Proposals are being invited under the Grand Challenges Explorations-India (GCE-India) programme that fund exploratory ideas, from the country, which create pathways for drug discovery, vaccine development, advancement in health technologies as well as delivery systems to benefit people from all socio-economic strata.
The Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), the Centre’s Department of Biotechnology (DBT), the IKP Knowledge Park and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation are associated with the programme.
For the first time since the launch, the programme is in its second year, “we have also expanded our focus to include mental health as a key development challenge,” said Renu Swarup, Senior Advisor to DBT and BIRAC Managing Director.
GCE-India is an initiative to identify healthcare innovations that will enable the goal of equitable healthcare. It mirrors the ‘Grand Challenges Explorations’ programme of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to address challenges specific to the Indian healthcare ecosystem, a release said
The programme is designed to address issues such as infectious diseases, maternal and child health, family planning, nutrition and mental health. The awardee will be eligible for an award of Rs.50 lakh followed by a prize of Rs.10 lakh for completing milestones on schedule.
“The Programme Management Unit of BIRAC and IKP Knowledge Park will work with the chosen candidates to provide them technical and business strategy advice,” said Deepanwita Chattopadhyay, Chairman & CEO at IKP Knowledge Park.
The call for proposals is open to anyone from India across any discipline. August 31 is the last date for submission of proposals. For details, visit www.gce-india.org.