The governments of the United States of America (through the Department of State) and India (through the Department of Science & Technology) have incorporated the United States- India Science & Technology Endowment Fund for promotion of joint activities which would lead to innovation and techno-preneurship through the application of science and technology.
The main aim of the Fund is to support and foster joint applied R&D to generate public good through commercialization of technology achieved through sustained partnerships between US and Indian researchers and entrepreneurs.
The objective is to select and support a grant program financially promising joint US-India entrepreneurial initiatives. These initiatives can originate from government, academic, non-governmental or commercial entities, and any combination thereof offered which focus on applied R&D, integrate a business plan and proof of commercial concept along with important sustainable commercial potential.
PRIORITY AREAS Healthy individual: Affordable biomedical devices, diagnostic / preventive / curative measures, or food and nutrition products to improve health. (Drug development and clinical trials are not eligible activities in this category).
Empowering citizens: Reducing the digital/technology divide. This could include information and communication technologies along with societal impact in areas such as water, financial inclusion, agriculture along with education. ELIGIBILITY Proposals must include a minimum of one partner from each country. Bi-national teams applying to the Endowment will work together to commercialize technologies for societal impact.
The Bi-national teams can include:
- Start-up companies; or
- Incorporated companies; or
- Non-incorporated entities with strong intent to commercialize the technology; or
- Individuals or consortia from academia, government laboratories, non-government R&D institutions
The program will be coordinated and administered through the bi-national Indo-US Science & Technology Forum (IUSSTF).
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