BENGALURU: Bringing its “Grand Challenges’ initiative into action, the Karnataka government has issued its first call for proposals from start-ups. This initiative focuses on dealing with issues that surround healthcare, education, food, environment and the like. Under this program, five calls will be initiated every year to tackle issues in five different areas.

The whole reason for the program is to reduce and restore the environmental issues plaguing Bangalore, as the city raises 60 percent of the States revenue. The state, after dodging the problem of the overflowing drains in the city for years, have finally decided to take action against illegal constructions on canals that drain water to lakes.

Incidentally, the first call focuses on recycling sewage water/ wastewater management. Interested start-ups will be able to post their proposals or ideas on the program’s website (startup.karnataka.gov.in/funding#grand-challenge-fund) on or before September 30.

Selected start-ups will be given an initial grant, which is then followed by funding for a prototype. If the pilot is successful, then the start-up qualifies for an incubation space in the government supported incubators.

"Bengaluru is a laboratory for innovations. Sharing and transferring these innovations through a public private partnership can help solve many of the issues facing the State," says IT & BT Minister, Priyank Kharge.

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