Membership
Help your leadership reach the furthest edges of India, through independent research that shapes the country's next quarter century.
We conduct original research in energy systems, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and robotics. Every output is published openly. Membership is how we sustain this work without compromising its independence.
Overview and Benefits
Members gain early and exclusive access to SARAL's research publications and datasets before public release, together with intellectual access to a network of researchers, domain experts, and leaders working across the Council's four pillars: energy systems, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and robotics.
Membership includes invitations to members-only briefings, research seminars, and roundtable discussions, as well as reserved seats at SARAL Academy programmes. Founding members are recognised permanently in all SARAL publications and play a direct role in shaping the research agenda during the institution's formative years.
We are now assembling our founding cohort: a small group of organisations and individuals who will help shape the institution from its inception. Published research from our founding programme is available in the archive.
Founding Cohort
Applications reviewed on a rolling basis
Research Domains
Corporate Membership
Corporate membership is available at three levels during the founding year. All corporate memberships are CSR-eligible under Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013 (Schedule VII: scientific research, technology development, and education).
Founding Circle
Limited to ten organisations
Founding Circle members hold a permanent seat on the SARAL Research Advisory Council, co-define the research agenda across all four domains, and receive co-authorship rights on commissioned research. They are named permanently as Founding Patrons in every SARAL publication. Applications are reviewed by the research leadership.
Includes: priority pre-release access to all publications, 10 seats at SARAL Academy programmes annually, direct line to the research leadership, and a founding role in the annual SARAL Conclave (launching 2027).
Strategic Partner
Founding year
For enterprises, utilities, and GCCs that see the opportunity in joining an institution that will shape India's deep-tech discourse for decades to come.
Includes: early access to all publications, quarterly research briefings, 5 seats at SARAL Academy programmes annually, logo placement as a Founding Strategic Partner, and invitation to the inaugural SARAL Conclave.
Institutional Ally
For organisations ready to support the mission and stay connected to SARAL's growing body of research.
Includes: all publications on release, biannual research digests, and 2 seats at SARAL Academy programmes annually.
CSR Eligibility
Section 8 company under the Companies Act, 2013. Eligible under Schedule VII (ix): scientific research and technology development.
Audited financials and impact reports provided annually to all corporate members.
Individual Membership
Individual membership is open to professionals, academics, researchers, and engaged citizens.
Fellow
INR 50,000 per annum
For senior professionals, academics, and domain experts. Fellows receive all publications on release, invitations to research seminars and roundtables, one seat at any SARAL Academy programme annually, listing in the inaugural Fellows Directory, and a quarterly research newsletter with unpublished analysis.
Associate
INR 10,000 per annum
For early-career researchers, engineers, students, and engaged citizens who believe in the power of independent Indian research. Associates receive all publications on release, a quarterly newsletter, priority registration for SARAL events, and discounted rates at Academy programmes.
SARAL Academy
Intensive programmes at the intersection of deep-tech research and practical application. Fellows receive one reserved seat annually; Associates receive discounted rates.
Learn more about the AcademyMembership Information
What does SARAL publish, and how often?+
SARAL publishes DOI-registered working papers, technical papers, and journal articles across its four research domains: energy systems, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and robotics. We also maintain versioned infrastructure datasets through the India Energy Infrastructure Atlas. Publications are ongoing; members receive all outputs before public release. The full archive is available at saralsystems.co/archive.
What is the difference between corporate and individual membership?+
Corporate membership is designed for organisations such as enterprises, utilities, GCCs, and institutions. It includes multiple seats at Academy programmes, research briefings tailored to the organisation's domains of interest, and (for Founding Circle members) a governance role on the Research Advisory Council. Individual membership is for professionals, academics, and researchers who want personal access to SARAL's publications, seminars, and network. Both receive all research outputs on release.
Is corporate membership eligible for CSR expenditure?+
Yes. SARAL Systems Council is a registered Section 8 non-profit under the Companies Act, 2013. Corporate memberships qualify as CSR expenditure under Schedule VII (ix), specifically scientific research, technology development, and education. Audited financials and impact reports are provided annually to all corporate members.
What does "founding member" recognition mean in practice?+
Founding members are acknowledged permanently, by name or logo, in every SARAL publication, research report, and annual review, regardless of whether they continue their membership beyond the founding period. This recognition is institutional and perpetual: it records who helped build the institution during its first year of operation.
How are Founding Circle applications reviewed?+
Founding Circle membership is limited to ten organisations. Applications are reviewed by the research leadership based on alignment with SARAL's mission, the organisation's domain relevance across energy, AI, quantum computing, or robotics, and the potential for substantive research collaboration. This is not a donation programme. Founding Circle members are expected to engage actively with the research agenda.
What is the SARAL Academy, and how do members access it?+
SARAL Academy offers intensive programmes at the intersection of deep-tech research and practical application, from quantum computing for grid engineers to AI-enabled high-voltage operations. Programmes are taught by active SARAL researchers. Corporate members receive reserved seats annually (the number depends on membership tier). Individual Fellows receive one seat per year; Associates receive discounted rates.
What is the SARAL Conclave?+
The Conclave is an annual closed-door convening of SARAL members, bringing together researchers, industry leaders, policymakers, and technologists. Planned to launch in 2027, it will follow Chatham House rules, with every session anchored in original SARAL research. Founding Circle and Strategic Partner members will co-design the inaugural format, agenda, and guest list.
Can non-Indian citizens and international organisations join?+
Yes. SARAL's research is India-focused but its membership is open to organisations and individuals worldwide. International members receive the same access to publications, datasets, briefings, and Academy programmes. Corporate membership CSR eligibility applies under Indian tax law; international organisations should consult their own tax advisors.
How is SARAL different from a consultancy or a think tank that serves an agenda?+
SARAL is structured as a non-profit with no shareholders, no foreign institutional dependency, and no client relationships that influence research direction. All research is published openly and belongs to the public record. Members fund the institution's independence; they do not commission conclusions. This structure is modelled on institutions like RAND and Fraunhofer, adapted for India's specific context.
How do I apply?+
Contact membership@saralsystems.co for corporate enquiries or sc@saralsystems.co for individual membership. You may also call +91 911 911 45 27.
Compliance
SARAL Systems Council is a registered Section 8 non-profit company under the Companies Act, 2013. Corporate memberships qualify as CSR expenditure under Schedule VII (ix): scientific research, technology development, and education. Audited financials and impact reports are provided annually to all members.
Published Work
DOI-registered working papers, technical papers, and datasets across all four research domains.
Browse the archive"Every serious technology nation built an independent research institution to inform its deepest decisions. India's moment is now."
Dr. Sayonsom Chanda
Founder & Director of Research
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