Have an innovation that can benefit society? Apply for the Anjani Mashelkar innovation award

The Anjani Mashelkar Foundation is inviting applications for the eighth annual Anjani Mashelkar Inclusive Innovation Awards, which recognise scientific innovation for the benefit of the needy. The awards, constituted by Dr RA Mashelkar in the memory of his mother, carry a citation and a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh.

The awards are open to all Indian organisations and persons of Indian origin, and there is no age limit for applicants. The foundation is inviting entries - original prototypes, or proofs-of-concept - that can be scaled to be successful innovations that benefit the society at large. One of the key criteria for evaluating the entries will be the positive effect these innovations can bring to the lives of the disadvantaged and poor sections of the society.

“True inclusive innovation should bring a smile on the face of each citizen of the world, not just of a privileged few,” says Dr Mashelkar on the awards.

Past winners of the innovation award include Dr Navin Khanna, for his 'Dengue Day 1' test. The kit, developed by Dr Navin at the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi, can deliver a result within 15 minutes, leading to faster treatment.

Another recipient of the award, Mihir Shah, developed the ‘iBreastExam’, which uses sensors and material technology to identify breast cancer. Mihir is the Founder and CEO of UE LIfeSciences Inc. The iBreastExam is a portable device that can help doctors screen women for breast cancer in a radiation-free and non-invasive way. The device is US FDA-approved and gives immediate results.

The winners also include Rahul Rastogi for his ‘Sanket’ ECG device, Dr Jairaj Chintamani for Diasense, a non-invasive device using which a doctor can measure the neuropathy and pin point for high-risk ulcer-prone zones in the feet, and Leo Mavely for Axiostat, a wound dressing that stops traumatic external bleeding.

The jury for the Anjani Mashelkar Inclusive Innovation Awards includes Professor Anil Gupta, Elaben Bhat, Dr Vijay Bhatkar, and other eminent leaders from the areas of science and technology, innovation, social work, and business. Applicants have to send in their entries by August 20.

For details on the awards and to apply, visit: http://mashelkarfoundation.org/awards/inclusive-innovation/