The Government of India has set up the National Authority for Chemical Weapons Convention (NACWC) under the Cabinet Secretariat to fulfil the obligations of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC). The NACWC will serve as the national focal point for effective liaison with the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) and other State Parties on matters relating to the Convention.

The OPCW, an intergovernmental organization based in The Hague, Netherlands, has invited proposals from researchers and scientists in its Member States. 

The proposals should focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions to improve the implementation of the CWC and enhance the OPCW's capabilities. The AI solutions should be applicable across various disciplines relevant to the Convention, such as robotics, cloud laboratories, drones, and biotechnology.

The primary objective of the AI Challenge is to identify ways AI can enhance the OPCW's capabilities and ensure it is equipped to address current and future challenges in the field. Proposals should specifically relate to implementing the CWC, as proposals to enhance governance or business processes at the OPCW will not be considered.

Four selected proposals will be awarded fixed-price contracts of up to EUR 65,000 for one year. The concept paper received from the OPCW provides additional information and can be found on the OPCW webpage dedicated to this AI Challenge at OPCW AI Challenge.

Researchers and scientists interested in this AI Challenge should submit detailed proposals to the NACWC Cabinet Secretariat for examination and forwarding to the OPCW. The schedule for the submission of proposals is as follows:

• Last Date for submission of proposals to NACWC: 22nd July 2024
• Presentation and discussion at NACWC: 25th July 2024
• Revised proposal/presentation (if required): 30th July 2024

Proposals should be sent to NACWC via email at

• Shri Manoj Kumar Sahoo, Adviser - adviser-nacc@gov.in or
• Dr Arjun Singh, Joint Director - jd-nacwc@gov.in  

Follow-up reviews on the submitted challenge proposals may occur through virtual conferencing or personal meetings on July 24th and 31st, 2024.

This initiative marks a significant step in leveraging AI to support global chemical weapons disarmament and ensure India’s commitment to international obligations under the Chemical Weapons Convention.

Source: National Authority for Chemical Weapons Convention,

OPCW AI Challenge