A2K
Access to Knowledge for Technology Development and Dissemination (A2K+)
5.2/10Access to Knowledge for Technology Development and Dissemination (A2K+) is a scheme targeted towards developing mechanisms to disseminate science, technology and innovation-related information to industries, research and academic institutions
States / UT: All India
Ministry / nodal: Ministry Of Science And Technology
Nodal department: Department of Scientific and Industrial Research
Scheme for: Infra
Scheme profile
Categories: Education & Learning
Sub-categories: Universities and higher education, Scholarships and student finance, Education and training grants, fellowship, stipend
Target beneficiaries: Institution, Government Organisation, Industries
Tags: Access To Knowledge, Industrial Research, Knowledge Dissemination, Funding Support, Technology Adoption
Details
Access to Knowledge for Technology Development and Dissemination (A2K+) is a scheme targeted towards developing mechanisms to disseminate science, technology and innovation related information to industries, research and academic institutions, In-house R&D units of industry, Scientific & Industrial Research Organizations (SIROs), consultants, industry associations, techno-entrepreneurs, government departments and others.
Supported Programmes
- Supporting industrial technology related studies (A2K+ Studies)
- Supporting the organization of national and international conferences, exhibitions etc. (A2K+ Events)
- Support for Technology Development and Utilization Programme for Women (TDUPW)
- Technology Development and Demonstration Programme (TDDP)
Objectives
The objective of the A2K+ Studies program is to support studies in emerging areas of technology aimed at providing useful information and knowledge base to industry, industry associations, academia, research institutions, consultants, entrepreneurs, research students and policy makers for doing any further work in these areas; to study and analyze the developments in the emerging technology areas and document the findings, leanings and outcomes for wider dissemination; and preparation of status reports on technologies from public funded institutions, that are ready for commercialization with a view to catalyze the translation of research output from institutions to market.
Benefits
- The support shall be towards the following items of expenditure: 1. Manpower. 1. Travel for networking survey stakeholder meetings experts resource persons etc; (International travel is not permissible under a project). 1. Consultation fees for experts and resource persons. 1. Contingencies and consumables (Consumables may include research equipment essential for the study and approved by TAC) 1. Overhead charges are fixed at 15%. 1. Any other item upon recommendation by the TAC and approval of the competent authority. Note: 1. DSIR support towards manpower expenses shall remain fixed respective of changes in fellowship rates if any. 1. No support is granted for setting up general-purpose infrastructural facilities
The support shall be towards the following items of expenditure:
- Manpower.
- Travel for networking, survey, stakeholder meetings, experts, resource persons, etc; (International travel is not permissible under a project).
- Consultation fees for experts and resource persons.
- Contingencies and consumables (Consumables may include research equipment essential for the study and approved by TAC)
- Overhead charges are fixed at 15%.
- Any other item upon recommendation by the TAC and approval of the competent authority.
Note:
- DSIR support towards manpower expenses shall remain fixed respective of changes in fellowship rates if any.
- No support is granted for setting up general-purpose infrastructural facilities.
Eligibility
For Agencies
- Industry Associations including Sectoral Industry Associations, Export Promotion Councils and Chambers of Commerce and Industry.
- Central and State Government Departments and their associated bodies including Technical Consultancy Organizations (established by State Government, Financial Institutions & Banks).
- National R&D Institutions and Organizations including SIROs recognized by DSIR and PFRIs registered with DSIR.
- Approved Universities and Colleges as listed on UGC/AICTE website.
- Institutions having a distinct legal entity (as per Rule 228 of GFR 2017).
Topics for the Proposal (For 2023)
- A study report on the development of new building materials using agro-industrial waste like PVC Waste, Municipal Waste, Construction & Demolition waste, hospital waste, e-waste etc.
- A study report on the status of research on indigenous development of membranes for desalination of seawater/saline water.
- A study report on research on indigenous development of membranes for sewage treatment to promote its recycling and reuse.
- Report on advanced building materials and building design towards energy efficient building.
- A report on ICT tools catering to a wide range of learners, including Children with Special Needs.
- A study report on the development of cost-effective technology/ instrumentation in waste management systems such as Sensor based bins, Sensor-based automatic waste collection systems through garbage chutes in residential buildings.
How useful is this scheme?
A practical look at this scheme for citizens
AI-generated insights showing how useful, accessible, and practical this scheme may be — combining deterministic scoring rules with a public-policy LLM analyst.
- Accessibility5.0
- Financial impact4.0
- Rural utility6.0
- Awareness7.5
- Simplicity3.0
- Inclusivity6.0
What problem does this scheme solve?
The A2K+ scheme aims to enhance knowledge dissemination in technology and innovation, primarily benefiting institutions and organizations rather than individual citizens.
Key challenges addressed
- Lack of access to technology-related knowledge for industries and research institutions.
Most beneficial for
- Research institutions
- Industry associations
- Government departments
Likely challenges
- Complex application process for first-time applicants
- Limited awareness among potential beneficiaries
Practical insights for citizens
The scheme is more suited for established institutions rather than individual rural applicants.
Rural challenges
- Limited access to information about the scheme
- Higher complexity in application process for rural institutions
Digital challenges
- Low digital literacy may hinder understanding of application requirements
Implementation bottlenecks
- Potential delays in processing applications due to bureaucratic procedures
Awareness challenges
- Limited outreach and communication about the scheme to potential beneficiaries
Application analysis
- Application mode
- Offline office
- Documents burden
- Moderate, requires specific formats and routing through heads of institutions.
- Verification complexity
- High, involves multiple steps and committee evaluations.
- Office dependency
- High, requires submission to government offices.
- CSC support
- Limited, primarily for institutional applications.
- Estimated citizen effort
- High, due to detailed application and reporting requirements.
Estimated beneficiary reach
Benefit analysis
- Benefit type
- In Kind
- Benefit practicality
- Practical for institutions with the capacity to manage projects.
- Financial meaningfulness
- Not applicable as no direct financial benefit is provided.
- Long-term impact
- Potentially significant for advancing technology and research capabilities in supported institutions.
Plain-language guidance
The A2K+ scheme helps institutions access knowledge and support for technology development. It is designed for organizations, not individuals.
- Who should apply
- Industry associations, government departments, and research institutions.
- Who may struggle
- First-time applicants and those with limited experience in formal applications.
- Best application route
- Apply through the head of your institution in the prescribed format.
This intelligence section is generated by an AI policy analyst combined with rule-based scoring. Scores and narrative are estimates derived from the publicly available scheme information shown on this page; actual experience may vary by state, district, and department. Always confirm details on the official portal before you apply.
Application Process
Offline
Step 1: Focus on Advertised Theme Area
Department regularly advertises theme areas for the studies, hence proposal should focus on advertised theme area and address the identified scope of the study. Ensure that the theme area for the study is clearly spelt out in the application.
Step 2: Submit Application in Prescribed Format
The agencies/organizations have to submit application in the prescribed format routed through the Head of the Institute.
Step 3: Prepare Budget as per Approved Heads
Funds should be utilized as per approved head without deviation from one activity to the other. Unspent amount shall be returned to Government of India, DSIR.
Step 4: Submit Draft Report to PRC
The study will be monitored and evaluated periodically by a project review committee (PRC) constituted by DSIR. The grantee organization will submit to the DSIR the draft report during the PRC meets. The suggestions and comments made by the Committee should be incorporated in the report and revised draft report should be submitted to the DSIR within a month.
Clarifications
Additional points from the scheme information published on myScheme (not legal advice).
- Who can apply for the A2K+ Studies scheme?
The following types of agencies/organizations are eligible to apply:
1. Industry Associations including Sectoral Industry Associations, Export Promotion Councils and Chambers of Commerce and Industry 1. Central and State Government Departments and their associated bodies including Technical Consultancy Organizations 1. National R&D Institutions and Organizations including SIROs recognized by DSIR and PFRIs registered with DSIR 1. Approved Universities and Colleges as listed in UGC/AICTE website 1. Institutions having a distinct legal entity (as per Rule 228 of GFR 2017)- What is the maximum duration of a study proposal under the A2K+ scheme?
The duration for the proposal study should be not more than 1 year.
- How many proposals can an organization submit under the A2K+ scheme?
For each call of proposals, only one proposal will be accepted from each applicant organization. Further, not more than two proposals of any single agency shall be supported in any Financial Year.
- What are the permissible items of expenditure under the A2K+ scheme?
DSIR support shall be towards the following items of expenditure: 1. Manpower 1. Travel for networking, survey, stakeholder meetings, experts, resource persons etc. (International travel is not permissible) 1. Consultation fees for experts and resource persons 1. Contingencies and consumables (including research equipment essential for the study and approved by TAC) 1. Overhead charges fixed at 15% 1. Any other item upon recommendation by TAC and approval of competent authority
- How is the study monitored and what happens if the grant is not utilized properly?
The study will be monitored and evaluated periodically by a Project Review Committee (PRC) constituted by DSIR. The grantee organization will submit the draft report during the PRC meets and incorporate suggestions made by the Committee. The revised draft report must be submitted to DSIR within a month. DSIR reserves the right to terminate support at any stage if it is convinced that the grant is not being utilized properly or that appropriate progress is not being made.
Official links
References
- Guidelines
- https://www.dsir.gov.in/offerings/schemes-and-services/details/access-to-knowledge-for-technology-development-and-dissemination-a2k-AjMwITMtQWa
- Application Form
- https://master-dsir.digifootprint.gov.in/static/uploads/2025/10/7b084d2a2ebde64994ed9be0edb2f0d7.pdf
Apply
Apply nowOpens the official application or programme portal in a new tab. If in doubt, confirm details on the ministry site.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the purpose of Access to Knowledge for Technology Development and Dissemination (A2K+)?
- Access to Knowledge for Technology Development and Dissemination (A2K+) is a government welfare initiative designed to support Infra, Institution, Government Organisation, Industries through benefits related to Education & Learning, financial assistance, subsidies, social welfare, healthcare, education, or livelihood support.
- Who can apply for Access to Knowledge for Technology Development and Dissemination (A2K+)?
- Eligibility for Access to Knowledge for Technology Development and Dissemination (A2K+) may depend on factors such as income category, age, gender, occupation, state of residence, social category, and government-defined beneficiary criteria.
- What benefits are offered under Access to Knowledge for Technology Development and Dissemination (A2K+)?
- Benefits under Access to Knowledge for Technology Development and Dissemination (A2K+) may include financial assistance, subsidies, scholarships, insurance support, healthcare benefits, pension support, training assistance, or welfare services depending on the scheme guidelines.
- Which department manages Access to Knowledge for Technology Development and Dissemination (A2K+)?
- Access to Knowledge for Technology Development and Dissemination (A2K+) is managed by Department of Scientific and Industrial Research and may be implemented through district offices, online portals, CSC centres, banks, or authorised government agencies.
- Can users apply online for Access to Knowledge for Technology Development and Dissemination (A2K+)?
- Yes, eligible applicants may be able to apply online for Access to Knowledge for Technology Development and Dissemination (A2K+) through official government portals, authorised service centres, or digital application systems depending on the implementation process.
- Is Aadhaar mandatory for Access to Knowledge for Technology Development and Dissemination (A2K+)?
- Many government schemes may require Aadhaar verification, identity proof, or linked bank account details for beneficiary validation and direct benefit transfer processing.
- Where can users apply for Access to Knowledge for Technology Development and Dissemination (A2K+)?
- Applications for Access to Knowledge for Technology Development and Dissemination (A2K+) may be submitted through government departments, official scheme portals, CSC centres, district offices, welfare departments, or authorised service centres.
- What documents may be required for Access to Knowledge for Technology Development and Dissemination (A2K+)?
- Applicants may need Aadhaar card, income certificate, residence proof, bank account details, caste certificate, photographs, educational records, or occupation-related documents depending on scheme eligibility requirements.
- Is income certificate required for Access to Knowledge for Technology Development and Dissemination (A2K+)?
- Income certificate requirements may vary depending on beneficiary category, subsidy eligibility, and financial assistance criteria defined under Access to Knowledge for Technology Development and Dissemination (A2K+).
- Is Access to Knowledge for Technology Development and Dissemination (A2K+) a central government scheme?
- Yes, Access to Knowledge for Technology Development and Dissemination (A2K+) is a central government welfare initiative that may be implemented across multiple states through authorised departments and agencies.
- Can students apply for Access to Knowledge for Technology Development and Dissemination (A2K+)?
- Eligible students studying in recognised institutions may apply for Access to Knowledge for Technology Development and Dissemination (A2K+) depending on educational qualification, category, income limit, and academic eligibility.
- Is scholarship amount provided under Access to Knowledge for Technology Development and Dissemination (A2K+)?
- Access to Knowledge for Technology Development and Dissemination (A2K+) may provide scholarship assistance, tuition support, educational reimbursement, or financial aid for eligible students.
- Can CSC centres help users apply for Access to Knowledge for Technology Development and Dissemination (A2K+)?
- Many government schemes may be accessible through nearby CSC centres, authorised digital service centres, or welfare facilitation offices.
- How can users check the latest updates for Access to Knowledge for Technology Development and Dissemination (A2K+)?
- Users should verify official notifications, department announcements, application deadlines, and eligibility updates through authorised government portals or implementing agencies.
- Can beneficiaries track application status for Access to Knowledge for Technology Development and Dissemination (A2K+)?
- Certain schemes may provide online application tracking, beneficiary verification systems, or status-check facilities through official portals.
- Where can users get help for Access to Knowledge for Technology Development and Dissemination (A2K+) in All India?
- Users in All India may seek assistance through CSC centres, district welfare offices, government departments, agriculture offices, social welfare departments, or authorised facilitation centres.
- Which nearby public services may help with Access to Knowledge for Technology Development and Dissemination (A2K+) applications?
- Depending on the scheme, users may require support from Aadhaar centres, CSC centres, banks, hospitals, post offices, or government welfare offices for document verification and application assistance.