India and the US have jointly launched a call for proposals on “Critical and Emerging Technology: Quantum Technologies and Artificial Intelligence for Transforming Lives.” The Indo-US Science and Technology Forum (IUSSTF) and the Secretariat for United States–India Science & Technology Endowment Fund (USISTEF) have designed the program.
Jennifer M. Granholm, US Secretary, Department of Energy, and Dr Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State for Science and Technology, discussed bilateral collaboration between the two countries. The meeting assumes special significance as it comes close on the heels of PMrime Minister Narendra Modi’s US visit. Granholm was accompanied by a high-level American delegation.
Singh said, “Through this competitive grant program, the USISTEF selects and supports promising joint US-India technology innovation and entrepreneurial initiatives that are commercially viable and socially relevant. These joint initiatives can originate from US and Indian entities including startups, government, academic, or commercial endeavours, and any combination thereof provided they focus on applied R&D, incorporate a business plan and proof of commercial concept, and have significant sustainable commercial potential.”
Further, Singh pointed out that the engagement has charted a technology partnership for the future with a new direction and a new energy in the AI (America – India) relation in the AI (artificial intelligence) era. He added that investments in AI and quantum technology would lead to transformative advances in everyday lives and greatly benefit social well-being by impacting healthcare, agriculture, climate change and more. He welcomed the transformative potential of the endowment fund.
The call will remain open till August 31, 2023 and will invite promising joint Indo-US technology innovation and entrepreneurial proposals that are commercially viable and socially relevant. It will provide a significant boost to the domestic as well as the US priorities looking at various facets of UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
