Innovative Meeting Aims to Bridge Gap Between Industry and Academia
NITI Aayog convened a national consultative meeting on April 6, 2026, titled “Institutional Structures & Processes for Research Translation and Productization” in New Delhi. Chaired by Dr. V.K. Saraswat, Member (S&T), the meeting gathered leaders from renowned Research Parks, Innovation Hubs, and Science & Technology Clusters to explore how to better translate research into practical applications.
During the opening, Programme Director Prof. Vivek Kumar Singh welcomed participants and emphasized the importance of developing the right institutional frameworks to ensure that research is effectively converted into usable technologies and products. Dr. Saraswat highlighted a persistent gap between academia and industry within India’s science and technology landscape, stressing the urgent need for mechanisms that encourage collaboration.
Addressing Dependence on Foreign Technologies
Dr. Saraswat pointed out that the current reliance on imported technologies is undermining India’s innovation potential. He called for systemic reforms to create strong frameworks and measurable metrics. These tools would help evaluate how research parks and innovation hubs can enhance research translation and ensure that these models are applicable nationwide.
The meeting featured extensive presentations from directors and CEOs representing various prestigious institutions. Among them were the Andhra Pradesh MedTech Zone (AMTZ), Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms (CCAMP), ARTPARK IISc Bangalore, and IIT Madras Research Park. Participating institutions included prominent IITs from Kanpur, Roorkee, Indore, Hyderabad, Gandhinagar, Ropar, and insights were provided by leading researchers from two key CSIR labs.
Promoting Collaboration for Innovation
In attendance was Dr. Jitendra Kumar, MD of BIRAC, who emphasized the necessity of establishing effective structures throughout the innovation pipeline. Participants included senior scientists from the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser, the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, and the Department of Science and Technology.
Key discussions revolved around enhancing the research translation ecosystem. Suggestions included creating testing and prototyping facilities, forming business development groups within R&D institutions, implementing Technology Transfer Offices, and exploring industry-focused Ph.D. programs. Concerns regarding technology readiness assessments were also raised.
The rollout of the Research Development and Innovation Fund (RDIF) was well-received, with participants recognizing it as a promising source of funding for startups and MSMEs across various technology sectors.
NITI Aayog’s Commitment to Innovation
In concluding remarks, Dr. Saraswat commended the contributions of all participants. He shared valuable insights aimed at reinforcing the research translation ecosystem in India. Dr. Saraswat affirmed NITI Aayog’s dedication to fostering collaboration between institutions, industry, and the government to create an innovative landscape capable of addressing the country’s technological challenges.
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