Lucknow | January 2026 — Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technical University (AKTU), Lucknow has officially invited research proposals from its affiliated colleges under the ISRO Sponsored Research Programme – ISRO RESPOND Basket 2026. This prestigious national-level initiative by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) aims to strengthen collaboration between Indian academia and the national space programme.
What is ISRO RESPOND Basket 2026?
RESPOND (Sponsored Research Programme) is ISRO’s flagship academic research initiative designed to fund mission-oriented R&D projects in collaboration with Indian universities and research institutions.
🔗 Official ISRO RESPOND Programme Page:
👉 https://www.isro.gov.in/SponsoredResearch.html
The RESPOND Basket 2026 is the sixth edition of this programme and focuses on:
- Prototype development
- Technology Readiness Level (TRL) enhancement
- Problem statements directly sourced from ISRO missions
Why This Opportunity Is Important for AKTU Colleges
According to the official AKTU circular, this programme enables affiliated colleges to:
- Collaborate directly with ISRO scientists
- Receive funded research grants
- Develop advanced prototypes
- Publish high-impact research papers
- Improve NAAC/NIRF research metrics
- Contribute to national and future space missions
AKTU’s Innovation Hub will provide centralized coordination, mentoring, and proposal guidance.
Who Can Apply for ISRO RESPOND Basket 2026?
Eligible applicants include:
- ✔️ Full-time faculty members of recognized institutions
- ✔️ Researchers from autonomous R&D institutions
- ✔️ Interdisciplinary research teams
Eligibility Conditions
- Principal Investigator (PI) must be a full-time employee
- PI age must be below 65 years (including project duration)
- Proposals from unaffiliated individuals will not be considered
Research Areas Covered Under RESPOND Basket 2026
RESPOND Basket 2025 includes research problems from almost every major ISRO centre, including VSSC, SAC, URSC, NRSC, LPSC, IPRC, PRL, IIRS, NESAC, ISTRAC, HSFC, SDSC SHAR, and ISRO Headquarters.
High-Demand Domains
- Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
- Secure AI & Knowledge Systems
- Satellite Communication & Navigation
- Remote Sensing & GIS
- Advanced Materials & Composites
- Propulsion & Cryogenics
- Quantum Computing & Space Electronics
- Human Spaceflight & Space Station Systems
Each listed topic clearly defines:
- Scope of work
- Linkage with ISRO missions
- Expected deliverables
- ISRO scientist as focal point
Important Dates
- Last Date to Apply: 31 January 2026
- Mode: Online submission only
How to Apply for ISRO RESPOND Basket 2026 (Step-by-Step)
🔹 Step 1: Register on ISRO Sponsored Research Portal
Faculty members must submit their proposal through ISRO’s official portal:
👉 https://www.isro.gov.in/SponsoredResearch.html
🔹 Step 2: Mandatory AKTU Innovation Hub Registration
After registering on the ISRO portal, AKTU faculty must also fill the Innovation Hub Google Form for centralized coordination.
👉 AKTU Innovation Hub Google Form:
https://bit.ly/4b5RD15
This step is mandatory to:
- Track AKTU participation
- Provide proposal guidance
- Enable inter-college collaboration
- Represent proposals at university and state levels
Proposal Evaluation Process
All proposals submitted under RESPOND Basket 2026 will be evaluated by ISRO experts based on:
- Novelty and originality
- Technical methodology
- Alignment with ISRO missions
- Experience of the Principal Investigator
- Project duration and budget feasibility
Only mission-relevant, high-quality proposals will receive funding approval.
Official Advisory from AKTU
AKTU has instructed Directors of affiliated institutes to circulate this opportunity widely among faculty members and research scholars and motivate them to apply at the earliest. The university aims to enhance its role in India’s space and deep-tech ecosystem through RESPOND Basket 2025.
also read : AKTU IBM Consulting Hiring 2026: Associate System Engineer Opportunity for Female Students
Final Note
The ISRO RESPOND Basket 2026 is a golden research opportunity for AKTU-affiliated colleges. With direct ISRO mentorship, funded projects, and national-level exposure, this programme can significantly boost both individual research careers and institutional reputation.
Faculty members are advised to start proposal preparation immediately and avoid last-minute submissions.
