ANRF MAHA Water Program 2026 | Call for Pre-Proposals Announced
Overview
About the Program
The MAHA Water Program is a mission-driven research initiative focused on developing innovative technologies, scientific solutions, and scalable interventions for water resource management, water quality improvement, climate resilience, and efficient water utilization across India. The program encourages collaboration among academic institutions, research organizations, startups, MSMEs, industries, and government agencies.
Program Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Program Name | ANRF MAHA Water Program 2026 |
| Organizing Agency | Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) |
| Collaborating Ministry | Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India |
| Program Type | Research Grant Program |
| Proposal Mode | Online |
| Funding Support | Up to ₹20 Crore per Project |
| Project Duration | 3 Years (Extendable up to 5 Years) |
| Consortium Requirement | Multidisciplinary Consortia Encouraged |
| Industry/MSME/Startup Contribution | Minimum 10% (Cash/Kind) |
| Technology Readiness Support | TRL-2 to TRL-6 |
| Application Window | 1 June 2026 – 10 July 2026 |
Focus Areas
The program invites research proposals under the following thematic areas:
1. Water Resource Assessment & Sustainable Management
- Hydrogeological mapping
- Groundwater assessment
- Aquifer recharge technologies
- Surface and groundwater integration
- Water forecasting systems
2. Drinking Water
- Affordable potable water solutions
- Rural and urban water supply innovations
- Water treatment technologies
3. Water Quality, Human & Ecological Health
- Water quality monitoring
- Water-food-energy nexus
- Ecological sustainability
- Community-led water innovations
4. Water Use Efficiency & Circular Economy
- Water reuse and recycling
- Greywater management
- Agricultural water efficiency
- Industrial water conservation
5. Climate Resilience & Adaptation
- Climate change impact on water resources
- AI/ML-based water management systems
- Environmental monitoring and surveillance
- Disaster resilience strategies
Funding & Support
Key Benefits
- Funding support up to ₹20 Crore per project
- Support for technology development from TRL-2 to TRL-6
- Multi-institutional and multidisciplinary collaboration opportunities
- Industry and startup participation encouraged
- Potential for large-scale deployment and commercialization
Eligibility
Applicants should:
- Hold a regular position in a recognized institution.
- Possess a Ph.D. in Science, Engineering, Mathematics, Environmental Sciences, Social Sciences, or related disciplines.
- Submit proposals through a consortium model led by a Principal Investigator (PI).
- Ensure only one proposal is submitted by a Lead PI during the call period.
Selection Process
The program follows a two-stage evaluation process:
Stage 1: Pre-Proposal Submission
Applicants must submit a detailed pre-proposal through the ANRF portal.
Stage 2: Full Proposal Submission
Only shortlisted pre-proposals will be invited for full proposal submission and further evaluation by the Mission Technical Advisory Committee (MTAC).
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Opening of Pre-Proposal Submission | 1 June 2026 |
| Last Date for Submission | 10 July 2026 (5:00 PM) |
| Full Proposal Invitation | For Shortlisted Applicants Only |
Why Apply?
- Secure funding of up to ₹20 Crore for high-impact research.
- Collaborate with leading institutions, startups, MSMEs, and industry partners.
- Develop scalable solutions for India's water security challenges.
- Contribute to sustainable development and climate resilience.
- Access national-level support for technology translation and deployment.
How to Apply
Interested researchers and institutions can submit their pre-proposals online through the official ANRF portal during the application window.
Program Information : MAHA Water Program Details
Streams
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