**Executive Summary**
This document presents the Government of India's response to Lok Sabha Starred Question No. 216 regarding the establishment of research centers, funding under the Promotion of Research and Innovation in Pharma MedTech Sector (PRIP) scheme, and the number of startups and MSMEs receiving full funding for early-stage research projects. The questions were to be answered on February 13th, 2026. The response states that seven Centers of Excellence (CoEs) have been established at the seven NIPERs and ₹183.46 crore has been released for setting up these centres till 31.1.2026.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Establishment of Centers of Excellence:**
* Seven Centers of Excellence (CoEs) have been established, one at each of the seven National Institutes of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPERs).
* These CoEs were established under Component A of the Promotion of Research & Innovation in MedTech Sector (PRIP) scheme.
* **Funding:**
* A total of ₹183.46 crore has been released for setting up these centers, allocated until January 31, 2026.
* **PRIP Scheme (Component B):**
* 710 research projects were received from industry, start-ups, and MSMEs by the closing date of November 19th, 2025.
* Approval for financial assistance, including full and higher funding, is contingent upon a multi-stage appraisal process.
* Proposals were invited nationwide without any state-wise categorisation.
* The Scheme does not maintain state or district-wise details of research proposals.
**Impact Analysis**
**NIPERs**
* **Impact:**
* Each NIPER now has a Center of Excellence, enhancing their research capabilities.
* **Action Required:**
* Continue to operate and develop the Centers of Excellence using the allocated funding.
**Industry, Start-ups, MSMEs**
* **Impact:**
* Opportunities to receive financial assistance for research projects under the PRIP scheme.
* **Action Required:**
* Undergo the multi-stage appraisal process to determine eligibility for funding.
**Government/Department of Pharmaceuticals**
* **Impact:**
* Successfully implemented the establishment of CoEs and facilitated research funding.
* **Action Required:**
* Continue to manage and oversee the PRIP scheme, including the appraisal process for research projects.
Key Entities Referenced
Promotion of Research & Innovation in MedTech Sector (PRIP) scheme: A scheme to promote research and innovation in the pharma and medtech sector.
National Institutes of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPERs): Educational and research institutes focused on pharmaceutical education and research.
Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers: The government ministry responsible for the chemicals and fertilizers sector.
Odisha: A state in India with districts (Keonjhar, Nabarangpur and Malkangiri) mentioned in the context of research projects.
LOK SABHA: The Lower House of the Parliament of India, where the starred question was raised.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS
DEPARTMENT OF PHARMACEUTICALS
LOK SABHA
STARRED QUESTION NO. 216
TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 13th FEBRURAY, 2026
National Institutes of Pharmaceutical Education and Research
*216. Shri Godam Nagesh:
Shri Khagen Murmu:
Will the Minister of CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS be pleased to state:
(a) whether research centres have been set up in all the seven National Institutes of
Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPERs);
(b) if so, the quantum of funds released so far for setting up the said centres;
(c) the number of research projects that received early in-principle approval under the Promotion
of Research and Innovation in Pharma MedTech Sector (PRIP) scheme between October and
December 2025, State and district-wise including Keonjhar, Nabarangpur and Malkangiri in
Odisha;
(d) the number of priority/special research projects that received higher financial support under
the said scheme by December 2025, State/district-wise including the said districts; and
(e) the number of startups and MSMEs that received full funding for early-stage research projects
under the said scheme, State and district-wise?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER IN THE MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS
(SHRI JAGAT PRAKASH NADDA)
(a) to (e): A statement is laid on the Table of the House.Statement referred to in the reply to LOK SABHA STARRED Q. No. 216 for answer on
13.2.2026, raised by Shri Godam Nagesh, Shri Khagen Murmu regarding “National
Institutes of Pharmaceutical Education and Research”
(a) and (b): Yes Sir. The Department has established seven Centres of Excellence (CoEs), one
each at seven NIPERs, under Component A of the Promotion of Research & Innovation in
MedTech Sector (PRIP) scheme. A total amount of ₹183.46 crore has been released for setting
up these centres till 31.1.2026.
(c) to (e): Under Component B of the PRIP Scheme, a total of 710 research projects, were
received from industry, start-ups and MSMEs by the closing date of 19.11.2025, including
projects in priority areas that are eligible for higher financial support under the PRIP scheme.
Approval for financial assistance under the scheme, including full funding assistance and higher
funding assistance to eligible projects is provided after a multi-stage appraisal process, as
prescribed under the scheme guidelines. Proposals were invited through a nationwide call
without any state-wise categorisation. Consequently, the Scheme does not compile or maintain
State and district-wise details of research proposal from industry, start-ups, MSME or
institutions, including thoses from Odisha.
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