The Department assists three Research Institutions through Plan, Non-Plan and Cess Grants, namely, the National Council for Cement and Building Materials (NCCBM); Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) and Indian Rubber Manufacturers Research Association (IRMRA). These Research Institutions provide scientific, technological and industrial services support through R&D efforts to industry. They also undertake sponsored R&D projects in the developmental areas.
The National Productivity Council (NPC) undertakes scientific research activities related to productivity and the National Institute of Design (NID) conducts research/training in industrial designs, textile and apparel design and communication designs. The Quality Council of India (QCI) has been established as an autonomous organization to promote quality and standards and to conduct an annual quality campaign in the country in order to build up the competitive advantage of firms.