Srinagar Garhwal:
A strong linkage between industry and academia is essential for the creation of intellectual property (IP), emphasized Prof. Rana Pratap Singh, Vice Chancellor of Gautam Buddha University, Greater Noida, as the Chief Guest at the valedictory session of the week-long Faculty Development Programme (FDP) on “Intellectual Property Rights: Drivers of Innovation and Entrepreneurship.” The event, organized by the Malaviya Mission Teacher Training Centre (MMTTC), Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University, Srinagar (Garhwal), Uttarakhand, concluded today, September 15, 2025. Prof. Singh highlighted the critical role of industry-academia partnerships in advancing new technologies and materials, noting that the protection of these innovations through intellectual property rights (IPR) is equally crucial for sustaining innovation ecosystems. He cited real-world examples to underscore the need for robust IP frameworks to drive technological advancements.
Dr. Vishal Chaudhary, Scientist F, at the Office of the Principal Scientific Advisor, Government of India, New Delhi, delivered the Guest of Honor address. He discussed several government initiatives aimed at promoting IPR and entrepreneurship, including the i-STEM program, designed to support innovation in science and technology.
Presiding over the session, Prof. Shri Prakash Singh, Vice Chancellor of HNB Garhwal University, emphasized the importance of IPR cells within universities and their role in disseminating knowledge about intellectual property rights. He also called for simplifying and making the patent filing process more cost-effective to encourage greater participation from innovators and researchers.
In his remarks, Dr. Rahul K. Singh, Director of MMTTC, stressed that IPR is vital for recognizing and protecting the creativity of innovators. He pointed out that the FDP served as an excellent platform for participants to deepen their understanding of IPR and its role in driving innovation and entrepreneurship, marking the successful conclusion of the week-long academic initiative. Dr. Somesh Thapliyal, Assistant Director, MMTTC, welcomed the dignitaries and moderated the session.
Dr. Saurabh Yadav, Course Coordinator, presented the technical report, noting that 30 faculty members from across the country participated in the program, receiving training from 22 eminent resource persons from seven states. He concluded the session with the vote of thanks.
