U.S. Diplomatic Mission Grant for Coastal India Water Governance Tech Camp

 The objectives of the project are to equip participants with new skills, technology, and tools, and bolster good governance by fostering increased cooperation among a diverse group of Indian stakeholders, including federal, state, and local policymakers and officials, technology experts, social entrepreneurs, and environmental scientists.  

1.  Bolster India’s good governance in water, ocean, and environmental issues bringing together a maximum of 60 government and municipal officials, policymakers, and technology experts alongside environmental and social entrepreneurs (including trainers) in a three-day TechCamp. Impact will be evidenced by the improvement in skills of participants, and the quality of follow-on projects conducted as a result of the camp.  

2. Translate and reframe 5-6 multifaceted ocean-related problems into succinct technical specifications and statements recognizable to software and technology designers, and identify ways to harness advancement in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) to solve these issues during the TechCamp.  Result can be measured by number and quality of targeted small-group sessions, introduction of new tools and technologies, augmentation/updating of technologies currently in use, and creating prototypes corresponding to each problem.

3. Create action plans for 5-6 follow-on projects with buy-in from different stakeholders to be implemented within 3-6 months after the TechCamp. Impact will be measured by the number and quality of follow-on projects such as proposed hackathons, mini-Tech Camps, or focused follow-on training at the regional, national, and local government levels, public-private partnerships forged (including partnerships with technology companies and U.S. multinational companies), creation of networks strengthening existing connections with American institutions. 

4.  Converge U.S. diplomatic mission with India’s past and ongoing grants, institutional and expert exchange programs, partnerships in the areas of sustainable water management, and ocean and disaster resilience with synergetic environmental health priorities.  Impact will be measured by demonstrated amplification of the U.S. diplomatic mission’s messaging on environmental health priorities either through social/traditional media and introduction of TechCamp among India’s uninitiated hi-tech communities.