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Business & Entrepreneurship; Women and Child

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 SC & ST women in Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM) areas using tools of Science, Technology & Innovation.

Authority

State

Region

Kerala

Status

Verified 2026

Updated

March 2026

What you get

- Financial support will be for an amount of ₹20 Lakhs including institutional overheads for a period of one year. | - The grant will cover Fellowship @ ₹35,000/- per month + 10% HRA (for M.Sc & M.Tech); ₹45,000/- per month + HRA (for Ph.D.); Capital Cost ≤ 25% of project cost (which includes minor equipment, infrastructure, rent ); Operational Cost ≤ 30% of project cost (consumables & outsource Services cost); contingency ≤ apart from institutional overhead (≤10%- subject to a maximum of ₹1.00 Lakh only). | - In the first phase, Full Capital Cost, six months of the fellowship, 50% Operational Cost and 50% of Institutional overhead will be released to the host institution at the time of implementation of programme as soon as the start of programme is intimated to KSCSTE by the host institution. | - In the second phase, 30% of the grant will be released (without institutional overhead), after 6 months of evaluation of the programme. | - In the third phase, the remaining 20% of the grant and 50% of institutional overhead will be released after the successful completion of programme and submission of relevant documents to KSCSTE including onsite evaluation. | - The institutional overhead (10% of project cost) is subject to a maximum of ₹1.00 Lakh only. | - Maximum number of grants awarded per year would be 3 - 5 across all subject areas. | Note: After a period of one year, the extension of programme period is not encouraged. Only in rare and exceptional cases, depending on the necessity and progress of programme, no-cost extension will be considered. Such a period of extension will be limited to a maximum of six months.

Who can apply

The applicant should be an Indian citizen and SC & ST woman in the Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM) areas of Kerala State.; The upper age limit for financial support for the programme would be ≥50 years.; The applicant should hold a Ph.D. degree in Science or Technology or Engineering; or M.Sc. degree in Basic Science/Natural Science; or an M.Tech degree in Science/Technology /Engineering.; The applicant should initially identify the Institution and mentor. Alternatively, the application submission could be by nomination from the Head of S&T Institutions across Kerala.; The host institutions can be Academic Institutions (Central and state), University Departments, Colleges recognized with R&D facilities, DSIR-recognized institutions in Kerala, or Institutions with appropriate R&D facilities. The mentor should be a regular faculty of the host institute.; The application form along with required documents should be submitted in PDF format during the call opening period.; Co-mentorship for the program is encouraged. The Co-mentor of the host institution or other Organization must have an experience in enterprise creation.; The applicant selected for the programme should join the host institute within 15 days of receiving the initial grant from KSCSTE.

Required Paperwork

  • Aadhaar Card
  • PAN Card
  • Income Certificate
  • Residence Proof (Domicile)

Common Questions

What is the aim of the programme?

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.

What is the objective of the programme?

The objective of the programme is to create 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. Also to encourage/promote the commercial potential of marketable products/technologies with appropriate Technology Readiness Level (TRL) for enterprise.

Which is the implementing agency of this programme?

Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE)

Who is eligible to apply under the programme?

The applicant should be an Indian citizen and SC & ST woman in the Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM) areas of Kerala State eligible to apply under the programme.

Is this programme only for the residents of Kerala State?

Yes, the applicant should be a Permanent Resident of Kerala.

What is the upper limit for the applicant to avail of the financial support under the programme?

The upper age limit for financial support for the programme would be [?]50 years.

What is the qualification required to apply for the programme?

The applicant should hold a Ph.D. degree in Science or Technology or Engineering; or M.Sc. degree in Basic Science/Natural Science; or an M.Tech degree in Science/Technology /Engineering.

How much will the monthly fellowship be given to the eligible applicant?

Monthly fellowship @ [?]35,000/- + 10% HRA (for M.Sc & M.Tech) and [?]45,000/- + HRA (for Ph.D.).

How many numbers of grants will be awarded per year under the programme?

Maximum number of grants awarded per year would be 3 - 5 across all subject areas.

For how many years will the financial support be provided to the selected candidates?

Financial Support will be for a period of one year.

How will the candidate be selected under the programme?

Selection will be based on the recommendations of Expert Committee constituted for the purpose by KSCSTE and final approval by competent authorities of KSCSTE.

How can an applicant apply for the programme?

The call for applications will be notified through print media and the websites of KSCSTE (www.kscste.kerala.gov.in). The application should be submitted as per KSCSTE notification using appropriate web links.

Where can an applicant contact regarding this programme?

The applicant can contact via email @ meetwomen.kscste@gmail.com