The National Science Foundation (NSF) is mandated to strengthen the National Research, Development and Innovation eco-system in the country to ensure wellbeing of citizens of Sri Lanka. Recognizing the critical role of technology in fueling economic growth and social advancement, one of the key organizational goals in strategic direction is to be the leader in fostering technological innovation. Whilst recognizing importance of the new knowledge creation process, addressing the prevailing situation in macro environment, NSF is committed to actively guide the journey from conceptual innovation to commercial realization. This entails our goal to emerge as the eminent catalyst for Research, Development, and Innovation (RD&I), with an emphasis on wealth creation.
In line with this, the Technology Development and Innovation Division has launched two specialized grant schemes aimed at State sector organizations, non-State sector organizations, and individual innovators as follows.
Support for Technology Development: A grant scheme designed focusing on development that has clear pathways to commercialization ultimately to bolster technological advancement. It aims at inculcating researchers and innovators with thinking beyond the laboratory, considering the entire value chain and market applicability hence implementing R&D outputs and inventions at ground level/solving societal or industry problems.
Support for Start-up Businesses Based on New Technologies: This grant scheme is geared towards entrepreneurs who are leveraging cutting-edge technology to create new businesses. It supports the transformation of innovation into tangible products and services, bridging the gap between research and the marketplace.
Eligibility: Expression of Interest (EoIs) are invited from Sri Lankan citizens affiliated to universities and other Higher Education Institutes, Research Institutions (both from State sector and non-State sector), industries including SMEs and individuals/inventors
Important dates and actions: Grant schemes are open throughout the year and submission windows are as follows;
Window Deadline for application submission
1 4:00 p.m. Friday, May 31, 2024
2 4:00 p.m. Friday, August 30, 2024
Priority will be given for applications addressing the national interest/needs and existing industry needs/problems. Applications with public-private partnerships will have an added advantage where partners from industry are encouraged.
Grants will be awarded depending on the availability of funds.
After evaluation of EoIs, successful EoI applicants will be requested to submit detailed proposals. For Application forms, guidelines for preparation of project proposals and other relevant information can be downloaded from below links.
Please e-mail your application to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. The original hard copy will be requested if needed during the evaluation process. Incomplete applications will not be processed. NSF decision pertaining to evaluation of EoIs and detail applications will be the final.
Downloads
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Program Brief - Technology Development Grants Scheme (pdf, 498kb)
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Program Brief - Start up Grants Scheme (pdf, 391kb)
Further reading
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TRL Assessment Tool (pdf, 197kb)