Page 52 - COVID Newsletter 11 June

surrogate of human respiratory viruses such
as influenza virus and coronavirus) and E.coli strain C3000. Full loads of the virus and bacteria samples were placed on a PPE. The PPE was then placed inside the Vajra Kavach. After the disinfection cycle time, the PPE was removed and the sample was rechecked to assess the growth rate and log reduction of the virus.” Abhijit informs that the system employs a multistage disinfection process consisting of advanced oxidation, corona discharge, and UV-C light spectrum to inactivate the viruses, bacteria, and other microbial strains present on the PPE, achieving more than 99.999% efficiency.
Website link:
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1723073
Multiple options for COVID-19 detection kits from start-ups on the
cards through support of CAWACH Initiative of NSTEDB, DST
India will soon have the option of choosing from several COVID-19 rapid detection technologies that start-ups are working on currently.
A technology to conduct rapid molecular tests at small clinics, points of entry like airports, or small laboratories, a lab-on-palm platform for Rapid Antibody Test and a test kit with a reader enabling direct antigen testing in suspected COVID samples are some of them.
The technologies developed by some start-ups have been repurposed and extended for COVID-19 with support from the Centre for Augmenting WAR with COVID-19 Health Crisis (CAWACH), an initiative by National Science & Technology Entrepreneurship Development Board (NSTEDB), Department of Science and Technology (DST), implemented by Society for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (SINE), IIT Bombay.
Among 51 companies shortlisted for developing various COVID-19 solutions, 10 have been supported for manufacturing and wide-scale deployment of diagnostic kits and therapy solutions. Most of the technologies are under validation from ICMR and can be made functional once the validation and approval processes are completed and are granted.
Website link:
https://dst.gov.in/multiple-options-covid-19-detection-kits-start-ups-cards- through-support-cawach-initiative-nstedb
ARTPARK develops new AI-driven platform to facilitate early
COVID interventions over WhatsApp
A new AI-driven platform will now help early intervention through rapid screening of COVID-19 with the help of chest X-ray interpretation over WhatsApp for doctors who have access to X-ray machines. The solution called XraySetu can work with low resolution images sent via mobiles. It is quick and easy to use and can facilitate detection in rural areas.
VOL. IV ISSUE 4
VIGYAN PRASAR 48
NATION’S S&T EFFORTS AGAINST COVID-19