To find innovative solutions to problems arising out of COVID19 pandemic situation, National Institute of Technology Srinagar has announced COVID19 Open Innovation Challenge. The best innovator will get cash prize of Rs one lakh and a certificate.
The initiative is supported by Kashmir based entrepreneursand researchers.
Head of Department- IIED-NIT, Saad Parvez said the challengehas been setup to help overcome problems which have emerged since COVID-19outbreak. He stressed on finding local solutions to such problems.
“If someone comes up with a pragmatic idea, we would convertthat idea into a tangible product or a service on war-footing basis. The ideashould have effectiveness of serving the need of our doctors, paramedics,sanitation workers,” he said.
“Rather than the qualification, talent would be given moreimportance. It is an open challenge for all,” he said.
As per the norms, the investment that would be required inmaking or designing of the model would be taken into consideration by themanagement. The last date for idea submission is April 15 and the submissionmethod would be through email.
Dr Sheikh Fayaz, who teaches innovations at ZhejiangUniversity, China said the competition will inspire innovators to design andinvent something that can ease out the problems arising out of COVID19.
“We have seen our doctors struggling for basic medicaldevices, ventilators, face shields, PPEs and other such things. Taking all thisinto consideration, we have decided to take up any approved technique orservice which can help alleviate the problems of people,” he said.
Abdul Hamid Bhat, owner Rahim Motors, who is also part ofthis innovation challenge, said many academicians and innovators have to cometogether to serve the cause as humanity cannot just wait for big organisationsto find solutions.