NRDC, APMSME DC & JNTU-GV host workshop on innovation, IPRs and technology transfer for MSMEs and startups

Vizianagaram: The National Research Development Corporation (NRDC), in collaboration with the Andhra Pradesh MSME Development Corporation (APMSME DC) and Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University – Gurajada Vizianagaram (JNTU–GV), organized a workshop on “Strengthening MSMEs/Startups through Technological Innovation: Intellectual Property Rights & Technology Transfer & Commercialisation” under the Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) initiative at JNTU–GV, Vizianagaram.

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The workshop aimed to empower MSMEs, startups, and budding entrepreneurs by promoting awareness of Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs), fostering innovation and technology adoption, and strengthening linkages between research institutions and industries to accelerate technology diffusion and commercialization.

Welcoming the dignitaries, Professor Jaya Suma, Registrar, JNTU–GV, reaffirmed the university’s commitment to driving innovation and research through collaboration with national institutions like NRDC to empower MSMEs and startups. Dr BK Sahu, Senior Regional Manager & Head – Outreach Offices, NRDC, outlined the Corporation’s mandate to facilitate technology transfer and strengthen India’s innovation ecosystem by bridging the gap between laboratories and industries.

Dr. Majji Sashibhushana Rao, Director, Satya Group of Educational Institutions and Executive Council Member, JNTU–GV, underscored the importance of nurturing entrepreneurial mindsets among students and fostering academia–industry partnerships for sustainable development. Srinivas Kapaganti, President, Vizianagaram Chamber of Commerce, highlighted the need for MSMEs to embrace innovation and intellectual property to enhance competitiveness and create new opportunities, aligning with the Government of Andhra Pradesh’s vision of “One family, One entrepreneur.”

The Keynote Address was delivered by Prof. V. V. Subba Rao, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, JNTU–GV, who emphasized the vital role of innovation and intellectual property in driving competitiveness and sustainability within the MSME ecosystem. The Inaugural Address was delivered virtually by Commodore Amit Rastogi (Retd.), Chairman and Managing Director, NRDC. He highlighted NRDC’s role as a national catalyst in promoting innovation-driven growth through technology transfer, commercialization of indigenous research, and strategic industry–academia collaborations.

The event also featured a series of technical sessions by subject experts. Dr. Santosh Mohanty, Former Senior Vice President (Technology & IP), TCS, delivered a session on “Building a Patent Portfolio: Strategies for Innovation-driven MSMEs & Startups”, emphasizing the value of structured IP management and patents as strategic business assets. Dr. B. K. Sahu discussed “Driving Technological Innovation & Commercialization in MSMEs: NRDC in Connecting Lab to Industry,” while Preethi Niharika, NRDC, presented “Industry-Centric Innovative Technologies Available for Commercialization”, showcasing technologies across sectors such as food, engineering, agriculture, energy, and healthcare.

Sudha, NRDC, conducted a session on “Introduction to IPRs and Other Value-added Services”, offering insights on integrating IP strategies into business planning. The workshop concluded with a “Way Forward and Vote of Thanks” by Ms. Preethi Niharika.

In the afternoon, NRDC officials facilitated an IP and Technology Transfer Clinic offering one-on-one guidance to MSMEs, startups, and entrepreneurs on IP filing, technology licensing, and commercialization pathways.

The workshop witnessed active participation from over 100 MSME representatives, local entrepreneurs, researchers, and students, reflecting the growing momentum for innovation-led, technology-driven enterprise development in Andhra Pradesh.

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