EPOC is the implementation tool of the India-Italy Science and Technology Agreement. The first inter-governmental S&T agreement between the two countries was signed in 1978 and renewed on 28 November 2003. The agreement covers sharing research policy experience, exchange of scientists, industrial research, joint R&D projects and joint workshops.PIB
Under the Science and Technology Agreement, India's Department of Science and Technology and Italy's Ministry of Foreign Affairs support bilateral scientific and technological activities through EPOC.PIB
In November 2026, Dr. Jitendra Singh's meeting with Italy's Minister of University and Research agreed to a joint research call for 2027 in AI, high-performance computing, clean energy and biotechnology, which is a new step under the same framework.PIB
Indo-Italian Executive Programme of Cooperation (EPOC) in Science and Technology: quick facts
- Full form
- Executive Programme of Cooperation (EPOC), signed under the India-Italy Science and Technology Agreement
- Current EPOC period
- 2025-27, signed on 10 April 2025 during the Joint Science and Technology Committee meeting
- Indian implementing body
- Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Italy as the Italian counterpart
Key facts
| Full form | Executive Programme of Cooperation (EPOC), signed under the India-Italy Science and Technology AgreementPIB |
|---|---|
| Current EPOC period | 2025-27, signed on 10 April 2025 during the Joint Science and Technology Committee meetingPIB |
| Indian implementing body | Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Italy as the Italian counterpartPIB |
| Joint funding | 10 proposals for mobility of researchers and 10 proposals for significant research under the 2025-27 EPOCPIB |
| Projects so far | More than 150 joint projects implemented under the programmePIB |
| Parent agreement | India-Italy Science and Technology Agreement, first signed in 1978, renewed 28 November 2003PIB |
| Joint Strategic Action Plan | Joint Strategic Action Plan: 2025-2029, announced by Giorgia Meloni in November 2024PIB |
Key features and how it works
- Under the researcher exchange arrangements, each side pays its eligible researchers' international travel expenses. India provides visiting Italian researchers with guest-house accommodation and an allowance for board and lodging; Italy provides visiting Indian researchers with an allowance for board and lodging.esteri.it
- The programme supports joint research projects. The same project must be submitted by the Indian and Italian principal investigators to their respective administrations, and significant joint projects are evaluated by both parties.esteri.it
- Thematic focus: the 2027 joint call is planned for AI, high-performance computing and big data, clean technologies and hydrogen, and advanced biotechnology including gene therapy, mRNA and biomanufacturing.PIB
Eligibility and rules
Static GK
- Department of Science and Technology (DST): established in May 1971 under the Ministry of Science and Technology, it is a nodal department for organising, coordinating and promoting scientific and technological activities.Wikipedia
- Ministry of Science and Technology (India): the ministry responsible for formulating and administering rules, regulations and laws relating to science and technology.Wikipedia
Comparison
EPOC compared with India's other bilateral S&T programmes
| Basis | India-Italy EPOC | Indo-French CEFIPRA | Indo-US Science and Technology Forum (IUSSTF) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent body | India-Italy S&T Agreement; DST and Italian MoFA | Indo-French Centre for Promotion of Advanced Research | Indo-US Science and Technology Forum |
| Status in the Wikipedia list | EPOC is not a separate body in Wikipedia; it runs under DST | Listed under DST's international bilateral institutions | Listed under DST's international bilateral institutions |
Achievements
Challenges
- A project submitted to only one side is rejected, so simultaneous submission in both countries adds administrative effort for researchers.esteri.it
Way forward
- Handholding for applicants: a single joint submission portal and guidance for first-time researchers would reduce the effort of simultaneous filing.
- Convergence with other programmes: linking EPOC calls with the Strategic Partnership thematic areas and with industry partners would widen the benefit beyond academic institutions.
Timeline
13 November 2026
Dr. Jitendra Singh and Italy's Minister of University and Research agreed to launch a joint research call in 2027 in AI, high-performance computing, clean energy and biotechnology.
Read the story11 April 2025
The first India-Italy Science and Innovation Dialogue was held in New Delhi.PIB
10 April 2025
The Executive Programme of Cooperation for 2025-27 was signed during the Joint Science and Technology Committee meeting.PIB
November 2024
Giorgia Meloni announced the Joint Strategic Action Plan for 2025-2029.PIB
2023
India-Italy relations were elevated to a Strategic Partnership.PIB
28 November 2003
The India-Italy Science and Technology Agreement was renewed.PIB
1978
The first inter-governmental Science and Technology agreement between India and Italy was signed.PIB
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Frequently asked questions
What does EPOC stand for?
Q: What does EPOC stand for? A: EPOC stands for Executive Programme of Cooperation, the India-Italy programme supporting scientific and technological activities under the S&T agreement.PIB
Which Indian body implements EPOC?
The Department of Science and Technology of the Government of India implements EPOC, together with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Italy on the Italian side.PIB
How many projects are funded under the 2025-27 EPOC?
Both sides agreed to jointly fund 10 proposals for mobility of researchers and 10 proposals for significant research.PIB
GS paper mapping
- GS-2India and its bilateral relations; Important international institutions, agreements
- GS-3Science and technology: developments and applications; Indigenisation of technology
- GS-2Government policies and interventions in science and technology
Sources
Every fact on this page was checked against these pages.
