The Global Health Innovation Fellowship, initiated by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), presents an exciting fellowship opportunity for young researchers and visionary entrepreneurs, particularly those engaged in health technology advancement. This program aims to blend technology, public health, and intellectual property to catalyze groundbreaking innovations at the intersection of these fields.
As revealed in a document obtained by Nairametrics, participants in this fellowship will collaborate with the Department of Biotechnology under the Ministry of Science and Technology as part of India’s Biodesign Program.
Accepted fellows will undergo a two-year residency at either the Indian Institute of Technology’s (IIT) New Delhi or Mumbai campuses.
What Does the Fellowship Encompass?
Spanning a period of two years, this fellowship program uniquely integrates technology, public health, and intellectual property, aiming to equip innovators with the requisite skills to conceptualize revolutionary medical technologies.
Furthermore, participants will have the invaluable opportunity to engage with a diverse community of both young innovators and established experts from across the globe, all collaborating to address evolving health-related complexities. Their immersion in India for the duration of two years will further enrich this engagement.
Continuing through this duration, participants will establish meaningful connections within India’s Department of Biotechnology, as well as the campuses of IIT Delhi and Bombay. Additionally, interactions with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) will foster the development of extensive networks.
What Does the Fellowship Cover?
The fellowship encompasses various aspects, including study visa processing fees, fellowship fees, IIT overhead fees, study materials, accommodation costs (for accommodations recommended or provided by the Department of Biotechnology), living expenses, health insurance, local transportation within India, and international travel (return ticket from home country to IIT Delhi or IIT Bombay).
Eligibility Criteria
For admission to the Biodesign Program within the Department of Biotechnology, the following eligibility requirements apply:
Open to international applicants, excluding Indian citizens.
Diverse educational backgrounds are encouraged, spanning engineering, science, computer science, product design, business, law, medicine, nursing, and more.
Prior experience in addressing global health challenges, especially in maternal and child health, non-communicable diseases (NCDs), and FemTech, is a prerequisite.
A minimum of two to three years of professional engagement in the health technology sector or related research roles is mandatory.
Preference is given to candidates with a demonstrated history of innovation, such as patents or licensed technologies/products.
Interest in the importance of intellectual property rights across the health technology value chain is essential.
Strong leadership, problem-solving, creativity, teamwork, and communication skills are vital.
Proficiency in building effective partnerships and maintaining working relationships within a multicultural context is crucial.
Proficiency in both written and spoken English is expected.
Application Process
To apply, submit your application here along with the following documents:
Your current CV (limited to 3 pages), highlighting your expertise in leadership, problem-solving, creativity, teamwork, and communication. Showcase your contributions in the health industry, intellectual property filings, and impactful projects.
A one-page cover letter outlining your strategies for addressing specific health challenges, particularly those related to maternal, neonatal, and child health/survival, as well as the prevention, early detection, and community-oriented treatment of non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
The cover letter should emphasize any technological solutions relevant to women’s health (FemTech).
Demonstrate how your experience aligns with the BioDesign initiative’s objectives.
Your academic transcript(s).
The submission deadline is September 1, 2023, and the fellowship is expected to commence on November 13, 2023.
