Marico Innovation Foundation (MIF), founded by Marico Chairman Harsh Mariwala on Wednesday announced the #Innovate2BeatCOVID challenge for MedTech entrepreneurs, corporates and innovators from across the country.

Through the challenge, the foundation aims to combat the short-supply of ventilators, personal protective equipment and other respiratory solutions that can aid the medical fraternity.

As part of the program, Marico Innovation Foundation and A.T.E Chandra Foundation & Mr. Harsh Mariwala in his personal capacity have come together to offer a total grant value of Rs. 2.5 crores for the innovators.

The spread of the Covid-19 virus had impacted the Indian healthcare systems and also the economy. The grand challenge may expand to other items of critical need in consultation with medical experts.

“The time is right for us to step in and play a catalytic role by enabling India’s best innovative minds to contribute meaningfully towards easing the healthcare community pressure and help save lives.”

Harsh Mariwala, Founder of Marico Innovation Foundation & Chairman of Marico Ltd said: “ The effects of the pandemic are drastic on an already stressed world economy and the overstretched Indian Healthcare system. The time is right for us to step in and play a catalytic role by enabling India’s best innovative minds to contribute meaningfully towards easing the healthcare community pressure and help save lives.”

The window for Innovations is open for two days and the details can be accessed from Innovate2BeatCOVID website.The start-ups and entities that are “launch-ready” will be shortlisted by the jury members Chaired by Dr. R. A. Mashelkar. MIF will be supporting them over the immediate and longer-term.