World Intellectual Property Day: A National Workshop at IISc Bengaluru Embraces Innovation Through IP Management

Introduction

Every year, World Intellectual Property Day (WIPD) is celebrated to honor India’s rich history of intellectual property management. On October 14, 2025, the National Research Development Corporation (NRDC), under the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India, along with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bengaluru, organized a national workshop titled “Driving Innovation with IP: Strategic Approaches to Commercialization.” This event was supported by key institutions including IIIT Bangalore, CMTI, C-DOT, Central Silk Board, BeST Cluster, IPTeL, and IISc, aiming to bring together over 250 in-person and 500 virtual participants from academia, research, startups, industry, PSUs, and government.

The workshop’s objective was to explore the strategic aspects of protecting and commercializing intellectual property (IP), fostering innovation across diverse sectors. Key speakers, including Dr. Amit Rastogi, Prof. Govindan Rangarajan, Ms. Manjushree N, Dr. U T Vijay, Dr. D B Das, Dr. S Manthira Moorthy, Shri Prakash Vinod, and others, contributed insights on IP management, collaboration frameworks, and policy shifts.

Workshop agenda

1. Keynote by Prof. Govindan Rangarajan:

   • Discussed the importance of IP protection in academic and research sectors.
   • Highlighted initiatives like NETRA, Design Clinic, and blended financing to TRLs 7-9.

2. Industry Interaction:

   • Driven by stakeholders from academia, research, startups, industry, PSUs, and government, the event showcased diverse perspectives on IP management.

3. Knowledge Sharing & Q&A Session:

   • Focused on strategies for overcoming IP commercialization barriers.
   • Open-ended discussions encouraged participants to share experiences and insights.

4. Tripartite Licensing Agreement Signed between NRDC & IIIT Bangalore:

   • The agreement aimed to facilitate tech commercialization through integrated strategies.

5. Workshop Conclusion:

   • A unified call was issued for scaling India’s innovation ecosystem, emphasizing strategic IP management’s role in fostering national and global competitiveness.

Conclusion

The National Workshop on “Driving Innovation with IP” at IISc Bengaluru was a landmark event that underscored the critical role of intellectual property management in driving innovation. Through discussions, knowledge sharing, and Q&A sessions, participants gained valuable insights into strategies for protecting IP and promoting its commercialization. The event highlighted the significance of World Intellectual Property Day as a catalyst for fostering collaboration, innovation, and sustainable development in India’s digital age.

This workshop not only celebrated **India’s contributions to intellectual property management but also provided a platform for policymakers, researchers, industry professionals, and startups to brainstorm innovative solutions for advancing global competitiveness. Together, these efforts will continue shaping the future of India’s economy, society, and innovation.