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.

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1731187

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