Intel, Department of Science & Technology scout talent for 'Innovation in Digital India Challenge'

NEW DELHI: Intel and the Department of Science and Technology have announced the call for entries for the Intel & DST- “Innovate for Digital India Challenge” in order to create solutions that can address local needs and build an empowered ecosystem for technology adoption in the country.

The participants will be trained in technical know-how, will be provided access to product kits and infrastructure and multiple commercialization opportunities. They will be offered market linkages and access to funds at various stages to enable them to make their solutions readily deployable, a release said.

The challenge has been designed in collaboration with the Department of Science and Technology* (DST), with support from the Department for Electronics and Information Technology*, MyGov.in* and will be managed by IIM Ahmedabad’s Centre for Innovation Incubation and Entrepreneurship*(CIIE).

The challenge will be open to aspiring and existing entrepreneurs, innovators, academia, designers, engineers and makers from diverse backgrounds. To participate in the challenge, candidates must log on to www.innovatefordigitalindia.intel.in and register their projects at the earliest. The registration closes on June 22nd, 2015.

Participants of the Intel & DST- Innovate For Digital India Challenge will be mentored by industry stalwarts and Intel experts.

Narendra Bhandari, Director, Software and Services Group, Intel Asia Pacific and Japan, Naganand Doraswamy EVP & Co-founder SPAN Infotech and President TIE Bengaluru and Shankar Maruwada, CEO and Co-founder Ekstep led the announcement of the challenge.

“Innovation is part of Intel’s DNA...This challenge combines Intel’s history of creating innovative technology with government’s Digital India vision, complemented by entrepreneurial talent to create a sustainable technology ecosystem. Through this challenge, we aim to encourage people to come forward and participate and create solutions that will help make Digital India, a reality,” said Bhandari.

Naganand Doraswamy, EVP & Co-Founder SPAN Infotech and President TIE Bengaluru, said, “It is wonderful to see Intel actively collaborating with the government in the product start-up space. The Intel & DST Innovate For Digital India Challenge will offer a platform to the young creative minds of Karnataka to showcase their ideas and build start-ups that can make a difference in the Indian market.”