The US Agency for International Development (USAID) and IKP Knowledge Park July 2, 2016 launched the first Call for Proposals under the ‘Agriculture for Nutrition Grand Challenge’.

It is part of the USAID-supported Feed the Future India Innovations for Improved Nutrition” program, implemented by IKP, based in Hyderabad.  Under the program, IKP will identify Indian innovations in the agri-food sector that show measurable impact in improving the nutritional status of poor and malnourished populations.

The shortlisted innovations will then be funded, developed, and adapted in select countries in Africa and South Asia. Each finalist will receive a funding of up to Rs. 1.2 crore as well as mentorship support for a period of two years.

The Call for Proposals will remain open until August 31, 2016. Interested applicants should register on the program’s website (www.gc-agn.org) and apply via an online form.

Ambassador Jonathan Addleton, USAID Mission Director to India, and Deepanwita Chattopadhyay, Chairman and CEO, IKP Knowledge Park, launched the program in the presence of over thirty agriculture and nutrition experts and entrepreneurs.

Earlier in her welcome address, Deepanwita Chattopadhyay said, “Through this Call, IKP will help Indian innovators adapt their solutions in other developing countries, thereby expanding the reach of their ventures and impacting many more lives.”

Deepanwita said IKP will also organise road shows and meetings in various cities including Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai, and Pune to ensure greater outreach and attract additional applications.

Source: Business Line