Pune: The Intellectual Property Group of CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory (CSIR-NCL), in collaboration with the Indian Patent Office, successfully conducted 113 awareness events nationwide as part of the National Intellectual Property Awareness Mission (NIPAM) 2.0 in 2024.

This initiative, launched by the Government of India, seeks to enhance understanding of Intellectual Property (IP) and its role in fostering innovation and national progress.

The year-long campaign extended to all 26 states, with a particular focus on Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, including remote areas like Leh-Ladakh, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, and Lakshadweep. Over 10,000 participants, including students from Institutions of National Importance such as 12 IITs, 5 NITs, 3 IISERs, and 15 schools, benefitted from the initiative.

A grand online valedictory session on January 14, 2024, marked the culmination of this effort. The session featured notable dignitaries, including Prof. Unnat P. Pandit, Controller General of Patents & Trademarks, and Dr. Raghavender GR, Senior Consultant, DPIIT.

Alongside CSIR-NCL Director Dr. Ashish Lele, they emphasized the importance of IP in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and leveraging technological innovations for societal benefit.

In response to growing interest, a follow-up session titled ‘Careers in IP’ was also conducted. This session featured insights from renowned experts, including Rajneesh Kumar (BITS Pilani), Shweta Uttam (AIC-SEED IISER Pune), Dr. Shikha Rastogi (CSIR), and Dr. Vinita Jindal (DBT-BIRAC).

The session, moderated by Dr. Nitin Tewari, Head of CSIR-NCL’s Intellectual Property Group, explored career prospects, challenges, and required skills in the dynamic field of IP.

Through its efforts under NIPAM 2.0, CSIR-NCL continues to demonstrate its commitment to fostering a culture of innovation and intellectual property awareness in India.