International Conference on “Fostering Industry-Academia Linkage for Effective Technology Transfer”

Chandigarh, January 31, 2025: DST-Centre for Policy Research Panjab University, Chandigarh today organised an International Conference on “Fostering Industry-Academia Linkage for Effective Technology Transfer”. 
 
The conference created synergies to deliberate on improving collaborations between industry and academia for an effective innovation ecosystem and robust technology transfer. Prof. Renu Vig, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor of Panjab University, Chandigarh inaugurated the session. She stresses the need for the industry to bring on board from day one in channeling the innovative ideas and research projects brought forward by academia. She highlighted various initiatives of Panjab University for catering to a vibrant startup ecosystem. Prof. Vig encouraged the students to carry forward their innovative ideas. 
 
Dr. Arvind C. Ranade, Director, National Innovation Foundation, Ahmedabad was the chief guest for the event. He highlighted the vibrant innovation ecosystem of India as 4th largest economy with 1100 universities, 11000 standalone institutes for technology development, and 3rd ranked startup ecosystem. To take it to the next level, he stressed that the academic ecosystem needs to understand the industry's needs first and take into account the frugal innovations. 
 
Dr. Jatinder Kaur Arora, Former Executive Director, PSCST, Govt. of Punjab, Chandigarh was the guest of honour. She proposed an orientation course should be started on how to raise the TRL level. Various experts graced the occasion. Dr. B. K. Sahu Regional Manager and Head, of NRDC, Vishakhapatnam, highlighted the need to bring the relevant stakeholders together for value creation and leveraging technology transfer. 
 
Bharti Sood Regional Director, PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Chandigarh, highlighted the need for R&D cells and a dedicated startup policy at the state level through which engagement can be impactful. 
 
Dr. Dipanjan Nag, President, Innovaito, LLC, Ohio and Adjunct faculty, Rutgers University, USA, shared global perspectives on technology transfer and innovation. He highlighted the various modalities of tech transfer such as licensing, startups, and monetizing patents. 
 
Dr.Abhijit Banerjee, Associate Vice President, Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, University of Connecticut, USA, highlighted the academia’s role in driving the innovation ecosystem such as providing resources to startups and driving the society further. 
 
On this occasion, a report documented by the DST-CPR, PU team was released that focuses on the Comprehensive Analysis of India's Innovation Ecosystem by Mapping Patent Landscape of Higher Educational Institutions and Research Organizations as well as an MoUs was exchanged between DST-CPR, PU and Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha for enhancement of academic research relationships, IP Portfolio Management, Technology Transfer, and IP Commercialization. 
 
The deliberations in the panel discussions gave a way forward for fostering collaborations in driving economic growth and societal progress. The conference witnessed participation from students, researchers, faculty, industry professionals, start-ups, and policymakers.