In a move inspired by India's historic Chandrayaan-3 mission, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has unveiled a pioneering research initiative called the "First in the World Challenge." The programme seeks to foster cutting-edge biomedical innovation by encouraging researchers across India to propose high-risk, high-reward projects with the potential for transformative impact on global health.
The initiative aims to fund groundbreaking projects in areas such as vaccine development, novel diagnostics, and therapeutic innovations.
ICMR, one of the world’s oldest medical research institutions, has long played a vital role in advancing biomedical research in India. With the "First in the World Challenge," ICMR hopes to propel India to the forefront of global biomedical research by funding revolutionary concepts and technologies that have never been attempted before. Supporting revolutionary ideas with high-impact funding.
The initiative promises significant financial support across three distinct stages like proof of concept development in which researchers can receive up to Rs. 1 crore to establish feasibility and develop initial concepts over a two-year period.
It also includes prototype development under which selected projects may receive up to Rs. 4 crore to advance initial concepts into prototypes, with a maximum funding duration of four years.
Lastly, final product development is for projects demonstrating substantial progress, up to Rs. 8 crore is available to develop a final product, ensuring the project’s transformative potential for health outcomes worldwide.
Dr Rajiv Bahl, director general (DG) of ICMR, stated, "This challenge is our call to all Indian researchers to bring forth ideas that can lead to unparalleled advancements in healthcare. While the stakes are high, we believe that by investing in daring, forward-thinking ideas, we can transform healthcare outcomes not only in India but globally."
The programme is open to individual scientists and teams from government medical colleges, ICMR-affiliated institutions, universities, and recognized research organizations, including private institutions and registered NGOs. NRI/OCI/PIO holders are also eligible. Submissions must be made via the ICMR’s epms portal, and the application period runs from November 5, 2024, to December 12, 2024.
“With a selection committee comprised of leading experts, scientists, and policymakers, ICMR aims to ensure that only the most impactful and innovative proposals receive support. The high-stakes initiative reflects ICMR's dedication to bold, world-changing biomedical research that could define the future of global healthcare,” Dr Bahl explained.
“The "First in the World Challenge" not only represents India’s commitment to cutting-edge research but also serves as an invitation for Indian scientists to make their mark on the global stage, driven by the spirit of innovation and excellence that marked the Chandrayaan-3 success,” Dr Bahl concluded.
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