To celebrate the achievements of 16 innovators from Jammu and Kashmir who have successfully secured patents with the Indian Patent Office (IPO) in 2023 and 2024 in the field of human health, the University of Kashmir (KU), in collaboration with the National Innovation Foundation (NIF), India, hosted a one-day workshop here Tuesday.
The initiative aimed at protecting intellectual property rights for indigenous knowledge holders underlining KU’s dedication to nurturing innovation and supporting the growth of a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem in the region.
Emphasising the varsity’s commitment to encouraging innovation, incubation and entrepreneurship, KU Vice-Chancellor, Prof Nilofer Khan, congratulated the innovators and assured them of KU’s continued support in building their startups and facilitating technology transfer.
“We strive to create a dynamic and inclusive environment where every innovator’s potential is realised and celebrated,” Prof Khan said, adding that the varsity’s ongoing efforts aim to bridge the gap between traditional knowledge and modern technological advancements.
She further said that KU’s collaboration with NIF is part of the varsity broader vision to encourage an entrepreneurial ecosystem that benefits the entire region.
Director, NIF, Dr Arvind Ranade, highlighted the efforts of the NIF JK Cell at KU in scouting, mentoring and incubating innovators from across Jammu and Kashmir.
“The achievements of these innovators reflect the potential and ingenuity present in Jammu and Kashmir,” Dr Ranade said, adding that the NIF JK Cell has been identifying and nurturing talent by empowering grassroots innovators and transforming local knowledge into globally recognised innovations.
KU Registrar, Prof Naseer Iqbal, promised to create an inclusive environment at the university that encourages innovation from diverse backgrounds.
“At KU, we are committed to providing unconditional support to our innovators, ensuring they transform their ideas into successful enterprises,” Prof Naseer said.
Director, IoT and Chairman, NIF Cell, Prof Mohammad Tariq Banday, elaborated on KU’s collaborative efforts of KU and NIF in supporting grassroots innovations since 2008.
“NIF Cell J&K has scouted over 11,000 innovations, traditional knowledge and plant protection practices from the region. Out of these, more than 100 innovations have received support for validation, value addition and product development, with 73 patents filed and 36 granted,” Prof Banday said.
He further added that 25 innovations have been recognised at the Biennial Presidential Awards and Dr APJ Abdul Kalam IGNITE Awards, with two innovators invited to the Rashtrapati Bhavan’s Innovation Scholar In-Residence programme.
The workshop paid tribute to late Prof G M Bhat for his role in establishing the NIF Cell in J&K for grassroots innovations.