ANRF (erstwhile SERB), DST-INAE Digital Gaming Research Initiative
The ANRF (erstwhile SERB), DST-INAE Online and Digital Gaming Research Initiative was launched at the behest of DST as a unique program to leverage Digital Gaming Research and Industry in India and to achieve self-reliance in advanced Augmented Reality (AR)/Virtual Reality (VR) technologies. The initiative aims to create indigenous gaming platforms for various applications ranging from education to leisure, with the backdrop of Indian Ethos, for desktop and handheld devices. A Letter of Intent (LoI) for SERB – INAE Cooperation on SERB Digital Gaming Research Initiative was digitally signed during March 2022 between President, INAE and Secretary, SERB, for INAE to act as nodal agencies to partner and cooperate in the implementation of SERB-INAE Online and Digital Gaming Research Initiative. This initiative is in line with national priorities and was launched to leverage Digital Gaming Research and promote such an industry in India.
Being a new area of research and development for the country, a pre-conclave and conclave was conducted between Jun – Jul 2022. Domain experts from private and Government establishments were invited to identify areas for “call for proposal” and discuss the subsequent implementation methodology. Accordingly, the following three categories were identified, and the call for proposals was launched in 2022:
- Category I: R&D in Learning, Educational, and Leisure Online Gaming Platforms
- Category II: Immersive Game Prototypes, with a focus on Indian Culture & Values
- Category III: Collaborative Technical Design Process- Creation of SERB Game Labs
A total of 43 proposals were received in response to the call in aforementioned three categories. The Program Management and Advisory Committee (PMAC) was constituted to evaluate, select, and review proposals received in response of the call for proposal. After rigorous selection process, a total of 12 proposals were approved by SERB during August 2023 in Category I and Category II. The projects had since been sanctioned.
Due to withdrawal of one of the projects, a total of 11 projects are currently being progressed.
Each project is monitored biannually through PMAC review meetings, four of which have been conducted to date, with the most recent in-person meeting held on 18 November 2025. During the Review meeting, No-Cost Extensions were recommended by the PMAC to allow project completion by 30 September 2026, enabling adequate time for finalization, consolidation of digital outputs, and dissemination.
