Urges young researchers to focus on real-world impact, commercialisation
Srinagar, Aug 28: Member of NITI Aayog, Dr. M. Srinivas, on Friday visited the CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR-IIIM), Srinagar, and reviewed the institute’s ongoing work in scientific research, innovation, entrepreneurship, and societal outreach initiatives in Jammu and Kashmir.
Dr. Srinivas was accompanied by Subhash Chandra Meena, Economic Adviser, NITI Aayog; Dr. Muniraju S.B., Deputy Adviser, NITI Aayog; and Sumaya Yousuf, Program Lead, Atal Innovation Mission. The delegation interacted with scientists, scholars, startups, and officials and reviewed a range of science-led initiatives being undertaken by CSIR-IIIM and its innovation ecosystem.
As part of the visit, Dr. Srinivas toured the AIC-IIIM Bioinnovation Foundation, the Atal Incubation Centre housed at the institute, and reviewed its incubation and entrepreneurship activities. He was briefed on the support being extended to innovators and startups through mentorship, institutional guidance, technology development, and enterprise creation.
Interacting with scientists and researchers, Dr. Srinivas appreciated the breadth of research being carried out at CSIR-IIIM, including work in phytochemicals, medicinal and aromatic plants, floriculture, and healthcare-related research. He highlighted the importance of translating scientific discoveries into technologies, products, and solutions that can generate wider societal benefits and improve quality of life.
Emphasising the need for stronger linkages between research, innovation, and entrepreneurship, he encouraged young researchers and startup founders to focus on the real-world impact of their work and pursue collaborations that facilitate technology development and commercialisation. He also stressed the importance of partnerships among scientists, clinicians, industry, and policymakers to accelerate the translation of research into practical applications.
Welcoming the delegation, Dr. Zabeer Ahmed, Director of CSIR-IIIM and Director of CSIR-NBRI Lucknow, highlighted the institute’s efforts in research, technology development, incubation, and societal outreach. He outlined the role of the institute’s innovation ecosystem, including the Technology Business Incubator (TBI-IIIM), AIC-IIIM, and Industrial Biotechnology Parks, in supporting the journey of scientific ideas from laboratories to the marketplace.
During the interaction, Dr. Zabeer Ahmed also highlighted certain challenges related to research and development in phytopharmaceuticals and other plant-based interventions, including the need for timely research permissions and specialised facilities to support clinical translation and commercialisation. Responding to the issues raised, Dr. Srinivas assured that the concerns would be examined at the appropriate level.
The visit also featured presentations on the institute’s Technology Business Incubator, Floriculture Mission, and Aroma Mission, showcasing efforts to promote innovation, entrepreneurship, value addition, and livelihood generation through science-led interventions.
The programme concluded with the felicitation of the visiting dignitaries and a vote of thanks.
