HPU Secures ₹10.23 Crore Grant in Collaboration with IIT Ropar

Himachal Pradesh University (HPU) has been awarded a grant of ₹10.23 crore under the Accelerate Vigyan–Partnership for Accelerated Innovation and Research (PAIR) program of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF).

Vice-Chancellor Professor Mahavir Singh announced that the university has partnered with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Ropar for this initiative. IIT Ropar is serving as the hub institution, while HPU and other participating institutions are functioning as spokes. The joint proposal, titled Dynamic Research Ecosystem for Advanced Materials (DREAMS), was submitted to ANRF in December 2024 under the thematic area of Advanced Materials.

Explaining the program, Prof. Singh noted that PAIR provides up to ₹100 crore in funding to hub-and-spoke institutions in a 30:70 ratio. The scheme is designed to strengthen research capacity in institutions where research activity is still at a nascent stage but holds strong potential. By linking such institutions with established research leaders, PAIR aims to accelerate growth through structured mentoring.

Elaborating on the model, he said the hub-and-spoke framework works on a “pull-and-push” approach. The hub integrates the skills and capabilities of the spokes to advance research while simultaneously fostering scientific excellence and resource sharing for rapid progress. “This framework not only bridges institutional gaps but also acts as a catalyst for transformative research,” he added.

Calling the grant a “game-changer” for HPU, Prof. Singh said it would significantly strengthen the university’s research ecosystem, enhance its ranking, and improve recognition. He congratulated the project team for securing this major funding and described it as a pivotal milestone in HPU’s journey toward research excellence.