IPR Awareness Workshops were organized separately in Central University of Kashmir, and Islamic University of Science & Technology (IUST) for the students, scholars & faculty members, on 21^st July, 2023 by CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, on the 5th day of celebrations of the National Intellectual Property Festival, under the aegis of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav (AKAM) to mark the 75 years of India’s Independence. IP festival program was inaugurated by CSIR-IIIM at Jammu on 17^th July, 2023.

The workshop conducted on fifth day of the IP Festival program aims to educate participants of both the Universities about the key provisions and benefits of Intellectual Property Rights and Entrepreneurship.

Dr. Kancherla Prasad, Senior Scientist, CSIR-IIIM, Jammu, in his lecture emphasized on various types of IPRs including Patents, Trade Marks, Trade Secrets, Copy Rights, Design Rights & Geographical Indication (G.I). He explained how IPRs provide a framework for individuals and organizations to protect their inventions, artistic works, and creative ideas by granting exclusive rights to creators and inventors. He discussed the significance of IPRs in technology transfer and collaboration between different entities, such as universities, research institutions, and industries. He briefed that licensing agreements and partnerships are often based on IPRs, enabling the transfer of knowledge, expertise, and technology, leading to the development of new products and services.

Er. Ankush Varma, Coordinator, IIIM-TBI, CSIR-IIIM, Jammu highlighted on the significance of developing and establishing entrepreneurship and startup ecosystems in Universities and research institutes that will encourage and foster innovative ideas from young students and researchers. He stressed on the fact that J&K, has a huge potential in the innovation and entrepreneurship that needs to be explored by budding minds and researchers. He assured the assistance of the incubation centers of CSIR-IIIM in guiding the innovators and researchers towards product development and commercialization.

In his welcome address, Dr. Abid Hamid Dar, Director Science Campus and Head, Department of Biotechnology at Central University of Kashmir, Ganderbal, emphasized on the importance of innovation in academia as the world is fast changing and adapting skill and entrepreneurship development for economic upliftment. He highlighted the significance of Intellectual property rights in research and their importance in achieving sustainable goals of the nation.

Prof. M Yousuf, Dean, School of Life Sciences of Central University of Kashmir, Ganderbal, acknowledged the speakers for enlightening the students regarding IPR awareness and entrepreneurship development.

In a separate IPR workshop conducted at IUST, Awantipora, Prof. Manzoor Malik, Dean Academic Affairs IUST, in his welcome address highlighted the importance of such workshops for the faculty and students alike. He spoke about how innovation and entrepreneurship is one of the focus areas of Hon’ble Vice Chancellor IUST, Prof. Shakil A. Romshoo, wherein Centre of Innovation & Entrepreneurship Development (CIED) Foundation plays a pivotal role. Dr. Parvez A. Mir, CEO CIED IUST Foundation, encouraged the students to look for innovations wherein CIED would provide the necessary support to convert the idea into a prototype.

Dr. Asifa Mehraj Baba concluded the event with her vote of thanks to the organizing members including staff of the University & CSIR-IIIM Team.

The workshops were conducted under the chief patronage of Dr. Zabeer Ahmed, Director CSIR-IIIM and patronage of Er. Abdul Rahim, Head, CSIR-IIIM Branch Lab Srinagar. Workshops were attended by 285 participants including students, scholars and faculty members of the both the Universities.