Startups

Parliamentary Panel Pushes for Patent Commercialisation Hubs in IITs

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A Parliamentary panel has recommended the creation of Patent Commercialisation Hubs at Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) to transform academic research into market-ready products. The proposal comes from the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Commerce in its 192nd report, highlighting the need to strengthen India’s intellectual property ecosystem.

Bridging the Innovation Gap

The committee noted that while India has seen a surge in patent filings from universities and research institutions, many innovations remain unutilised. By setting up these hubs, IITs can provide infrastructure, mentorship, and technical guidance to convert patents into viable products.

The panel also urged the government to introduce matching grants for innovators. These grants would help researchers and startups build prototypes, making their technologies attractive for industry partnerships.

Incubation and Investor Linkages

The report suggested establishing Patent-to-Product Incubation Centres at IITs. These centres would offer seed funding, lab facilities, and business mentorship. More importantly, they would connect innovators with venture capitalists and private investors, ensuring that promising technologies scale effectively.

Government’s Current Measures

The Ministry of Commerce pointed out several existing initiatives. The Indian Patent Advanced Search System (inPASS) allows stakeholders to explore patents and identify potential licensing opportunities (inPASS). Patent holders can voluntarily declare their willingness to license inventions, helping industries adopt innovative solutions.

Additionally, the government has slashed patent renewal fees by 80% for startups, MSMEs, and educational institutions. This step reduces financial pressure on smaller innovators and promotes long-term patent protection.

Why It Matters

India’s educational institutions filed over 19,000 patents in FY 2023, accounting for 23% of total filings. This marks a sharp rise from 7,200 in FY 2022. Yet, challenges such as long patent approval timelines—around 51 months—continue to hamper innovation.

The proposed hubs can bridge this gap by ensuring patents are not just filed but also commercialised. Such efforts could position India as a stronger global player in innovation.

Outlook

If implemented, these hubs could redefine India’s innovation ecosystem. IITs, with their research capabilities and industry linkages, are well-placed to lead this initiative. The move aligns with India’s ambition to strengthen its intellectual property rights (IPR) regime and drive economic growth through technology-driven enterprises.

SPSEC Relaunches IPR Course, to Roll Out New Entrepreneurship Program

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The Sardar Patel Startup and Entrepreneurship Council (SPSEC), functioning under the aegis of the Startup Incubation Center at Sardar Patel University (SPU), has announced the relaunch of its Certificate Course in Intellectual Property Rights (IPR). Alongside this initiative, the council is also gearing up to introduce a new certificate program focused on entrepreneurship fundamentals.

The 40-hour IPR course, which was previously offered by SPSEC, received an enthusiastic response from students, innovators, and early-stage startup founders. According to university officials, the course enabled participants to grasp the significance of safeguarding their intellectual creations and led many to successfully register their ideas and explore avenues for commercialization.

“The success of the previous edition demonstrated a clear need for structured IPR education among budding entrepreneurs and academic researchers,” a university spokesperson said. “This course serves as a gateway to understanding how intellectual assets can be protected and leveraged in today’s knowledge-driven economy.”

The renewed edition of the IPR course aims to reach a wider demographic. It is open not only to university students and faculty but also to freelancers, homemakers, researchers, small business owners, and startup founders. The curriculum is designed to offer a practical understanding of both Indian and international intellectual property laws, including areas such as patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets.

“The goal is to empower participants with the knowledge required to protect their innovations — an essential component for anyone looking to build a sustainable business or contribute to research and development,” the spokesperson added.

In addition to the IPR course, SPSEC is set to roll out a new program on the fundamentals of entrepreneurship. This initiative aims to equip aspiring entrepreneurs with critical skills such as idea validation, market research, business model development, and fundraising strategies.

Both courses are a part of SPSEC’s broader mission to foster an entrepreneurial culture within the university ecosystem and beyond. With the increasing relevance of intellectual property and startup development in India’s economic growth, SPSEC’s educational offerings are timely and impactful.

Enrollment details and course schedules are expected to be announced shortly on the SPU and SPSEC official websites and social media channels.

Innovative Food-Truck Design Patented by MDU’s Student Entrepreneurs and Faculty

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In a significant achievement for innovation and entrepreneurship in academia, a group of student-entrepreneurs and faculty members from Maharshi Dayanand University (MDU), Rohtak, have been granted a patent for their novel food-truck design. The intellectual property, which blends utility with cutting-edge design features, is the brainchild of Prof. Ashish Dahiya and Sahil Saran, along with contributions from other student innovators.

According to an official statement released by the university administration today, the patented food-truck design represents a leap forward in mobile food service solutions. The design emphasizes space optimization, enhanced hygiene standards, energy efficiency, and modular functionality—key considerations for food entrepreneurs operating in urban and semi-urban environments.

“This is a proud moment for MDU. The achievement reflects the university’s focus on fostering innovation, applied research, and entrepreneurship among its students and faculty,” said a university spokesperson. “The patented design is a result of months of collaborative effort, practical experimentation, and ideation led by Prof. Dahiya and his team.”

The food truck integrates a smart layout that allows for multiple cooking stations, built-in waste management solutions, solar-powered electrical systems, and adjustable service counters. It has been engineered to cater to diverse culinary needs while ensuring compliance with safety and sanitation regulations.

Prof. Ashish Dahiya, who mentors the student entrepreneurs at MDU’s Centre for Innovation, Incubation and Entrepreneurship (CIIE), expressed gratitude for the support extended by the university administration. “This patent not only validates our design’s uniqueness and functionality but also sets a precedent for student-led innovation at MDU. We hope it inspires others to pursue real-world problem solving through interdisciplinary collaboration.”

Sahil Saran, one of the lead student inventors, highlighted the practical experiences that fueled their innovation. “We wanted to create a food truck that wasn’t just mobile but truly entrepreneurial—something that could serve as a sustainable business model for small vendors and young chefs looking to start up with minimal investment.”

The university has confirmed that efforts are underway to bring the patented design into commercial production. With potential interest from both private investors and government-supported start-up schemes, the food-truck project could soon become a real-world success story of campus innovation.

This patent adds to a growing list of intellectual property and start-up initiatives emerging from MDU in recent years, reaffirming the university’s rising stature as a hub for innovation and applied research in North India.

IIIT-Bangalore Hosts Patent Workshop to Boost Academic Innovation

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In a significant move to strengthen the intellectual property (IP) landscape within Karnataka’s academic institutions, the International Institute of Information Technology Bangalore (IIIT-B) organized a one-day workshop titled “Patent Proficiency for Academic Innovators.”  The event, held under the New Age Innovation Network (NAIN) 2.0 program, aimed to equip students, faculty, and innovators with practical knowledge on innovation. 

Empowering Academic Innovators

The workshop was conducted in collaboration with Startup Karnataka and the Department of IT, BT, Government of Karnataka.  Distinguished speakers included Nithin Chakki, KAS, General Manager of the Karnataka Innovation and Technology Society (KITS); Cmd. Sridhar, Registrar of IIIT-B; Prakash Balekundri, CEO of Unique Patent Solutions.  They emphasized the critical role of intellectual property rights (IPR) in translating academic research into market-ready solutions. 

The sessions provided attendees with insights into identifying patentable ideas, navigating the patent filing process, and enhancing the quality of patent applications.  Real-world case studies and expert guidance were integral to the workshop, offering participants a comprehensive understanding of the journey from research ideation to securing intellectual property. 

Extending Reach to Tier-2 Institutions

As an anchor institute for the NAIN 2.0 program, IIIT-B extended the workshop’s benefits to several affiliated institutions, including Jain (Deemed-to-be University), Bapuji Institute of Engineering & Technology in Davangere, Malnad College of Engineering, Mangalore Institute of Technology and Engineering, and St. Philomena College in Puttur.  This initiative reflects a growing commitment among Tier-2 city institutions to build robust IPR ecosystems and contribute to the state’s innovation goals. 

Fostering a Culture of Innovation

Dr. Lakshmi Jagannathan stressed the importance of guiding these innovators in protecting their work, commercializing it, and contributing meaningfully to the economy.  The workshop also focused on strengthening the capabilities of Technology Transfer Offices (TTOs) within institutions, emphasizing their role in bridging the gap between innovative ideas and IP protection. 

About IIIT-Bangalore and Its Innovation Centre

The IIIT-B Innovation Centre serves as a dynamic hub for fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and cutting-edge research.  As a not-for-profit Section 8 company hosted by IIIT-Bangalore, the centre offers state-of-the-art incubation facilities, advanced labs, and access to expert mentorship.  It supports projects across various domains, including artificial intelligence, data science, Internet of Things (IoT), and digital health.  Having supported over 100 startups, the centre plays a pivotal role in nurturing emerging talent and driving technological advancements, positioning itself as a key enabler of innovation and collaboration in India’s tech ecosystem. 

IIIT-Bangalore, Situated in the heart of Electronic City, Bangalore, it holds a prominent position in the academic landscape and is graded A+ by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC). 

The successful execution of the “Patent Proficiency for Academic Innovators” workshop marks a significant step forward in Karnataka’s vision to cultivate a knowledge-led innovation economy, ensuring that academic discoveries translate into impactful, real-world solutions.

💡 Why VCs Are Betting Big on Patent-Led Startups in India

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In India’s ever-evolving startup landscape, one thing is becoming crystal clear: ideas alone aren’t enough. Investors are now looking for proof of real innovation, and the clearest sign of that? Intellectual Property (IP) — especially patents.

Gone are the days when startups could raise millions based on flashy pitches or vague promises of AI-powered disruption. In 2025, IP is the new currency, and deep-tech startups are leading the charge.

🚀 The Numbers Tell the Story
According to Tracxn, Indian startups focused on deep technology and backed by solid IP portfolios raised a whopping $994 million across 284 deals in 2024. And the momentum is only building — 47 IP-led startups have already attracted $220.5 million this year alone.

Names like Infinite Uptime, Bellatrix Aerospace, SpotDraft, and Attentive AI are drawing serious investor interest — and for good reason.

🛡️ Why Patents Matter More Than Ever
Venture capitalists are becoming increasingly cautious, especially in sectors like AI, where hype often outpaces substance. “We’re looking for proof of technical depth,” says Manu Iyer, Co-founder at Bluehill.vc.
Patents create barriers to entry, signal technical competence, and offer strategic advantages in global markets. They also act as safety nets — providing potential licensing revenues or sale value even if a startup needs to pivot.

🧠 The IP-Driven Startups Drawing Big Checks
Startups with a solid patent strategy are standing out. Think:

Ather Energy – innovating in EV and battery tech

Agnikul & Skyroot – pushing boundaries in space tech

Log9 Materials & Lohum – leading battery and recycling innovation


IdeaForge – soaring with drone technology


Niramai – reimagining health diagnostics with AI

These startups are backed by heavyweights like pi Ventures, Axilor, Temasek, GIC, Tiger Global, and InnoVen Capital — all of whom are putting their faith (and funds) into IP-backed innovation.

🔧 Real Innovation Over Assembly
Take Raptee. HV, a Chennai-based electric motorcycle startup. Unlike many others in the space, Raptee designs everything in-house — including its high-voltage powertrain. The company has filed 156 patents around its tech.

“We’re not just assembling off-the-shelf components,” says Co-founder and CEO Dinesh Arjun. “Our IP is what sets us apart — it proves we’re solving real problems with original engineering.”

🌍 Beyond India: IP Opens Global Doors
Beyond just securing funding, IP helps startups scale globally. It opens up new revenue streams through licensing, enables strategic partnerships, and most importantly, acts as a shield against legal battles or copycat competitors.

As Bhaskar Majumdar, Managing Partner at Unicorn India Ventures, puts it: “Startups with strong technical foundations and proprietary IP stand out in today’s noisy innovation landscape.”

📈 The Bottom Line
India’s startup ecosystem is maturing, and with it, VC expectations are evolving. The message is clear: deeptech, defensibility, and differentiation matter more than ever. In this new era, patents aren’t just paperwork — they’re power.

So, if you’re building the next big thing, don’t just chase the buzz. Build real tech. File those patents. And let your innovation speak for itself.