Government Planning Integrated Clean Energy Material Acceleration Platform

By Saumy Prateek/ Updated On Tue, Aug 25th, 2020

Department of Science and Technology has Called for LoIs

The Government of India plans to set up an integrated clean energy material acceleration platform (IC-MAP). The Department of Science & Technology under the Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India, has invited letters of intent (LoIs) from researchers for the same. Last date to submit LoI is September 30, 2020.

Faculties/scientists working in regular position in recognized academic organizations/public funded research and development institutions/laboratories will be eligible to submit LoI. While making the proposal for submission, individuals must ensure that the maximum duration of the proposals should not be more than three years.

The shortlisted researchers will also be given opportunity to collaborate with other “Mission Innovation” countries working in this domain and an exposure visit may be planned if the domain area matches with parallel initiatives elsewhere.

According to the ministry, IC-MAP is being developed to accelerate the discovery of high-performance low-cost clean energy materials for energy harnessing, energy storage and energy efficiency for diverse sectors such as power, buildings, transportation, storage, construction etc.

Each IC-MAP is expected to focus its activities on a specific segment of above thrust areas, identify the gaps and missing links and commit to a tangible output over a time frame of three years. IC-MAP is expected to also leverage the research and development infrastructure already available and bring in funding from private sector.

It is important that the research consortium is engaged in cutting edge research and development and has proven research and technical competence to execute the project. The lead organization hosting the IC-MAP should have ability to connect with various stakeholders to translate the research outputs for practical applications.

IC-MAP when developed can be utilized for combining material science with robotics, artificial intelligence and advanced computing to accelerate development of clean energy materials.