Shillong, Feb 12: The State Council of Science, Technology and Environment (SCSTE), Meghalaya, has invited applications for short-term projects aimed at delivering measurable socio-economic benefits across the State.
The call for proposals, announced by the Office of the Deputy Commissioner of Ri Bhoi district, seeks submissions under the theme “Science and Technology for Socio-Economic Benefit in Meghalaya”. The initiative aims to promote practical solutions to local challenges through the application of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
SCSTE, an autonomous body under the Planning, Investment Promotion and Sustainable Development Department of the Meghalaya government, is encouraging six-month projects that demonstrate clear community-level impact. The focus is on innovation that leads to tangible outcomes rather than purely theoretical research.
Funding support has been categorised based on eligibility. School students may receive up to ₹20,000, college students up to ₹1.5 lakh, research scholars up to ₹2 lakh, and applicants under the open category up to ₹1 lakh. The open category includes unemployed youth, grassroots innovators, NGOs, registered societies, retired academicians or government employees, and other residents of Meghalaya with viable proposals.
Eligible participants include school and college students at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, M.Phil. and PhD scholars, and individual citizens proposing workable projects. Applicants must outline clear objectives, implementation plans and measurable socio-economic outcomes in their submissions.
Priority sectors include agriculture and life sciences, environmental science and engineering, health and biomedical innovation, digital technology, infrastructure development, validation of traditional knowledge, STEM-based livelihood initiatives, disaster communication systems and ecological restoration. Interdisciplinary proposals addressing local issues will also be considered.
The last date for submission of proposals is March 16, 2026. Applications may be submitted online through the official SCSTE website or offline at its office in Shillong. Proposals will undergo a two-stage evaluation process, beginning with screening by an expert committee followed by a presentation and final assessment. Approved projects will receive funding in two instalments, subject to satisfactory progress.
