Fund for Industrial Research Engagement (FIRE)’ initiative

Description

GS PAPER III: Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life.

Context: SERB-DST partners with Intel India to launch first-of-its-kind initiative to advance deep tech-based research in India

Research initiative called ‘Fund for Industrial Research Engagement (FIRE)’ launched by the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), a statutory body of Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, in collaboration with Intel India on June 29, 2021.
It will increase research opportunities in the space of Artificial Intelligence (AI)/Machine Learning (ML), platform systems, circuits & architecture, Internet of Things (IoT), materials & devices, security, and so on from edge to cloud.
It will help to promote research in the upcoming critical areas of science and engineering with Public-Private Partnerships as elaborated in the draft Science, Technology and Innovation Policy 2021.

SERB-FIRE initiative

It aims to bring together industry and academia on a common platform to exchange ground-breaking ideas and co-promote innovative research.
This collaboration will open many new doors for exploration in scientific research, which could make India a key player in technology-based solutions.
SERB-FIRE promises to bring support for strong ideations, especially in futuristic S&T thematic areas, and aims to bring expertise in academia and industry together with a new model of cooperation.
SERB-Intel collaboration will be an excellent opportunity for the scientists to join hands with Intel and together create a stimulating atmosphere for research in science and engineering.
The FIRE program is a joint government and industry initiative with a co-funding mechanism to promote innovative technology solutions and strengthen academic research through collaboration with key research and development (R&D) organizations in India.
The program intends to select highly impactful research projects in every cycle (typically once or twice a year), which have breakthrough potential at a national or global level.
It will support the best researchers in academia with funding, mentoring, and industry connect.