The Fund invites tech innovators with connections to
the AI-Data cluster in Karnataka and the Future
Mobility cluster in Maharashtra to submit research and
development proposals for tackling COVID-19 or which
promote a greener planet. At least 12 grants up to
£250,000 are expected to be awarded. The deadline for
submitting two-page concept notes is 31 August and
further details are available on the website.
The initiative builds on the Indian and British Prime
Ministers’ commitment to bring together the best minds
from both countries under the UK-India Tech
Partnership, to deliver high-skilled jobs and economic
growth as well as to collaborate on some of the world’s
biggest challenges.
High Commissioner to India, ,
said:
The UK and India have a strong history of research
and innovation. Both COVID-19 and climate change
demonstrate that the most urgent challenges are
global. Never has there been a greater need for
academia, business and government to accelerate
innovation, and for nations to collaborate to save
lives and build a better future.
Head, UK-India Tech Partnership, British High Commission,
Karen McLuskie, said:
This fund aims to get behind the innovation heroes,
whether they are working to battle the virus or the
even greater looming global threat: climate change.
We are proud to work with India, as twin world
leaders in the development and adoption of emerging
tech for the benefit of all.
In April 2018, the Indian and British Prime Ministers
announced the formal creation of the UK-India Tech
Partnership. The programme aims to bring together the
best minds working in tech to unlock its future
potential and deliver high-skilled jobs and economic
growth in both countries. The key aim is to catalyse
innovation and technology, which will address global
challenges. This is part of the UK Industrial
strategy.
These grants are part of a wider initiative under the
Tech Partnership known as ‘Tech Clusters’. Tech
Clusters will support the development of Indian Tech
Clusters by breaking down barriers to growth, including
building international links. The intent is to
capitalise on regional and sectoral strengths in order
to drive innovation-led inclusive growth.
For more details on Innovation Challenge Fund click
here: AI & Data,
Future Mobility
The UK is playing a major role in the international
response to the pandemic as a force for good. It is a
world leader in science and a major economy and donor,
with expertise in disease outbreaks and vaccine
development. Scientists at Oxford University and
Imperial College London are leading global efforts to
develop a working COVID-19 vaccine.
As the world progresses towards a green recovery from
COVID-19, the UK is committed to ensuring sustainable
energy, disaster resilience and reducing environmental
degradation to prevent the wider challenges of climate
change and loss of biodiversity. The UK will host next
year’s UN climate conference COP26.
