Deadline: 10 May 2020
Today when the country is facing a great challenge crisis due to the Corona pandemic, National Innovation Foundation – India (NIF) wishes to engage innovative citizens in its Challenge COVID-19 Competition (C3) by requesting them to participate with their creative ideas and innovations for the following problems/issues:
Healthy food for nutrition and boosting immunity
The damage due to the virus can be minimised if a person is healthy. Ideas for food or drinks, which help people build their immunity while at home may also be sent. It should be noted that the availability of raw materials is limited during the lockdown period hence only those food items may be suggested whose raw materials may be easily available.
Reducing transmission of Corona virus
The Government has suggested a slew of measures to reduce the transmission however can there be some original creative ideas / innovations, which can supplement the efforts of the government in slowing or eliminating the spread further.
Sanitising one’s hands, body, home items and home, public places wherever required
To reduce transmission, sanitisation is very important. Government has urged people including Caregivers, to wash their hands periodically, not to touch their face and clean house daily. Any creative idea/ innovation, which can make these tasks more interesting and effective?
Supply and distribution of essential items to people specially the elderly living alone
Despite lockdown, many people are seen outside their homes for the purchase of groceries or medicines. Ideas for door-to- door supply of essential products and services are invited which obliterate the need to move out of the home
Gainful engagement of people at home
It is increasingly becoming difficult for people, specially the children to be at home all the time. Ingenious ideas, which help people stay at home and also engage in productive activities, are invited.
PPE’s and Rapid diagnostic testing facilities for capacity building of healthcare
Any amount of healthcare preparedness seemed very tiny while dealing with COVID-19. PPE’s (Personal Protective Equipment) like masks etc. and other important requirements like ventilators, rapid diagnostic testing facilities are needed in extraordinary quantities. Innovations in the PPE’s category and those contributing to Rapid diagnostic testing are encouraged to participate. Innovations which could provide protection against respiratory droplets from coughing and sneezing of the infected and also against airborne transmission, when tiny droplets remain in the air even after the person with the virus leaves the area.
Rethinking “contactless” devices for the post-Corona implementation needs
COVID-19 has forced the world to look touchpoints with a lot of suspicion. For all practical purposes, touchpoints are inevitable and it is quite common to deal with utilities like Elevators, rest rooms etc especially at public places or at shared spaces. Certain countries have to start using toothpicks in elevators for pressing buttons which are temporary workarounds. These needed to be looked more holistically and how to make devices “contactless” or “minimize contact” is a dimension that design thinking will have to start embedding. Innovations around such design thinking in day to day devices and facilities we use are encouraged to participate in this category.
Varying needs of the different segment of population during COVID-19
COVID-19 has impacted all sections of global population be it the children, youth or the elderly people; Corona Warriors: Medical and Essential Services Providers and most importantly the Differently – abled, Special Needs and Mentally Challenged Population. Innovations for the Differently – abled, Special Needs and Mentally Challenged Population is a very important dimension so that the pandemic is addressed for everyone in an inclusive manner.
In case of technological ideas worthy for prototyping, NIF will provide requisite financial help. Those ideas which may be implemented or disseminated, NIF will engage with relevant District/ State/ National authorities for their implementation.
For more information, visit http://nif.org.in/
