Inauguration of 'CRTDHs Empowering MSMEs' Chintan Shivir at Delhi

The Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) implements a number of programmes to promote R&D by the industries and supports the industrial units to develop state-of-the-art globally competitive technologies of high commercial value, catalyzing faster commercialization of laboratory-scale R&D, augment technology transfer capabilities, enhance the share of technology intensive exports in overall exports, strengthen industrial consultancy and establish a user-friendly information network to facilitate scientific and industrial research in the country.

Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) play a pivotal role in the overall economy of India by promoting equitable development across the nation. These MSMEs, therefore, need to be sensitized towards translation of public funded R&D into products and processes. Aligning with this goal, DSIR has been implementing Common Research and Technology Development Hubs (CRTDHs) in public-funded institutions having linkages with and proximity to MSME clusters under CRTDH program since the year 2014. So far, 18 CRTDHs established across the country provide state of the art R&D facilities to MSMEs and research institutes for translation of scientific knowledge and ideas into new products and processes. These facilities are being availed by the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, innovators and start-ups.

As a part of the "Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav" initiative and while traversing the journey towards “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” and to strengthen the interaction between the CRTDHs and MSMEs/Start-ups/innovators, DSIR has planned to organize “Chintan Shivir-CRTDHs Empowering MSMEs” across all the established CRTDHs. These shivirs will serve as platforms for in-depth discussions and engagement with various stakeholders. Four Chintan Shivirs have already been organized by DSIR at IIT Kharagpur, CSIR-IITR, Lucknow, CSIR-CMERI Durgapur and CSIR-IMMT Bhubaneshwar and the fifth one is being organized on 13^th October 2023 at Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences & Research University, New Delhi (DPSRU).

The event will begin with a talk of Prof Ramesh K. Goyal, Vice-Chancellor, DPSRU, New Delhi on vision of DPSRU & DPSRU-CRTDH followed by an inaugural address of Dr N. Kalaiselvi, Secretary, DSIR & Director General, CSIR.  The inaugural session will proceed with an overview of Chintan Shivir by Dr. Sujata Chaklanobis, Scientist-G & Head-CRTDH, DSIR along with talks of Prof. (Dr.) Harvinder Popli, Registrar, DPSRU and Prof Geeta Aggarwal, Project Coordinator-CRTDH at DPSRU. The event will also be attended by Dr Vipin C Shukla, Dr Ranjeet Bairwa and Dr Suman Mazumdar from CRTDH scheme division of DSIR along with CRTDH team of DPSRU and DPSRU Innovation and Incubation Foundation team. Representatives from Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and start-ups, industry associations will also participate in this event to explore the benefits of CRTDH in their R&D endeavors. After the inaugural session, a visit will be undertaken to various stalls of the exhibition.

The panel discussion will begin on “CRTDH Building a Support System for MSMEs for R&D and Manufacturing” which will be moderated by Dr Vipin C Shukla, Scientist-F & Member Secretary-CRTDH, DSIR. Participants would explore and discuss the challenges confronted by the MSMEs, with a strong emphasis on fostering research and development as tools for problem-solving. The purpose is to generate new ideas, insights, and perspectives that can contribute to the development and implementation of policies, programs and initiatives aligned with the goals of the Government. The Chintan Shivir will provide a platform for these businesses like MSMEs, Start-ups and industries to understand how the resources available at CRTDH can bolster their capacity, enhance productivity, and drive forward innovation in the realm of affordable health solutions. Different sessions will highlight the role of CRTDH in empowering MSMEs and other stakeholders with research infrastructure, technologies, futuristic technologies and current & future opportunities for them in the country.

Overall, the event will aim to tap into the combined wisdom, knowledge, and expertise of Government officials, DPSRU and stakeholders through in-depth discussions, critical analysis, and strategic planning. This will fulfill the goal to brainstorm potential solutions for the challenges that MSMEs, start-ups, and innovators encounter in the country while also leverage opportunities to establish India as a prominent global center for industrial research and manufacturing in affordable healthcare sector.