India Innovation Growth Programme (IIGP 2.0) announced investment of USD 2 million in social and industrial innovations

Pune, February 19, 2019: The 2019 edition of the India Innovation Growth Programme 2.0 - aimed at developing entrepreneurship in India was launched in Guwahati today. 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.

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 Trust 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.