The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) of India and the National Science Foundation (NSF) of the United States initiated the 1st Workshop on MeitY-NSF Research Collaboration. The workshop, inaugurated by MeitY Secretary S. Krishnan on November 2, 2023, provided a platform for US and Indian researchers to come together, share ideas, and establish collaborative projects.
The Handshake between MeitY and NSF signifies the commitment of both nations to enhance their shared vision of a strategic technology partnership, capitalizing on their respective research expertise. Encouraging joint efforts, the initiative encourages teams of investigators from the US and India to build partnerships with testbed providers, local communities, and industry players, ensuring the necessary resources and expertise for successful project outcomes.
This collaboration between MeitY and NSF was formalized through an Implementation Arrangement (IA) signed in May 2023. The research opportunity focuses on driving discoveries and innovations in areas of mutual interest, as outlined in the Joint Statement issued during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the US in June 2023.
The inaugural Joint Call for R&D Proposals covers a wide spectrum of areas, including semiconductor research, next-generation communication technologies, networks, systems, cybersecurity, sustainability and green technologies, and Intelligent Transportation Systems. The proposal submission window opened on August 21, 2023, and researchers have until January 5, 2024, to submit their proposals.
The first day of the Workshop saw enthusiastic participation from over 200 researchers and startups representing both countries. The event was graced by officials from the NSF, the US Embassy, and senior officials from MeitY and various industries.
The workshop featured a series of sessions on diverse topics, such as Semiconductor Research, Industry-University Interaction, Cybersecurity, and parallel break-out sessions focusing on the five identified areas of research collaboration. Researchers from both sides actively engaged in these sessions, sharing insights and exploring opportunities for joint research projects.
The MeitY-NSF Research Collaboration Workshop marks the beginning of a promising partnership that aims to drive innovation and technological progress in areas of global significance. With a shared commitment to advancing science and technology, the collaboration between India and the United States is poised to yield groundbreaking solutions and discoveries in the near future.