Nitte University hosts Scientist-Industry interaction meeting for technology commercialisation sponsored by Department of Biotechnology, Government of India - NUCSER

The Department of Biotechnology, Government of India is looking to translational research from the funding given to scientists during the last three decades. Hence it was considered appropriate to host the Academia – Industry Interaction meet on June 17, 2016 at Nitte University Center for Science Education and Research. The scientists identified were those who had developed technologies that could be considered by industries for taking forward. 25 scientists and industry representatives from different parts of India participated in the meeting. The meeting was inaugurated by Prof. S. Ramananda Shetty, Vice Chancellor, Nitte University. In his inaugural address, Prof. Shetty outlined the number of researchers engaged in publishing articles in journals, but their impact and benefit to society not reaching the level it should. Dr. A.S. Ninawe, Advisor, DBT, the Guest of Honour, informed the participants about the achievements of DBT during the last 30 years since inception and the vision it has in furthering research for reaching the public. He explained the support to industry through various programmes such as BIRAC, SBIRI, BIPP wherein there has been a shift in the operational aspect of DBT in that what was formally given as soft loan, need not be returned by the industry. These steps were taken to ensure greater industry participation. Dr. Iddya Karunasagar exalted the efforts made by Nitte University to host the first of its kind meeting to promote dialogue between the industry and the scientists to enable the first steps to transfer technologies to the industry. The Technical Sessions were chaired by him as he is also the Co-Chair of DBT Task Force on Aquaculture and Marine Biotechnology.

Dr. Indrani Karunasagar, Director (R&D), Nitte University welcomed the gathering and spoke about the proactive role being played by organizations like the Department of Biotechnology and their recognition of Nitte Univeristy in supporting this endeavour. She also praised the media for their role in taking science and technology to the public. Mrs. Juliet conducted the programme together with Dr. Anirban Chakraborty, the coordinator of the Centre.