Wild Incubator Research Program

India is home to rich ecosystems and a wide array of endemic wildlife species that face pressures from habitat loss, fragmentation, and human-driven environmental change. The Centre for Wildlife Studies is partnering with VM Salgaocar Corporation Pvt. Ltd. to support organizations working at the intersection of wildlife research, technology, and applied conservation through initiatives that generate solutions for biodiversity protection.

The Wild Incubator Research Program is designed to foster innovative projects that combine strong scientific foundations with meaningful on-ground impact, helping address critical conservation priorities across the Western Ghats, with a special focus on Goa.

Evaluation of Projects

Proposals will be evaluated through a transparent and merit-based selection process based on their eligibility, conservation relevance, scientific rigor, feasibility, objectives, methodology, innovation, scalability, and potential for measurable on-ground impact.

Particular emphasis will be placed on projects addressing critical conservation challenges in the Western Ghats, with a primary focus on Goa, that address some of the following:

1. Applied, solution-oriented research with demonstrable conservation outcomes
2. Endemic species conservation relevance in Western Ghats
3. Habitat protection
4. Wildlife monitoring
5. Species conservation
6. Human–wildlife coexistence
7. Community-based conservation initiatives.

Eligibility Criteria

1. The proposal has to be submitted through an organization. No individual proposals will be entertained.
2. The project cannot be an academic research project (example master’s or doctoral research).
3. The Organization should be a registered non-profit organization/NGO in India.
4. Should have 80G and 12A Registrations.
5. Applicants must be organizations engaged in wildlife research and conservation in India.
6. Applications should align with one or more of the Program focus areas.
7. Proposed projects must address critical conservation challenges in the Western Ghats, with a primary focus on Goa.

Grant Award

Up to three submissions will receive a grant award of Rs 10,00,000 each for a period of one year (FY 2026-27).

Application Deadline: 20th June 2026

For any questions about the program, please write to outreach@cwsindia.org