Cabinet approves MoU on India-Israel Industrial R&D and Technological Innovation Fund

The Union Cabinet approved Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to set up US $40 million India-Israel Industrial R&D and Technological Innovation Fund (I4F). The MoU was signed in July, 2017 during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Israel.
India and Israel will make contribution of US $4 million (Rs.25 crore) each for Fund, both equivalent amount, annually for 5 years. The fund will be governed by joint Board which will consist of 4 members from each country.
Key Facts
The MoU envisages promotion of bilateral Industrial R&D and Innovation cooperation between both countries in fields of science and technology by extending support to joint projects for innovative or technology-driven new or improved products, processes or services.
Such collaborative projects will lead to affordable technological innovations in focus areas of mutual interest such as agriculture, water, energy and digital technologies. These projects will also provide institutional support in building up consortia including private industry, enterprises and R&D institutions from India and Israel.
The activities supported by the Joint I4F Fund will increase the techno-economic collaboration between both countries by investing in jointly developed technology projects and collaborations based on technological innovation.
It will encourage Israel-Indian joint projects that capitalize on both the national and global marketplace. It will provide a comprehensive set of support tools to encourage joint projects. It will foster and strengthen eco-system of innovation and techno-entrepreneurship in India and will contribute directly to the Start-up India programme.

Month: Current Affairs - August, 2017