COVID 19 Solution Challenge: Ministry of Health Needs Technology-driven Solutions for Coronavirus, Winner to Get Rs 1 Lakh

Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India has launched a challenge on Coronavirus solutions on MyGov.in website. The COVID 19 Solution Challenge aims at taking the help of citizens in India to prevent the spread of the disease locally with technology-driven solutions. Both individuals and organizations can submit their entries on the MyGov website.

The Government says that they have been receiving inputs from individuals and companies who have developed technologies and innovative solutions, Bioinformatics, datasets, Apps for diagnosis, etc. that can be leveraged for strengthening the fight against Coronavirus in India.

“In order to involve the community in the fight against the Virus, we would want you to share your solutions to help fight #Coronavirus. Submitted solutions will be evaluated for adoption and those selected will be suitably rewarded. Be a part of the mission against Coronavirus,” says the MyGov website.

Even Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged people to participate in the challenge. “Harnessing innovation for a healthier planet. A lot of people have been sharing technology-driven solutions for COVID-19. I would urge them to share them on @mygovindia. These efforts can help many. #IndiaFightsCorona,” tweeted PM Modi.

Debjani Ghosh, President, NASSCOM, has also expressed her support to the challenge “Fabulous n timely initiative by @mygovindia and @abhish18. Requesting all innovators to pls participate. NASSCOM will support fully to ensure we get the best solutions from the industry! Together we can fight this,” tweets Ghosh.

Startups, larger organizations as well as individuals have already began to submit entries. “Submitted suggestion for authorities to track and trace infected individuals for isolation, and break the virus chain, by using data from mobile operators, leveraging available GIS technology, taking due care of privacy concerns by not making information public,” tweeted Arvind Thakur, Senior Adviser to the Board at NIIT Technologies Limited.

How to Take Part in COVID 19 Solution Challenge?

The MyGov website says that applicants who want to participate in COVID 19 Solution Challenge can be individuals or startups that comply with the definition of startup as notified by DPIIT vide order. Furthermore, the product to be developed as part of COVID 19 Solution Challenge should have a legitimate IPR or patent, which must be in possession of the participating individual or organization. All entries must be sent before 31 March 2020, and must be submitted on the link provided on the MyGov website by uploading either a PDF of the document or a YouTube link of the solution. Those interested to take part in the challenge can visit the official MyGov website: https://innovate.mygov.in/covid19/