Pfizer, IIT-Delhi to collaborate for healthcare innovations

Pfizer has partnered with IIT-Delhi to provide financial support to Indians and start-ups for initiatives related to health care innovation.

'Pfizer IIT Delhi innovation and IP Program' will provide an unencumbered grant of up to Rs 50 lakh by Pfizer for each innovator, who will own the patents and be free to commercialise them. The incubation accelerator initiative is co-created by Pfizer and the Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer at IIT.

For innovators seeking support to translate health care ideas into patents, the programme will provide unencumbered grant of Rs 50 lakh, two years of residential incubation at IIT-Delhi, mentoring support from IIT-Delhi's faculty, access to infrastructure and prototyping laboratories. The IP search and filing services, guidance from Pfizer's global experts, and access to venture capitalists and other industry linkages will also be provided to them.

For innovators who already have a ready proof of concept and are seeking to obtain a patent, the programme will provide access to IP attorneys and services and cover the patent fee, Pfizer said.

"Our Innovation and IP Program with IIT Delhi will promote, celebrate and reward innovations and advancements in health care that are born and brought up in India for the benefit of our people," Pfizer India executive director S Sridhar said.

(In association with Mail Today Bureau)