Blockchain for Impact (BFI), an NGO focused on advancing biomedical research and healthcare innovation in India, has launched Interconnect, a new digital platform aimed at improving collaboration across the country’s healthcare ecosystem.
With Interconnect, BFI aims to create a more connected and responsive biomedical innovation environment in India. (Source: prhandout)
The platform is designed to connect scientists, clinicians, researchers, startups, NGOs, and funders working on healthcare solutions, with the broader goal of fostering more effective interdisciplinary partnerships.
The platform seeks to address a longstanding gap in the biomedical research space — the lack of structured, transparent ways for professionals across different domains to find each other and collaborate on shared challenges. According to BFI, promising research and ideas often remain siloed due to limited visibility and engagement among key stakeholders. Interconnect intends to fill this gap by providing a common digital interface where users can share project ideas, connect with potential collaborators, and initiate joint efforts.
Each project submitted on the platform is subject to review by BFI to ensure that proposals meet basic standards of quality and intent. While the platform encourages open collaboration, it also provides safeguards to protect sensitive data, ensuring that project information is shared responsibly within the scientific and healthcare community.
The platform currently hosts two core funding and support programmes:
Collaborative Project Grants: BFI has allocated Rs. 5 crore to support four selected projects demonstrating strong interdisciplinary approaches and real-world relevance. The top grant will receive Rs. 2 crore, followed by Rs. 1.5 crore, and two additional awards of Rs. 75 lakh each.
BFI–Interconnect Fellowship: Aimed at early-stage innovators and Principal Investigators (PIs), this program offers monthly support of Rs. 1 lakh for one year. Up to five fellows will be chosen in the first round. Recipients will also receive mentorship and skill-building opportunities.
Interconnect also includes a point-based system called “iPoints,” which rewards users for initiating collaborative projects. Points are assigned based on the type of collaboration, with cross-disciplinary partnerships earning more. Users with higher point scores receive greater visibility within the platform, particularly to potential mentors and funders.
Built on a secure digital infrastructure, the platform enables real-time communication, project monitoring, and access to a growing network of professionals in biomedical research and public health. BFI says the platform is intended for researchers with clearly defined problems who require external expertise, partnerships, or validation in real-world contexts.
With Interconnect, BFI aims to create a more connected and responsive biomedical innovation environment in India, offering structured pathways to scale promising healthcare solutions through collaboration.
By continuing you agree to our Privacy Policy & Terms & Conditions
