Details

The “Entrepreneurship Development by SC & ST Women in Science Technology Engineering Mathematics (ED/SC-ST- WISTEM)” is aimed for exploring the potential of entrepreneurship along with improvement in the livelihood options for unemployed Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (SC & ST) women in Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM) areas using tools of Science, Technology, and Innovation.

Objective:
• Creates opportunities for unemployed SC-ST women in STEM areas to become Techno-entrepreneurs to improve their livelihood using various aspects of Science, Technology, and Innovation.
• Encourage/Promote the commercial potential of marketable products/technologies with appropriate Technology Readiness Level (TRL) for enterprise creation in categories such as Indigenous knowledge, Agriculture, Food/Nutrition/Health, Waste Management, and Electrical/Electronic utility items.

Benefits

• Financial support will be for an amount of ₹20 Lakhs including institutional overheads for a period of one year.
• Grant covers Fellowship: ₹35,000/- pm + 10% HRA (M.Sc/M.Tech); ₹45,000/- pm + HRA (Ph.D.).
• Capital Cost ≤ 25% of project cost; Operational Cost ≤ 30%; Contingency/Overhead ≤ 10% (max ₹1 Lakh).
• Release Phase 1: Full Capital Cost, 6 months fellowship, 50% Operational/Overhead costs.
• Release Phase 2: 30% of grant after 6 months evaluation.
• Release Phase 3: Remaining 20% and remaining overhead after successful completion.
• Maximum grants awarded per year: 3 – 5.

Note: Extension is not encouraged; limited rare cases may get a 6-month no-cost extension.

Eligibility

• Applicant must be an Indian citizen and SC/ST woman in STEM areas of Kerala State.
• Upper age limit for financial support: ≥50 years (minimum/threshold as specified).
• Must hold Ph.D. in Science/Tech/Engineering or M.Sc/M.Tech.
• Identify host institution and mentor. Application can be direct or by nomination from Head of S&T Institutions.
• Host institutions: Academic Institutions, Universities, Colleges with R&D, DSIR-recognized institutions in Kerala.
• Mentor should be regular faculty.
• Selected applicants should join within 15 days of receiving the grant.

Application Process

Online

Step 01: Notification via print media and KSCSTE website (www.kscste.kerala.gov.in).
Step 02: Submit via web links provided on the website during the call period.
Step 03: Proposals can be submitted directly or through nomination. For nominations, technical documents and recommendation letters from the Head of Institution are required.
Step 04: Selection based on Expert Committee recommendations. Criteria includes Need, Social/commercial potential, Technical viability, Team strength, Business plan, and TRL.

Contact Details: meetwomen.kscste@gmail.com

Documents Required

• Identity proof
• Technical Document (Max 3-4 pages)
• Biodata of the applicant
• Endorsement Letter from Head of Institution
• Consent Letter from Mentor and Co-Mentor
• Undertaking of Project Scientist (after joining)
• Age proof (Class X mark sheet/birth certificate)
• SC/ST Certificate from Tahsildar
• Letter from Head of Institution (for nominations)