Training program on IPR and risk management begins at NIT Srinagar

Srinagar, Mar 04: A weeklong Advanced Management Development Program (A-MDP) on IPR & Risk Management (Hands-on Training) began on Monday at National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar.

The hands-on training workshop is being organized by the Innovation Incubation and Entrepreneurship Development Centre (IIEDC) NIT Srinagar and sponsored by the Ministry of MSME, Government of India.

The inaugural session was presided over by Registrar NIT Srinagar, Prof. Atikur Rahman, who was Chief Guest and Satish Kumar (Assistant Director MSME New Delhi) was Guest of Honour.

Dean P&D, Dr. Yashwant Mehta, HOD MED Prof.Adnan Qayoum, Head IIED Centre Dr. Saad Parvez (Chairman) Swarna Srivastava (MSME), Parvez Abdussamad Kudrolli among other dignitaries graced the occasion.

Dr. Dinesh Kumar Rajendran is the Nodal Officer MSME ESDP Scheme, whereas Dr. Noor Zaman Khan and Dr. Nasir F. Butt are the Coordinators. The workshop is being attended by 25 participants from different parts of the country.

Institute’s Registrar, Prof. Atikur Rahman, talked about how important Viksit Bharat 2047’s goals are. He said these goals are crucial for improving the economy, reaching Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), making life better, helping businesses, and building better infrastructure.

Prof. Rahman said irrespective of our diverse fields, we have to work for the development of the country and support the idea of Viksit Bharat.

He encouraged aspiring scholars and students to delve into local technologies and engage in research within these domains.

Citing the example of Kashmiri Hamam, Prof. Rahman pointed out that such local technologies have the potential to be replicated in other regions with similar cold weather conditions, by incorporating additional elements.

Assistant Director MSME New Delhi, Satish Kumar delivered a keynote address on MSME Innovative Scheme School, a vital component under the broader MSME Champions Scheme.

“MSMEs are strong drivers of the nation’s economic development, innovation, and employment. The urgency of fortifying the MSME ecosystem by fostering innovative solutions and applications, enabling these enterprises to ascend the value chain,” he said.

Kumar said the main theme of the scheme is to promote all forms of innovations in the complete value chain from developing ideas into innovative applications through incubation and design interventions.

“It will provide appropriate facilities and support for the development of concept to market, design competitiveness and protection & commercialization of intellectual creations of the MSME sector,” he said.

Kumar said the scheme is aimed to promote a culture of innovation and creative problem solving through knowledge sharing and collaboration amongst industry, academia, government institutions, research laboratories, etc.

Dean P&D, Dr. Yashwant Mehta highlighted that NIT Srinagar possesses 67 acres of land, but faces constraints regarding construction within 200 meters from Dal Lake.

Despite these challenges, he mentioned that NIT Srinagar is in touch with UT administration to get additional land. This initiative aims to pave the way for the construction of more buildings to address the growing needs and requirements of the Institute, he added.

HOD MED Prof. Adnan Qayoum said the aim is this course is to equip emerging innovators with valuable knowledge to protect their ideas. He said Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) play a pivotal role in fostering and encouraging innovations.

“The workshop, therefore, serves as a platform to empower participants in safeguarding their creative concepts and inventions through a better understanding of IPR,” he said.

Dr. Saad Parvez, the Head of IIED Centre, shed light on the center’s inception in 2015-16, primarily aiming to cultivate an innovative atmosphere among local innovators.

He said for 2-3 years, aside from minimal funding from NIT Srinagar, IIED Centre faced challenges in securing substantial financial support for its ideas. However, through the incubation scheme of MSME, they submitted idea proposals to the Ministry, and NIT Srinagar stood out as one of the first eight institutions to have two ideas approved.

Dr. Saad said the two initial approved ideas were a Saffron processing machine and a Seed sowing machine. Both projects secured funding of 15 lakh rupees each from MSME for their subsequent development and implementation.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Dinesh Kumar Rajendran., the Nodal Officer and overall coordinator for the ESDP Scheme, highlighted the course’s offerings, providing a comprehensive and immersive learning experience.

“The program is tailored to empower educators with the essential knowledge and skills needed to effectively teach and inspire participants in patent filing, trademark, and related areas,” he said.

Dr. Rajendran said this course is strategically designed to address the growing importance of intangible assets and their transformative impact across various industries.

Earlier Dr. Nasir F. Butt extended a warm welcome to the participants and dignitaries highlighted the workshop’s objective. He stated that the purpose is to bridge the gap between academia and industry.

“This workshop will provide participants with the essential tools and expertise required to prepare the next generation of innovators and engineers for the dynamic challenges within the realm of manufacturing,” he added.