NRDC and Doon University forge strategic partnership to boost innovation and technology commercialization

New Delhi: In a significant move to foster innovation, research, and technology transfer, the National Research Development Corporation (NRDC) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with Doon University at a formal ceremony held at Raj Bhawan, Dehradun. The event was graced by the Governor of Uttarakhand, Lt. Gen. Gurmit Singh (Retd), marking a milestone in strengthening academia-industry collaboration in the region.

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This marks NRDC’s first formal partnership with a state university in Uttarakhand, underlining its strategic focus on promoting innovation-driven growth across the country. The partnership aims to enhance intellectual property (IP) protection, technology commercialization, and entrepreneurship within the academic ecosystem of Doon University.

Speaking on the occasion, Lt. Gen. Gurmit Singh emphasized the partnership's alignment with the national mission of Viksit Bharat @2047. “Universities must transcend traditional teaching roles and emerge as hubs of translational research and innovation. This partnership will not only protect intellectual property but will also transform research into economic value for students, faculty, and the state,” he said.

NRDC Chairman & Managing Director Cmde Amit Rastogi (Retd) reiterated the organization’s commitment to supporting the university in areas such as patent filing, technology transfer, and commercialization. “Our collaboration will bridge the gap between academia and industry, converting research into market-ready solutions while nurturing entrepreneurial mindsets among students and faculty,” he added.

While Vice Chancellor of Doon University Prof. Surekha Dangwal highlighted the institution’s strategic focus on IP-led research and innovation. “Our Schools of Environment & Natural Resources, Design, and Science are engaged in pioneering research. The collaboration with NRDC will significantly enhance our ability to secure patents and trademarks and bring innovations to market,” she noted.

The MoA is expected to catalyze enhanced R&D outcomes, startup incubation, and stronger industry linkages, contributing to Uttarakhand’s knowledge economy. The initiative also sets a precedent for other state universities to explore similar partnerships, reinforcing the state’s emergence as a hub for innovation and technology.

The ceremony was attended by senior officials including Ravinath Raman, IAS (Secretary to the Governor), Smt. Reena Joshi, IAS (Additional Secretary to the Governor), NG Lakshminarayan (DGM, NRDC), Dr Arun Kumar (Director, R&D Cell, Doon University), Smriti Khanduri (Finance Controller, Doon University), Durgesh Dimri (Registrar), as well as deans, faculty, research scholars, and media representatives.

A premier enterprise under the Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India, NRDC is dedicated to facilitating technology commercialization, IPR management, and strengthening the innovation ecosystem across India.

Doon University is a leading state university in Uttarakhand known for its interdisciplinary focus and academic excellence in environmental sciences, design, and technology. The university is actively engaged in high-impact research and innovation.

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