New Delhi: India and the United States have jointly launched a call for proposals on Critical and Emerging Technology, specifically Quantum Technologies and Artificial Intelligence for Transforming Lives. The Indo-U.S. Science and Technology Forum (IUSSTF) and the Secretariat for USISTEF have designed this program.
Dr Jitendra Singh mentioned that the USISTEF selects and supports promising joint U.S.-India technology innovation and entrepreneurial initiatives that are commercially viable and socially relevant through a competitive grant program. He explained that these joint initiatives can come from various entities, such as Start-ups, government, academic, or commercial organizations, as long as they focus on applied research and development, include a business plan and proof of commercial concept, and have significant sustainable commercial potential.
This collaborative effort stems from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to the US, where he emphasized the need for a new chapter in the comprehensive and global strategic partnership between India and the United States. Dr Jitendra Singh expressed satisfaction that both sides swiftly embraced the leaders’ decision at the implementation level.
Furthermore, Dr Jitendra Singh highlighted that this engagement has forged a Technology Partnership for the future, bringing new direction and energy to the AI (America-India) relationship in the era of Artificial Intelligence. He also mentioned that President Biden and Prime Minister Modi have warmly welcomed the launch of a $2 million grant program under the U.S.-India Science and Technology Endowment Fund (USISTEF) for the joint development and commercialization of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and quantum technologies. They have encouraged public-private collaborations to establish high- performance computing (HPC) facilities in India.
India has recently approved the National Quantum Mission (NQM) to stimulate, nurture, and scale up scientific and industrial research and development in Quantum Technology (QT). He highlighted the potential of AI to address the world’s most pressing challenges and create significant economic opportunities.
Investments in AI and quantum technology will lead to transformative advancements in various aspects of daily life and greatly benefit society in terms of healthcare, agriculture, climate change, and more. Dr Jitendra Singh enthusiastically welcomed the transformative potential of the Endowment fund.
The call for proposals will remain open until August 31, 2023, and will invite promising joint Indo-U.S. technology innovation and entrepreneurial ideas that are both commercially viable and socially relevant. It will significantly contribute to the priorities of both India and the US in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).
