UK launches Rs 29 crore fund to support scientists in India

New Delhi, Aug 17 (IANS) The UK government on Monday launched a 3 million pounds (approximately Rs 29.4 crore) innovation challenge fund to support scientists in academia and industry to tackle Covid-19 and the threat to our environment.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.The Indian and British Prime Ministers announced the formal creation of the UK-India Tech Partnership in April 2018."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," Karen McLuskie, Head, UK-India Tech Partnership, British High Commission, said in a statement."We are proud to work with India, as twin world leaders in the development and adoption of emerging tech for the benefit of all."These grants are part of a wider initiative under the Tech Partnership known as "Tech Clusters"The 3-million pounds fund invites tech innovators with connections to the Artificial Intelligence-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 pounds are expected to be awarded, said the British High Commission, New Delhi.Applicants are required to submit bids as an academia-industry consortium, ideally with an international member.The deadline for submitting two-page concept notes is August 31."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," said Philip Barton, High Commissioner to India."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," Barton added.
--IANS gb/na