USD 2 million for Innovation under IIGP

Vijayawada, February 19th, 2019: The 2019 edition of the India Innovation Growth Programme (IIGP) 2.0 - aimed at developing entrepreneurship in India, announced investment of USD 2 million in social and industrial innovations.

Established by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, Lockheed Martin Corporation & Tata Trusts, the India Innovation Growth Programme 2.0 was launched in 2017.

Aimed at accelerating indigenous innovations through incubation of affordable, accessible and acceptable solutions, the programme offers an opportunity for innovators across India to bring breakthrough ideas to market in areas such as technology, artificial intelligence, robotics, healthcare, water, energy, life sciences, civic issues, infrastructure, biotechnology, communications including automotive, enterprise and space technology.

The programme is inviting entries across India from the above sectors. The last date to apply to the Open Innovation Challenge and to the University Challenge April 21st, 2019. Applicants can log on to www.indiainnovates.in to know more and to apply for the challenge.
The IIGP 2.0 is the only public-private partnership of its kind in India and spawns potential successes by training innovators in world-class strategies, promoting incubation and acceleration support, and assisting in business development.

Speaking at the occasion, Dr. Anita Gupta , Adviser and Associate ‎Programme Head of Innovation, Entrepreneurship, Department Science & Technology, Government of India, said, 'With the government's commitment towards building a young start-up nation, India is rightly poised to drive the next entrepreneurship wave. To ensure success, a conducive ecosystem is needed that not only nurtures creativity and innovation but also provides market opportunities to the new genre of entrepreneurs. India Innovation Growth Programme (IIGP)2.0 with the support of Department of Science and Technology, Govt. of India , Lockheed Martin and Tata Trusts is one of its kind collaborative initiative in the country that provides the much needed handholding , business development and funding support to budding start-ups.'
Phil Shaw, Chief Executive, Lockheed Martin India, added, 'For over 12 years, Lockheed Martin has supported the drive for innovation in India, and celebrated the courage of those who pursue calculated risks and turn ideas into action. We are delighted to see the IIGP continue to grow and empower communities across India. We are as committed today, as we were at the start of this programme, to contribute to the development of a sustainable innovation ecosystem that reinforces the national vision of 'Make in India'.

Manoj Kumar, Head ' Entrepreneurship and Innovations, Tata Trusts, added, At Tata Trusts we believe that science and technology innovations have the potential to solve some of the most complex social, economic and environmental problems and benefit the underserved communities. Initiatives like IIGP open up multiple opportunities for entrepreneurs to translate their innovations into high impact solutions. We are proud to be a part of this unique tripartite between the government, private sector and philanthropy and hope that this platform will continue to foster the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship, leading to significant improvement in the quality of life for the millions.

The IIGP has two separate tracks. A University Challenge, aimed at students, is complemented by an Open Innovation Challenge, aimed at innovators and entrepreneurs across the country. IIGP holds parallel challenges each year, supporting innovations through the phases of Ideation and Innovation.

IIGP 2.0 is implemented by several supporting partners; Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Indo-US Science and Technology Forum, Center for Innovation Incubation and Entrepreneurship at IIM Ahmedabad, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay.
The 2018 edition of IIGP 2.0 saw social and industrial entrepreneurs winning funding for their innovative ideas. Under the social innovation category products such as affordable mastectomy kit, unique radiation dryer for rice harvesting, low cost poll assessment solution to learning outcomes, handheld devices for visually impaired, device for self - screening for cervical cancer, micro-surgery and robotic system for cleaning sewers and manholes received funding. Under the industrial innovation, the solutions that won ranged from underwater acoustic modem, battery to decentralised electricity for greater access, AI powered visual communication tool for trainings, underwater assessment of infrastructure, plug and play education tool, green propulsion technology for low thrust applications and robot to automate human machine interface testing.

About Department of Science and Technology (DST)

Department of Science and Technology (DST) plays a pioneering role in driving the Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) development across various domains all over the country. DST has a multipronged approach and multifarious initiatives and activities, spanning from funding high-end basic and cutting edge research and technology development of excellence, to translation of innovation and scientific outputs to market through incubators and startup promotion. DST also focuses on inclusive growth and empowerment of society by deploying appropriate technologies of societal relevance. DST has established nearly 135 technology business incubators at Institutions of excellence including IITs, IIMs, NITs, and leading private universities. DST has recently rolled out a new umbrella initiative NIDHI i.e. National Initiative for Developing and Harnessing Innovations under Prime Minister's National Initiative of Startup India to facilitate conversion of innovative ideas to startups. DST is actively involved in transforming the Indian innovation landscape by engaging new models of Public- Private Partnerships with leading MNCs i.e. Intel, Bennett Coleman and Co, Boeing, Lockheed Martin Corp, Texas Instruments, Tatas among others.
Social Media: Twitter: @IndiaDST Facebook: Department of Science and Technology

About Lockheed Martin

Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 105,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services.
Social media: Twitter: @LMIndiaNews @LockheedMartin

About Tata Trusts

Since inception in 1892, Tata Trusts, India's oldest philanthropy, has played a pioneering role in bringing about an enduring difference in the lives of the communities it serves. Guided by the principles and the vision of proactive philanthropy of its Founder, Jamsetji Tata, the Trusts' purpose is to catalyse development in the areas of healthcare and nutrition, water and sanitation, education, energy, rural upliftment, urban poverty alleviation, and arts, craft and culture. Tata Trusts' programmes, achieved through direct implementation, partnerships and grant making, are marked by innovations, relevant to the country. For more information please visit http://www.tatatrusts.org