The department of biotechnology (DBT), ministry of science and technology, government of India has instituted "Tata Innovation Fellowship", a highly competitive scheme, to recognize and reward scientists with outstanding track record in biological sciences and a deep commitment to find innovative solutions to major problems in health care, agriculture and other areas related to life sciences and biotechnology.

The fellowship is open to Indian nationals residing in India who are below the age of 55 years as on 21st November, 2013. The applicant should possess a Ph.D degree in life sciences, agriculture, veterinary science or a master's degree in medical sciences, engineering or an equivalent degree in biotechnology related areas. The applicant must have put in several years of work in the specific area.

The candidate must have a regular position in a university, institute or organization and should be engaged in research and development. If he/she is availing any other fellowship, he/she will have to opt for only one of the fellowships. The applicant should have spent at least five years in India before applying for the fellowship.

The amount of the fellowship is Rs 25,000 per month in addition to regular salary from the host institute. If an awardee is receiving salary from international organization, he will be entitled for research grant i.e. contingency only. In addition, each fellow will receive a contingency grant of Rs 6 lakh per annum for meeting the expenses on consumables, equipment, international and domestic travel, manpower and other contingent expenditure to be incurred in connection with the implementation of ongoing research project under the fellowship.

The Tata Innovation Fellows would be eligible for other regular research grant(s) through extramural and other research schemes of various science and technology agencies of the government of India. The candidate will continue to work at the place of his/her employment.The Institution where the candidate is working would provide the necessary infrastructure and administrative support for pursuing the research under this fellowship.

Number of fellowships has been kept five per year. The duration of the fellowship will be initially for three years, extendable further by two years on a fresh appraisal.