New Delhi: Blockchain for Impact (BFI), a biomedical research and innovation firm, has launched ‘Interconnect,’ a digital platform designed to foster collaboration across the healthcare innovation ecosystem.
The platform brings together scientists, clinicians, entrepreneurs, NGOs, and funders to co-create the next generation of healthcare solutions for India.
Bridging Gaps in Biomedical Innovation
Despite an increase in biomedical research and entrepreneurial activity in India, good ideas often go unnoticed due to a lack of collaboration opportunities. ‘Interconnect’ aims to change this by providing a secure and accessible platform where innovators can share projects, discover potential collaborators, and initiate partnerships with like-minded people across various disciplines.
Every project submitted to Interconnect will be reviewed by BFI. This will ensure that only credible, high-quality proposals are showcased, maintaining the platform’s standard and focus on impact-driven innovation.
Key Features
- Interconnect allows users to post healthcare projects and connect with others across domains such as research, clinical medicine, and public health.
- Innovators can securely share project details appropriate for broader scientific engagement, promoting knowledge exchange while safeguarding sensitive information.
- The platform is particularly beneficial for Principal Investigators (PIs) and startups with well-defined problem statements who face challenges in adoption, collaboration, or real-world testing.
Flagship Support Programs
To encourage active participation and support impactful ideas, Interconnect has launched two major programs:
- Collaborative Project Grants: A Rs 5 crore grant pool will support four interdisciplinary projects that show strong real-world potential. The grants include Rs 2 crore for the top project, Rs 1.5 crore for the second, and Rs 75 lakh each for two others.
- BFI–Interconnect Fellowship: Designed for high-potential innovators, this fellowship offers Rs 1,00,000 per month for a year to up to five fellows. It also includes access to global mentors, capacity-building sessions, and networking opportunities within the BFI ecosystem.
Integration of iPoints
Interconnect has also introduced iPoints, a unique reward system that incentivizes collaborations. Users earn 10 points for partnerships within the same field and 20 points for cross-disciplinary connections. Higher scores enhance project visibility and user discoverability on the platform.
