About the Award

As India advances toward the national vision of "Viksit Bharat 2047," the role of deep, structured collaboration between industry and academia becomes more critical than ever. Accelerated partnerships between technology institutions, research organizations, and industry are essential to transform India into a global hub for innovation, advanced manufacturing, and knowledge-driven growth.

Such collaboration enables the translation of research into real-world applications, strengthens India's innovation ecosystem, and ensures that education and research remain aligned with evolving industry and societal needs.

The industry–Academia partnership model is therefore a cornerstone for building a resilient, innovation-led economy and for positioning India as a leader in emerging technologies.

  • Development of market-ready skills among youth
  • Strengthening of applied and translational research capabilities
  • Creation of sustainable, high-value employment opportunities within the country
  • Faster commercialization of research and technology solutions
  • Enhanced global competitiveness of Indian industry

Who Can Apply?

Industry Category Academia Category
1. Large Industry sponsoring 1. funding Indian Academia
2. MSME sponsoring 2. funding Indian Academia
3. Indian Academia partnering with Industry and 3. MSME
4. Research Institutions and CoEs partnering with Industry 4. MSME

Awards Category

Category Overview (1/2)

Awards Category Overview

Note: Applicants must choose the appropriate category while submitting their application form. Please ensure your submission aligns with the specified criteria and definitions outlined (Industry - Large Industry or MSME or Startup OR Academia – Engineering or Research Institute or COE etc.). Each application will be evaluated only under the selected category.

Special Awards (2/2)

IP Award
Award for Outstanding Achievement for Highest Number of Intellectual Property Grants through Industry-Academia Partnerships
Product Award
Award for Outstanding Product Commercialization through Industry-Academia Partnership
Impact Award
Industry-Academia Partnership Impact Award
Lifetime Award
Lifetime Achievement Award for Contributions to Industry Academia Partnerships
Women Leaders
Women Leaders of Industry Academia Partnership

Note: Jury will shortlist applicants in these categories based on the evaluation of application details provided by the applicants.

Benefits to Applicants

  • Brand Equity: Enhance your organization's reputation and credibility within the industry and academic landscape.
  • Top-of-Mind Brand Awareness: Position your brand as a leader in innovation and excellence.
  • Visibility: Gain significant exposure and recognition across academia, industry, and research ecosystems.
  • Acknowledgment of Innovative Culture: Highlight your commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration.
  • Promotional Value: Unlock opportunities for showcasing your achievements and initiatives to a wider audience.
  • Benchmark: Compare your organization's performance and practices against industry leaders.
  • Commercial Attention: Attract partnerships, investments, and new business opportunities.
  • Recognition: Be acknowledged for your contributions to advancing industry-academia collaboration.
  • Spirit of Competition: Encourage healthy competition that inspires excellence and drives growth.

Important Dates

Important Dates
Application Form opens February 2025
Last date of application submission 31 July 2025
Period for Assessors' Interaction July 2025
Grand Jury Meeting August 2025
Announcement of Awards Nov-Dec 2025

* The awards ceremony date is subject to change and will be informed one month prior to the ceremony

Application Fee

Industry Segment Academia Segment
Large – Rs 1,00,000 + 18% GST Private / Public – Rs 45,000 + 18% GST
MSME – Rs 45,000 + 18% GST Pioneering Faculty – Rs 35,000 + 18% GST

* Application fee includes the cost of online facilitation and management by CII, delegate fees for the Award Ceremony, citations, trophy etc.

Terms and Conditions

I. The fee is non-refundable and non-adjustable and is only a one-time payment. After payment, receipt of payment to be submitted along with duly filled application form. There is no separate evaluation fee for different stages of evaluation.
II. The CII Industry-Academia Partnership Awards reserve the right to refuse/reject entry to any applicant which does not fulfill the eligibility criteria at any stage of award.
III. This decision is at the sole discretion of the CII Industry-Academia Partnership Awards and no correspondence will be entered into in this regard.
IV. The applicant may withdraw its application at any point during the award process, but the participation fees will not be refunded.
V. Claims made by the applicant such as "unique," "world first," "one of a kind," or "owned by" must be substantiated. The CII Industry-Academia Partnership Awards reserve the right to request further evidence.
VI. The title conferred by the CII Industry-Academia Partnership Awards may be withdrawn, after being granted, if it is found that the information supplied was incorrect.
VII. The decision of the jury will be final and binding and no correspondence will be entered into.
VIII. The submitted inputs in the initial/main application forms must be made available for use by the CII Industry-Academia Partnership Awards for usage in CII Industry-Academia Excellence Book.
IX. By submitting an application, the applicant agrees to the above-mentioned terms and conditions of entry.