Coronavirus: CSIR, pvt sector to partner on tests, ventilators, drugs

NEW DELHI: Responding to the coronavirus pandemic, the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has invited research and development project proposals from industry to combat COVID-19.

The spurt in COVID-19 cases across the country had led the Ministry of Home Affairs to declare COVID-19 a Notified Disaster in the country on March 14.

The government research body aspires to help the country fight the disease caused by coronavirus through support of academia, research institutions and industry in the form of quick technology/product development.

Promoting innovation

The CSIR aims to partner with the private sector to promote innovation in three domains linked to COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus. The proposals must address one of these issues in related to COVID-19: “Fast and cost-effective diagnostics”, “ventilators and other assistive devices related to treatment” and “fast track clinical trial of repurposed drugs”.

The CSIR’s New Millennium Indian Technology Leadership Initiative (NMITLI) seeks to foster innovation through public-private partnership (PPP) “in team India spirit”, says the announcement. In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, it has turned its attention to COVID-19.

On its part, the CSIR will provide its expert guidance and financial assistance in developing and implementing the project. It will also help in locating and forging partnership with the best research and development bodies in the country.

The companies registered in India with more than 50 percent Indian shareholding or with manufacturing facilities in India are eligible.

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