By Our Correspondent
BHUBANESWAR: The Department of Scientific & Industrial Research (DSIR) under Ministry of Science & Technology, through its Programme ‘Common Research and Technology Development Hub (CRTDH)’, initiated in 2014-15, attempts to provide MSME clusters the much-needed supportive ecosystem, which encourages and facilitates innovation essential for MSMEs. This program recognizes the importance of MSMEs in the overall economy of India and therefore focuses on the creation of R&D infrastructure in driving scientific advancements, technological innovations and socio-economic development.
The CRTDHs established in publicly funded research institutions have not only achieved remarkable success but have also generated inspiring success stories from their stakeholders. These outstanding and continuous accomplishments should be shared with a broad audience, including those who are currently not connected to the CRTDH network. In view of this, DSIR has organized two days DSIR-CRTDH Conclave 2024 on 13th & 14th November 2024 at CSIR-Institute of Minerals & Materials Technology (CSIR-IMMT), Bhubaneswar wherein the supported CRTDHs had participated and showcased their achievements.
The DSIR-CRTDH Conclave 2024 was inaugurated on 13th November 2024 with welcome address by Dr. Ramanuj Narayan, Director of CSIR-IMMT Bhubaneswar, where Dr. Ramanuj Narayan emphasized on the need for collaboration between academia & industry for addressing the challenges faced by MSMEs in India.
The inaugural session proceeded with the live video address by Guest of Honor, Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, Secretary, DSIR & Director General, CSIR. Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, talked about the importance of CRTDH programme in making MSMEs more ‘Atmanirbhar’ with the handholding by academic institution. She further emphasized that by addressing the challenges, MSMEs can enhance economic growth, create job opportunities and exhibit India’s capabilities on the global stage.
DSIR-CRTDH Conclave 2024 saw the unveiling of report titled ‘CRTDH-Catalyzing innovation through collaboration: CRTDH highlights” prepared by DSIR showcasing the output of CRTDHs.
Dr. Vipin C, Shukla, Scientist G & Head-CRTDH, DSIR in his inaugural address highlighted the need of innovation and stated that MSMEs being the pillar of the innovation ecosystem can do wonders in making India global R & D and manufacturing hub.
In four technical sessions during two days’ event saw the keynote address by Dr. Laxminarayan Padhi, Advisor, Department of Science & Technology, Govt. of Odisha, and by Shri P.K. Gupta, Director of the MSME Development Institute, Cuttack, Ministry of MSME, Government of India. Technical sessions had presentation by the coordinators of respective CRTDH and MSMEs beneficiaries.
Conclave also saw inauguration DSIR-CRTDH Exhibition, where posters, audio visual of the individual CRTDHs and products/prototypes developed by various CRTDHs along with its associated MSMEs / Start-ups incubated at the CRTDH were displayed. The exhibition gave an opportunity of networking with other CRTDHs and also let them know about varied accomplishments of other CRTDHs. Exhibition also gave an opportunity to different MSMEs/Start-ups to interact with other MSMEs/Start-ups supported / incubated at CRTDHs.
The conclave was well attended by various MSMEs, Industry associations, Startups, students & researchers and it saw fruitful exchange of dialogues and meaningful networking for working together. The conclave saw the participation of Dr Suman Mazumdar, Scientist -E from DSIR, who facilitated the exchange of ideas among coordinators and with prospective MSMEs and Startups.
The conclave ended with a take home message by Dr. Vipin C. Shukla Scientist G & Head-CRTDH, DSIR and vote of thanks by Dr. Suman Mazumdar, Scientist -E, DSIR. The conclave also paved the way for the next year conclave at NIPER, Mohali.
