The teams of scientists have been selected through a rigorous binational review process of proposals received

Eleven teams of Indian and US scientists will start jointly scouting for out of the box solutions to fight Covid-19.

“Eleven teams of Indian and US scientists will soon start jointly scouting for out of the box solutions ranging from novel early diagnostic tests, antiviral therapy, drug repurposing, ventilator research, disinfection machines, and sensor-based symptom tracking for COVID 19,” said a statement by the Ministry of Science and Technology.

The statement as quoted in a Hindustan Times report said that the teams have been selected to take up these initiatives through a rigorous binational review process of proposals received for an invitation under Covid-19 Ignition Grants in April 2020. The grants were issued by the US-India Science and Technology Endowment Fund (USISTEF).

The USISTEF has been established by the Government of India and the governments of the United States of America for the promotion of joint activities that would lead to innovation and entrepreneurship through the application of science and technology.

“The joint U.S.-India S&T based entrepreneurial teams will work on initiatives that address the development and implementation of new technologies, tools, and systems to address Covid-19 related challenges including monitoring, diagnosis, health and safety, public outreach, information, and communication,” the report quoted the Ministry statement.

The mission of the United States-India Science & Technology Endowment Fund is to support and strengthen applied research and development to generate public good through the commercialization of technology developed through partnerships between U.S. and Indian researchers and entrepreneurs to help fight this pandemic, said the report quoting the statement.