The Kohli Challenge Proposal Scheme, established by TCS, is an endowment that funds and drives ambitious research projects with high impact and long-term relevance. The scheme selected three projects, which received full funding support, including the development of DEA (Dielectric Elastometric Actuator) birds or bird-like drones, healthcare applications, and AI-incorporated RF biosensor prototypes.
One of the projects, Mission Parikshit, aimed to develop a low-cost, reliable, and fast handheld pediatric pneumonia detector. The grant helped set up a chip-characterization lab, electronic system design, and electronic design automation (EDA) labs, and facilitated the procurement of essential equipment and tools. This led to the development of new research areas and attracted other funding, such as 23 lakhs from DST and 3.12 crore from MeiTy.
Another project, the RF Biosensor, aimed to design an AI-incorporated biosensor prototype to detect specific biosamples. The grant helped establish bioelectronics and AI-Hardware Labs, procuring vital equipment and upgradng facilities. This project also attracted other funding, including DST-PURSE and c2s MieTy.
The Bat-Like Drones project aimed to design and fabricate flexible flapping wing-powered drones. The grant helped procure material processing equipment, which is still being actively used in various projects. This project also attracted other funding, including the PURSE grant from DST.
Overall, the Kohli Challenge Proposal Scheme has facilitated interdisciplinary research and stimulated cross-disciplinary and product-driven research within the Institute, resulting in innovative outcomes and attracting other funding.