The Tata Transformation Prize: A Beacon of Hope Illuminating India's Path

Tejasraj Mangla -

Established in 2022, the Tata Transformation Prize marks a significant milestone in India's scientific journey. It's a collaborative effort between: Tata Sons, a leading Indian conglomerate with a rich history of innovation, and the New York Academy of Sciences, a prestigious global institution dedicated to advancing scientific progress.

The Tata Transformation Prize came about as a medium of encouraging breakthrough, innovative technologies that address India’s greatest challenges. By recognizing and supporting the implementation at scale of high-impact research, the Prize aims to drive innovation in scientific disciplines of importance to India’s societal needs and economic competitiveness.

A Vision for Progress Through Science:

The prize focuses on three critical areas that hold the key to India's sustainable development and generate improved quality of life across India-

  • Food Security: Nourishing a Nation: This category recognizes scientific advancements that ensure India's food production remains robust and accessible for its ever-growing population. Innovations in areas like precision agriculture, which utilise technology for optimised resource use and maximised yields; climate-resilient crop varieties; and sustainable storage solutions are prime contenders.
  • Sustainability: Fostering a Greener Tomorrow: With an eye on environmental conservation and climate change mitigation, this category celebrates advancements in renewable energy sources like solar and wind power, alongside innovations in pollution control technologies and waste management strategies.
  • Healthcare: A Nation's Well-being: This category acknowledges breakthroughs that have the potential to improve public health outcomes in India. Innovations in areas like early disease detection, affordable diagnostics, telemedicine for remote areas, and novel treatment methods like gene therapy are all potential winners.

“This prize will accelerate breakthrough innovations by the Indian scientific community,” said N Chandrasekaran, Chairman of the Board of Tata Sons. “We hope this prize will help bring the transformational work of Indian scientists to light, reward them appropriately, and encourage them in taking solutions to market. The Tata Transformation Prize is one small way in which we will promote science and scientists to solve India’s national problems.”

“Pathbreaking research takes place in India, resulting in important advances in science around the world,” said Professor Nicholas Dirks, President, and CEO of the New York Academy of Sciences. “This prize is focused not only on science, but on innovative discoveries that put science to work for the betterment of society, to solving major global challenges in three core areas. We are so pleased to be working with Tata, and Chairman N. Chandrasekaran, to support scientific and technical innovation in India. It will also raise national and international awareness of India’s strengths in scientific research and development.”

Beyond Recognition: A Catalyst for Change

The Tata Transformation Prize goes far beyond mere recognition. Each winner in the three categories receives a monetary award of INR 2 crores (approximately USD 240,000). This financial support serves as a catalyst for change, empowering them to refine their innovations and translate them into real-world solutions with widespread impact. Additionally, the annual prize ceremony serves as a stellar platform to showcase these scientific achievements on a national and international stage.

Applicants for the prize must be active researchers with a doctoral degree, or equivalent, and be employed by an eligible university, institute, or other research organisation in India. Applicants must propose technologies addressing food security, sustainability, or healthcare challenges with a focus on digital and technological transformation. Prize winners will be scientists whose proposed innovations re-imagine traditional practices and business models, transform technological paradigms, improve public trust, and promote an open and connected world.

A Look Back at a Historic First Year:

The inaugural year of the Tata Transformation Prize witnessed an overwhelming response, with 169 applications submitted by Indian scientists. A distinguished international jury meticulously evaluated these entries, ultimately selecting three winners who exemplify the vibrancy of Indian science. The jury included distinguished scientists, clinicians, technologists, and engineers spanning six continents from a variety of organisations, including IBM Research, IISc Bangalore, IIT Madras, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Public Health Foundation of India, and UN-Habitat.

On 7 November 2023, Tata Sons and The New York Academy of Sciences announced the first Winners of the Prize:

Food Security Winner: Shilpi Sharma, PhD, IIT DELHI- Prof. Shilpi Sharma has been awarded for her groundbreaking research in engineering soil microbiomes to combat plant diseases. Her work aims to harness the natural suppressive potential of organically amended soil, paving the way for sustainable agriculture in India and beyond.

Sustainability Winner: Purnananda Guptasarma, PhD, IISER Mohali- Prof. Guptasarma's award-winning research focuses on degrading polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a major plastic pollutant, using enzymes. His breakthrough method demonstrates that solid PET can be efficiently broken down into its molecular building blocks, paving the way for enhanced recycling and reduced plastic pollution worldwide.

Healthcare Winner: Anurag S. Rathore, PhD, IIT Delhi- Prof. Rathore is revolutionising healthcare by significantly reducing the manufacturing cost of biotherapeutics used in cancer and autoimmune disease treatments. His cutting-edge facility integrates novel monitoring and control methods, poised to make top-tier treatments more affordable for the vast majority of Indians, thus advancing India's global medical leadership.

S. Somanath, Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), who graced the Prize Ceremony with his presence, said, “Today, the stars of this evening are undeniably the winners of this transformation prize. Observing their work, which is undeniably transformative, I find myself at a loss for words to explain the impact they are going to make on society, specifically for a country like India.”

Interesting Facts and Future Outlook:

  • This collaboration signifies a cross-continental effort to advance scientific progress in India. This partnership fosters a global exchange of knowledge, enabling Indian scientists to learn from and contribute to advancements happening around the world.
  • The substantial prize money reflects a commitment to empower Indian scientists, translating their research into solutions for societal impact.
  • The inaugural ceremony in December 2023 brought together leaders from science, industry, and government to celebrate Indian scientific excellence, motivating aspiring scientists and highlighting the role of research in India's development.

Beyond the Obvious: A Ripple Effect of Change

The impact of the Tata Transformation Prize extends far beyond the immediate recognition and funding it provides. Here's a glimpse into the ripple effect it creates:

  • Empowering Grassroots Innovation: The prize inspires scientists at under-resourced institutions to pursue research with real-world applications, fostering innovation.
  • Strengthening Partnerships: The collaboration between Tata Sons, a private entity, and the New York Academy of Sciences sets a strong precedent for public-private partnerships in supporting scientific research. This model can be replicated to leverage resources and expertise from both sectors, accelerating scientific progress.
  • Addressing Global Challenges: The solutions developed by Indian scientists through the Tata Transformation Prize have the potential to address not just national challenges but also global issues like food security, climate change, and healthcare disparities. This fosters international collaboration and knowledge sharing, contributing to a more sustainable and equitable future for all.