Tata Transformation Prize 2024 Awards Second Cohort of Winners
The 2024 Tata Transformation Prize has been awarded to three Indian scientists for their outstanding contributions in the fields of malnutrition and diabetes, energy storage, and the development of a new RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) vaccine.
Tata Sons and The New York Academy of Sciences revealed the winners of the Tata Transformation Prize on November 25th. This prestigious award, established in 2022, recognizes Indian scientists who are tackling significant societal challenges in food security, sustainability, and healthcare with innovative technologies and solutions.
Chandrasekaran, Chairman of the Board of Tata Sons, expressed his pleasure in announcing the winners of the Tata Transformation Prize for the second consecutive year. The Tata Group aims to enhance the lives of people in India and position the country as a leading innovator by supporting visionary Indian scientists in scaling up their groundbreaking innovations. The prize serves to give these scientists international recognition and promote Indian technologies worldwide.
This year, a total of 169 entries were received from 18 different cities, out of which three scientists were selected by a jury comprising distinguished experts from various industries, government bodies, and academic institutions. The jury members included professionals from renowned organizations such as Apple, IBM Research, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
Each winner of the Tata Transformation Prize will receive approximately $240,000 or Rs. 20 million and will be honored at a ceremony in Mumbai in December 2024.
Food Security Winner: C. Anandharamakrishnan, PhD, CSIR National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology
Anandharamakrishnan was recognized for his innovative work in developing a nutrient-fortified rice with a low glycaemic index to help manage blood sugar levels in diabetic individuals. His advanced food technologies, including a unique spray drying process and an artificial gastrointestinal system, aim to address malnutrition and diabetes, prevalent issues in India and globally.
Sustainability Winner: Amartya Mukhopadhyay, PhD, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay
Amartya Mukhopadhyay’s research focuses on advancing Na-ion battery technologies as a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to traditional Li-ion batteries. His breakthroughs in materials science and the use of aqueous processing methods have the potential to revolutionize the energy storage industry.
Healthcare Winner: Raghavan Varadarajan​, PhD, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore
Dr. Raghavan Varadarajan is working on developing an affordable RSV vaccine to combat respiratory illnesses that disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, particularly in developing countries like India. By leveraging innovative protein production techniques, Varadarajan aims to reduce vaccine costs significantly and increase accessibility to those in need.
In conclusion, the Tata Transformation Prize continues to recognize and support Indian scientists who are driving impactful innovation in key areas such as food security, sustainability, and healthcare. These visionary researchers are paving the way for a brighter future for India and the world as a whole.
