BANGALORE: In a major effort to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR), the UK's Global AMR Innovation Fund (Gamrif) and India’s Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms (C-CAMP) have launched their first call for Indian innovators. This new initiative aims to address AMR in the environment and is part of a newly established partnership between the two organizations.

Gamrif will provide up to £5.1 million (about Rs 56 crore) over the next three years to support up to 15 innovative solutions. The focus of this partnership is to tackle AMR challenges in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) with local, context-specific solutions.

Taslimarif Saiyed, Director-CEO of C-CAMP, said, "C-CAMP is dedicated to advancing innovations that address AMR across human, agricultural, and environmental sectors. Our partnership with Gamrif offers a unique opportunity to support startups across the entire value chain of solutions."

Christina Scott, British Deputy High Commissioner to India, emphasized the significance of the initiative. She noted that AMR is a growing global threat responsible for over a million deaths annually. "Addressing this issue is a top priority for us. This initiative provides £5 million in funding over the next three years to support up to 15 innovative solutions in India, marking a crucial step in mitigating AMR’s impact in the country," Scott said.

The inaugural call for applications will prioritize solutions related to AMR in the environment, including detection, prevention, and treatment. Detection efforts aim to identify resistant microbes and antimicrobial traces. Prevention focuses on stopping the spread of AMR causes, such as antibiotic contamination in water and crops. Treatment seeks innovative methods to neutralize or reduce AMR factors in the environment.

Applications for this funding opportunity will be accepted from August 30, 2024, to September 15, 2024. The call is open to Indian innovators, organizations, and startups that are mid- to late-stage and are based and operating in India. Early-stage innovations are not eligible for this round of funding.

UK Govt to Confirm £500 Million Support for Tata Steel’s Port Talbot Plant

Indian Diaspora Protests Outside UK Parliament Against Pakistan's Alleged State-Sponsored Terrorism

UK Announces Partial Suspension of Arms Exports to Israel Over Humanitarian Concerns