SGCCI Trust Opens ₹3 Lakh PhD Fellowship Window for South Gujarat Researchers

Surat | Gujarat — In a major push to strengthen research and innovation in South Gujarat, the Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI) Golden Jubilee Memorial Trust has announced a prestigious doctoral fellowship programme aimed at supporting talented yet financially needy PhD scholars across the region.

Under the initiative, selected research scholars pursuing doctoral studies will receive financial assistance of ₹3 lakh over three years to support their academic and research work. The announcement is being seen as a significant opportunity for young researchers at a time when advanced scientific and industrial research is becoming increasingly critical for India’s innovation economy.

The fellowship programme will benefit students pursuing PhD studies in fields such as Pure Science, Biotechnology, Information Technology, Pharma, Engineering and Management Sciences. Eligible candidates must be officially registered with recognised government or private universities located in Surat, Navsari, Valsad, Dang, Bharuch and Tapi districts.

Announcing the initiative, Nikhil Madrasi said the trust has already successfully supported deserving researchers in the past. “Earlier, scholarships were awarded to Bhavyesh N. Desai from SVNIT and Aniket H. Sawant from Uka Tarsadia University. Through this initiative, we aim to encourage talented youth to pursue advanced research without financial barriers,” he said.

The SGCCI said the fellowship programme has been designed not only to promote academic excellence but also to create stronger industry-academia collaboration in South Gujarat’s rapidly growing industrial ecosystem.

Rajnikant Marfatia, who is also a former president of the Chamber, said the special doctoral fellowship initiative was launched in 2025 to bridge the gap between industry and research institutions.

“Leading industrial groups are now directly supporting researchers whose work can contribute to innovation, sustainability and industrial development. This initiative creates a powerful synergy between academia and industry,” Marfatia said.

Several prominent industrial houses, including Rajhans Group, Colortex, Aether Industries, Anupam Rasayan and Enviro Control Associates, have partnered with the trust to sponsor doctoral fellowships for deserving scholars.

Education experts believe the initiative could become a game-changer for South Gujarat, which has emerged as a major hub for chemicals, pharmaceuticals, textiles, engineering and technology industries. Many research scholars often struggle with funding constraints during doctoral studies, forcing them to abandon or delay research projects.

By providing direct financial support and industrial backing, the SGCCI fellowship programme is expected to encourage more students to pursue high-impact research while helping industries access innovative solutions and skilled talent.

The SGCCI has appealed to eligible PhD researchers across South Gujarat to submit their applications on time at the SGCCI Golden Jubilee Memorial Trust office in Sarsana, Surat, and take advantage of what it described as a “golden opportunity” for academic and professional growth.