The Maharashtra government has granted in-principle approval to establish a new state-level centre named MANTRA (Maharashtra Academy for Nurturing Technology, Research and Intellectual Assets) to strengthen the ecosystem for research, patents, and innovation in the state's universities and higher education institutions.
An initial allocation of ₹60 crore has been made for this project. The government aims to translate research outcomes into practical industrial applications and ensure the proper management of smart property generated within educational institutions.
The full form of MANTRA is the Maharashtra Academy for Nurturing Technology, Research, and Intellectual Assets. It is a specialized center with the primary objectives of assisting with patent filing, improving intellectual property management, commercialising university-based research, providing training to researchers and faculty members, and fostering collaboration between industry and academia. This centre will operate under the Higher and Technical Education Department of Maharashtra.
Currently, many researchers who make significant discoveries or develop new technologies do not receive enough support for complex processes such as patent applications, legal procedures, and technology transfer.
To address this issue, the Department of Higher and Technical Education constituted an expert committee. This committee was led by Dr. A. B. Pandit of Mumbai, the Vice-Chancellor of the Institute of Chemical Technology. In its report, the committee highlighted the need for stronger institutional support for researchers.
The project will be implemented in two phases, in accordance with the recommendations of the expert committee. The first phase will see the launch of the MANTRA centre, alongside a special training program named "Sankalp." Key features of this training include a 30-hour, 2-credit course designed for faculty members of the state's higher education institutions, aimed at enhancing knowledge regarding patents, research, and innovation.
The second phase will focus on technology transfer, industry collaboration, the development of research, and expanding the market for innovations.
In following with the government plan, the MANTRA centre will commence operations on July 1. It will be established at the Kalina campus of the University of Mumbai. Once the centre becomes operational, various universities and research institutions across the state will receive support regarding patents and innovation through a single platform.
One of the key components of the MANTRA project is the establishment of a State Patent Bank. This Patent Bank will serve to archive patents from various educational institutions and consolidate research data, thereby facilitating the transfer of technology to industrial organizations. It will also enhance the commercial potential of innovations. This initiative is regarded as a significant step towards linking research with the real economy.
I am writing about this because, in the current era, conducting research alone is not enough; applying that research for the benefit of society and industry is equally important. Although significant research is conducted at many universities in India, it often fails to reach the stage of patenting or commercial application.
It is expected that if researchers, teachers, and students receive the necessary support through the MANTRA center, the development of new technologies, innovations, and a startup culture will accelerate.
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