New Delhi: Six Indian institutions were Saturday selected for financial aid from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to work out solutions to the poor sanitation levels in the country.
The institutions were given two years to develop innovative, safe and affordable technologies to improve sanitation.
Eram Scientific Solutions and Amrita School of Biotechnology from Kerala, Pradin Technologies from Bangalore, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee in collaboration with Fresh Rooms Life Sciences, Institute of Chemical Technology from Mumbai and Birla Institute of Technology from Goa were selected for the grant during a fair "Reinvent the Toilet" in the national capital on approaches to improve sanitation.
The 45 exhibits showcased at the fair aim to bring safe, affordable and sustainable sanitation to those who need it the most in India.
The institutions will work on self-sustained, modular and electronic toilets with solar energy for the Indian weather, and concepts to target pathogens and odour-producing bacteria.
The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has done a research study on poor sanitation in states like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Odisha.
Brian Arbogast, director for water, sanitation and hygiene at the foundation, said: "By applying creative and new approaches to sanitation challenges, we can improve people's lives. And there is no doubt that these new partnerships with India will help us achieve this."
"The foundation is working in collaboration with the department of biotechnology under the ministry of science and technology for better implementation of the projects in the country," Arbogast said.
