Chhattisgarh Council of Science and Technology (CCOST), Department of Science and Technology in collaboration with the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Government of India, organised a two-day Chhattisgarh IP Yatra 2024 in State Capital on Wednesday and Thursday. The two-day programme encompassed deliberations from eminent speakers on various topics of innovation fostering, IP Protections procedures and issues, international IP systems, Startup ecosystem and other relevant topics for MSMEs and Startups. The inaugural session of the programme on March 13, 2024 was chaired by Dr R K Singh, Secretary of State Innovation Council and former PCCF. The session was addressed by S S Bajaj, Director General of the CCOST and Regional Science Centre. In his inaugural address, he stated the efforts made by the Council’s Intellectual Property Rights Centre in the field of IP awareness and facilitation. He also stated that we are not making efforts for Intellectual Property awareness and facilitation work at the block level and in last two months scientists have covered 14 Aspirational Blocks and sensitised MSME, entrepreneurs, women self-help groups, innovators and general masses at the block level.

 

In his remarks, Dr R K Singh stated the need of innovations, design thinking, IP addressal and commercialisation is the need of the hour. He also stated that for the Vikasit bharat vision to take shape it is utmost important that we collaborate and bring out locale specific innovation for the locale specific problems. The inaugural day saw an array of enlightening sessions led by distinguished speakers. Satish Kumar Yadav, Deputy Director of Office of DCMSME, Government of India, who delved into the intricacies of the MSME Innovative scheme and how the MSME in the Chhattisgarh State use the facilities provided under the scheme. The second technical deliberation in the session was by Kumar Raju, Assistant Controller of Patents & Designs, Nagpur, he provided insights into the Indian Intellectual Property system and how the government of India is facilitating the IP needs of the MSME and startups. He also stated that how the IP portfolio can help in commercial gain for the MSME at the national and international level. In the second Technical session Neeti Wilson from Anand and Anand Advocates, New Delhi, shared her views on international perspectives of IPR, focusing on the US and European IP systems. She in her deliberations expressed that utmost care should be taken for drafting of patent applications so as to cover and protect all the aspects of innovation for its commercial exploitations.

 

Amaresh Panda, Lead, Technology Transfer Office, KIIT – TBI, Bhubaneshwar, elucidated on technology transfer and facilitations available for tech sourcing and transfer through the Technology Transfer Offices set up by BIRAC, Department of Biotechnology, Government of India. On the second day, attendees were treated with engaging presentations by esteemed speakers Anuj Shukla, CEO, Incubation Centre, National Institute of Technology, Raipur. He discussed the modalities of the Start Up. Dr. Hulas Pathak, Professor, Agri Economics, and CEO, RABI-RAFTAAR, IGKV, shed light on the Stand-up India Scheme and support mechanisms for innovators and entrepreneurs in the agri business and food processing sector. Sweekar Pawar, representing 36inc, shared insights into startup incubators of the state. Mr. Prasann Nimonkar, Retired Director, CITCON, Department of Industries, GoCG, deliberated on locale specific strength of the state where in there is need for innovative approach for enhancing the market and value addition. He also stated that the major sectors in the state are mining, Minor Forest Produce, NTFP etc were in there is need for innovation in processing, automation, value addition and also explained about the investment opportunities for startups, MSMEs, and other businesses from an IP perspective. The event attracted a diverse audience, with interactive sessions on importance of intellectual property rights protection and innovation in driving economic growth of the state. The program was conducted by Dr Amit Dubey, Scientist ‘D’ and In-charge, Intellectual Property Rights Centre, Chhattisgarh Council of Science and Technology