ANRF Impact Centres of Excellence (ACE) Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) are the primary drivers of national socioeconomic development, economic growth, and industrialisation. STI plays a pivotal role in addressing pressing global and societal challenges while contributing significantly to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). To sustain the country's research and innovation ecosystem at par with global standards, the capabilities and infrastructure of higher education and research institutions must be strengthened and elevated to the highest standards. These institutions will play a critical role in advancing research in areas of national importance and fostering innovation-driven growth. In line with the vision of Viksit Bharat @ 2047, the proposed Centres will serve as catalysts for transforming India into a globally competitive knowledge-driven economy. The ANRF Impact Centres of Excellence (ACE) program aims to propel Indian research by providing funding support for the establishment of high-impact research centres in institutions that aspire to function at the forefront of global excellence in Science and Engineering. The programme emphasizes research outcomes and impact that extend well beyond publications, while fostering a world-class research environment supported by state-of-the-art infrastructure for ambitious, cutting-edge research. The objective of the programme is to accelerate the emergence of India's leading institutions among the world's foremost locations of research excellence, and accelerate prominence, growth in world institutional rankings. Accordingly, proposals must present a clear and compelling roadmap demonstrating how the proposed ACE Centre will contribute to achieving internationally benchmarked research excellence, accelerated rise in global ranking towards the top in the world (and significant improvement from current status) supported by a credible plan for mobilising the required matching funds. Proposals that do not demonstrate such a vision and commitment will not be considered for support. The Centres are envisioned to attract outstanding researchers and create a vibrant ecosystem that nurtures scientific excellence, innovation, and collaboration. By combining world-class infrastructure, exceptional talent, and a strong focus on impactful research, the programme seeks to accelerate research excellence and position India as a global leader in science, technology, and innovation. Program Objectives To deliver truly world-class research excellence and impact via the ACE Centres. To support, elevate and modernise top-tier institutes' research and innovation capacity to be world-class in selected areas. To consolidate human capital and infrastructure to advance world-class research in critical fields of STEM consistent with accelerated growth in world rankings. Promote national and international collaboration in selected research areas where institutions can be truly world-class. To drive and strengthen research innovation and entrepreneurship for world-class impact in the selected areas. Scale up research & innovation to translate into sustainable ecosystems and inclusive growth linked to the areas selected by the institution. Eligibility The program is strictly institutional in nature. No individual-centric or small-team projects will be supported. Only one proposal per institution per call is allowed under Category A and B. Academic institutions and National Research Laboratories may participate as spoke partners under Category A, B and C, subject to clearly defined technical roles that complement the core objectives of the proposed Centre. Each ACE proposal shall include a minimum of one mandatory spoke partner and a maximum of three spoke partners. Under Category C, an eligible organization may submit up to three cluster proposals from its laboratory network, with each proposal mandatorily including a minimum of one and a maximum of three spoke partner institutions. NIRF ranked public and private academic institutions (Category A & B) and National Research Laboratory affiliated with various ministries/Departments (Category C). National laboratories affiliated with Central Government organisations (Departments/ministries) shall not be eligible to submit proposals under Category A or Category B, even if they have been granted Deemed-to-be-University status. The Lead Principal Investigator (PI) and Co-Principal Investigator(s) (Co-PI(s)) should be Indian citizens. PIO/OCI working as regular employees are also eligible to apply, provided they fulfil the eligibility criteria notified. Categories Invited The program is formulated to establish an impact centre of excellence in academic and research institutions with different funding structures with the mandatory co-funding from governmental and non-governmental sources. The program invites proposals in the following categories. Category A-Top 20 NIRF (Overall Ranking)-Top Ranked Academic InstitutionsEligibility: Academic Institutions (Public/Private) that are ranked consistently in the Top 20 NIRF Overall Ranking for the last two years (2024 & 2025) are eligible to apply under Category A. If the ranking has changed during the last two years, the most recent NIRF Overall Ranking (which must be in the Top 20 NIRF Overall) will be considered for eligibility. Category B-Top 70 NIRF (Overall Ranking)-High Ranked Academic InstitutionsEligibility: Academic Institutions (Public/Private) that are ranked consistently in the Top 70 NIRF Overall Ranking for the last two years (2024 & 2025) are eligible to apply under Category B. If the ranking has changed during the last two years, the most recent NIRF Overall Ranking (which must be in the Top 70 NIRF Overall) will be considered.The academic institutions that are eligible can submit only one proposal under either Category A or Category B. Category C-National Research Laboratory ClusterNational research laboratories under organisations/departments such as DST, DBT, CSIR, ICMR, DAE, DRDO, DoS, ICAR, MeitY, MoES, MNRE, and other Central Government research agencies may submit up to three cluster proposals per organisation. Such proposals shall be nominated/endorsed by the Secretary of the concerned Department or the Director General/Chairman/Head of the overall organisation, as applicable. Separate proposals submitted independently by individual laboratories under the same organisation shall not be eligible for consideration. For more details, visit ANRF Impact Centres of Excellence (ACE) Source: ANRF Impact Centres of Excellence (ACE)