between multiple institutions, researchers, and industries. This aligns with the government’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India).
The mission will focus on three critical technology areas:
- Tropical EV Batteries and Battery Cells
- Power Electronics, Machines, and Drives (PEMD)
- Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure
By building domestic capabilities in these key areas, the MAHA-EV Mission aims to enhance India’s competitiveness in the global EV market and contribute to a sustainable future.
ANRF’s Strategic Vision
These initiatives mark the beginning of ANRF’s efforts to bridge the gap between academic research and industrial application, a key goal discussed during the first Governing Board meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in September 2024. ANRF is focused on aligning R&D with national priorities, promoting inclusive growth, and building India’s global standing in key scientific sectors.
With these two initiatives, ANRF has set the foundation for transforming India’s R&D ecosystem, driving the nation’s progress toward becoming a leader in scientific and technological advancements by 2047.
