On March 11, 2024, the DST – Centre for Policy Research at Panjab University released a groundbreaking study titled “Technology Transfer Centres to Increase Commercialization of Innovations in India.” Spearheaded by Dr. Akhilesh Gupta, Senior Adviser at the Department of Science and Technology (DST), the report aims to revitalize Technology Transfer Offices (TTOs) and streamline the technology transfer process in India.
Dr. Gupta underscored the pivotal role of Technology Transfer Centres in catalyzing the transformation of research concepts into market-ready products, thereby bolstering the nation’s global competitiveness. The report, aligned with the Government of India’s Science, Technology, and Innovation initiatives, aligns with efforts to accelerate innovation towards energy transition and net-zero emission goals.
Highlighting the significance of Technology Transfer Offices, Dr. Gupta emphasized their vital function in facilitating the commercialization of innovative ideas, ultimately benefitting society by translating them into tangible solutions.
Supported by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), New Delhi, the study conducted under the Facility for Low Carbon Technology Deployment (FLCTD) sheds light on the pivotal role played by Technology Transfer Offices in bridging the academia-industry gap. It offers insights into effective mechanisms and instruments for technology transfer, vital for fostering innovation in the country.
The report serves as a guiding framework for policymakers, offering recommendations to strengthen technology transfer functions, deepen industry-academia partnerships, and establish a robust policy ecosystem conducive to innovation. Moreover, it advocates for expanding stakeholder networks to support grassroots-level and indigenous innovations.
The release event saw the presence of key stakeholders, including Shri Sandeep Tandon, National Project Manager at UNIDO-FLCTD, Dr. Kashmir Singh, Professor at the Department of Biotechnology & Coordinator at DST-Centre for Policy Research, Panjab University, and officials from the Bureau of Energy Efficiency and DST.
