Partnership for Small and Medium Enterprises (PSME) Development 

The Small, and Medium Enterprises (SME) sector, the backbone of Sri Lanka's economy, has faced numerous challenges in recent years due to consecutive adverse events. These challenges have significantly impacted national output, employment, and livelihoods, underscoring the need for urgent remedial measures to support SMEs through these difficult times.
 
Recognizing the pivotal role of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) as catalysts for innovation and entrepreneurship, the National Science Foundation (NSF) has launched a dedicated initiative to address the research and development needs of industry, with particular emphasis on empowering the SME sector. Through this program, NSF aims to provide targeted support, expert guidance, and strategic resources to foster innovation-led growth.
The primary objectives of this special call are to:
  1. Encourage high-quality research that enhances the development and global competitiveness of industries, particularly SMEs in Sri Lanka.
  2. Strengthen the research and innovation capacity of industrial sectors.
  3. Support research projects that offer practical, sustainable solutions to critical challenges faced by industry.
  4. Promote dynamic collaboration among academia, industry, and other key stakeholders in alignment with the triple helix model.
Who Should Apply: Researchers and innovators focused on addressing research needs of industries with special emphasis on Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the public and private sector.
 
Mandatory Requirement:
An industry partner capable of implementing the project outputs and providing a substantial financial or in-kind contribution to the research project.