Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) has announced the selection of PAIR Networks — comprising 18 Hub institutions and 106 partnering Spokes — under its flagship initiative, the Partnerships for Accelerated Innovation and Research (PAIR) Programme.
The network connects universities and colleges with leading research institutions through structured mentorship and collaboration. The PAIR program aims to strengthen India’s higher education and research ecosystem by nurturing innovation, building research capacity and promoting excellence across regions.
The academic community responded enthusiastically to the call, with 30 proposals received from top academic institutions for Hub selection and 166 institutions as potential Spokes. After rigorous evaluation, 18 institutions have been selected as Hubs to lead collaborative research and capacity-building efforts in partnership with 106 Spokes across the country.
The selected institutions have been categorized into two strategic modes to foster deeper research engagement and inclusive growth:
• Category A: 7 Hub institutions with 45 Spokes
• Category B: 11 Hub institutions with 61 Spokes
Rooted in the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the PAIR Programme is a pivotal step in ANRF’s mission to unlock the untapped research potential of India’s academic landscape. By fostering strategic partnerships and mentorship, the initiative is set to transform institutions into centres of innovation, leadership and global relevance.
