Tata Sons—the holding company for the Indian conglomerate Tata Group—and the New York Academy of Sciences (NYAS) have announced the creation of the Tata Transformation Prize to recognize and support scientists in India who are developing innovative technological solutions to critical societal challenges.

The prize will be awarded each year to three scientists in India for innovations in each of three areas: food security, sustainability, and health care. In addition to receiving INR 2 crores ($242,000) each, prize winners will be honored at a ceremony in India in December. The competitive prize—for which applications must be submitted by March 22, 2023—is open to active researchers with a doctoral degree or its equivalent who are employed by an eligible university, institute, or other research institution in India. According to NYAS, the awards will prioritize innovations that re-imagine traditional practices and business models, with a focus on digital and technological transformation; improve public trust in science; and promote an open and connected world.

“This prize will accelerate breakthrough innovations by the Indian scientific community,” said Tata Sons chair Natarajan Chandrasekaran. “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.”

“Pathbreaking research takes place in India, resulting in important advances in science around the world,” said NYAS president Nicholas Dirks. “This prize is focused not only on science, but on innovative discoveries that put science to work for the betterment of society…”

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