CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR-IIIM), Jammu has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Jammu, to foster interdisciplinary research, innovation, entrepreneurship, and regional development. This strategic partnership brings together CSIR-IIIM’s scientific leadership in natural product discovery, biotechnology, and drug development, and IIM Jammu’s strengths in management education, business research, and innovation-led governance.

The MoU was formally signed by Prof. B.S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu, and Dr. Zabeer Ahmed, Director, CSIR-IIIM, in the presence of senior faculty members and officials from both institutions. The agreement establishes a broad framework for collaboration, aligning IIM Jammu’s capabilities in strategic management, public policy, executive education, and entrepreneurship and CSIR-IIIM’s expertise in scientific research, integrative medicine, and translational technologies with. Built on shared institutional values and a commitment to interdisciplinary excellence, the collaboration seeks to address complex societal challenges through a synthesis of technical innovation and managerial acumen. The partnership is designed to facilitate joint research projects and interdisciplinary studies, with a particular focus on innovation management and the commercialization of scientific outcomes into scalable, market-ready solutions—especially in the domain of herbal and natural products. The MoU envisions academic and student exchanges, faculty and scientist mobility for collaborative engagement, and joint organization of seminars, conferences, workshops, and policy roundtables to enhance knowledge dissemination.

Prof. B.S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu, remarked that the MoU represents a significant step in bridging the gap between science and management. He noted that this collaboration between two premier institutions will not only drive innovation but also generate sustainable, socially relevant outcomes that will contribute to the development of the Jammu and Kashmir region and beyond. Dr. Zabeer Ahmed, Director, CSIR-IIIM, highlighted the importance of the partnership, stating that this MoU marks a pivotal milestone in bridging scientific innovation with management acumen. It will drive advancements in areas like pharma commercialization, sustainable agro- technologies, and biotech entrepreneurship, ultimately translating discoveries into societal benefits.

Also present on the occasion were Prof. Rajesh Sikka, Faculty, IIM Jammu, Er. Abdul Rahim, Chief Scientist & Head, RMBD & IST; Dr. Saurabh Saran, Principal Scientist; Dr. Suphla Gupta, Senior Principal Scientist; and Dr. Love Sharma, Scientist. CSIR-IIIM, Jammu; and Cmdr. Kesavan Baskkaran, Chief Administrative Officer, IIM Jammu. The MoU reflects a strong commitment to region-specific projects focusing on the bioeconomy, rural entrepreneurship, and sustainable healthcare through integrative approaches. An Advisory Board comprising the Directors of both institutions will monitor the collaboration’s progress and provide strategic direction to ensure alignment with shared objectives. This strategic alliance underscores the commitment of IIM Jammu and CSIR-IIIM to advancing India’s innovation and knowledge economy, aligning with national priorities such as health innovation, startup incubation, and evidence-based policy development. The partnership reflects a collective vision that supports the broader goals of Viksit Bharat and positions both institutions at the forefront of interdisciplinary and impactful research.