KHG Innovation Foundation (KHGIF) to power India’s R&D prowess for social impact

 

Mumbai, October 3, 2024 ; KHG Innovation Foundation (KHGIF) a pioneering new initiative dedicated to identifying, nurturing and sustaining innovation for profound social impact was launched today. The driving forces behind this initiative are Dr. Keki H. Gharda, Founding Chairman and Managing Director of Gharda Chemicals Ltd and a renowned philanthropist, and Dr. Raghunath A. Mashelkar, one of India’s foremost scientists and thought leaders.

KHGIF in partnership with Anjani Mashelkar Foundation, aims to leverage intellect, innovation and collective effort to enable visionary entrepreneurs create scalable transformative technologies that address critical gaps and drive path-breaking social outcomes.

The focus is on supporting innovation in the area of manufacturing in core engineering and healthcare technologies that have potential for significant social impact.

KHGIF shall provide a complete nurturing ecosystem that provides intellectual capital including mentorship, guidance and strategic advice from industry experts and thought leaders; human capital in form of a support network of innovators and industry partners and analytical support for enabling sharper decision-making through a data-driven approach, besides financial capital. KHGIF shall also have tailored programs that support for-profit and not-for-profit enterprises alike and drive pilot projects to help innovators scale for impact.

Dr. Keki H. Gharda, Chairman and Managing Director of Gharda Chemicals Ltd in his address informed the need for solving India’s social challenges by democratizing technology & innovations. India’s talent has no boundaries and our quest to dominate the world can only be achieved by technology.

“India has embarked on its quest to become a developed country in the foreseeable future, and set sights on becoming a global leader in manufacturing. We believe that a strong focus on innovation, combined with entrepreneurship, is key to achieving that status. Establishing KHGIF is one among several such efforts that would be required as we proceed towards developing that capability,” he further added.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr R.A. Mashelkar, one of India’s foremost scientists and innovators, said, “I have always admired Dr. Keki Gharda’s brilliant mind and compassionate heart. This partnership will propel disruptive, game-changing innovations that aim to transform India by addressing grand challenges. It marks a pioneering step forward in the inclusive innovation movement that the Anjani Mashelkar Foundation has championed since 2011.” He further added, “The flight of imagination and innovation has no limits, except the one that you put on your mind.”