Call for Applications - Partnership for Small and Medium Enterprises (PSME) Development

Recognizing the pivotal role of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) as catalysts for innovation and entrepreneurship, the National Science Foundation (NSF) has launched a dedicated initiative to address the research and development needs of industry, with particular emphasis on empowering the SME sector. Through this programme, NSF aims to provide targeted support, expert guidance, and strategic resources to foster innovation-led growth.

The primary objectives of this programme are to:

1. Encourage high-quality research that enhances the development and global competitiveness of industries, particularly SMEs in Sri Lanka.
2. Strengthen the research and innovation capacity of industrial sectors.
3. Support research projects that offer practical, sustainable solutions to critical challenges faced by industry.
4. Promote dynamic collaboration among academia, industry, and other key stakeholders in alignment with the triple helix model.

Researchers and innovators focused on addressing research needs of industries with special emphasis on Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in public and private sector.

An industry partner capable of implementing the project outputs and providing a substantial financial or in-kind contribution to the research project

Please note that the grants will be awarded based on the availability of funds. Application forms, guidelines and other relevant information could be downloaded from the "Download" section. NSF decision pertaining to outcome of processing of applications will be the final and not open for further discussion

Please e-mail your application (MS Word and PDF formats) to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. on or before 3.00 p.m. 28-08-2025. The original hard copy will be requested if needed during the evaluation process. Please indicate the name of the scheme applied as the subject of the e-mail

“Late, incomplete and inaccurate applications will not be processed”

• Application and the Guidelines (doc, 140kb)
• Advertisement (pdf, 682kb)