Dr. (Mrs.) N. Kalaiselvi, Secretary of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) and Director General of CSIR, highlighted the importance of shifting from traditional R&D to “R&D Innovation,” where market needs drive research design. She emphasised that research institutions must focus on validation, scalability, and commercialization to deliver societal and economic benefits.
Dr. Kalaiselvi also highlighted CSIR–NIIST’s interdisciplinary focus areas, including biosciences, bioengineering, Ayurveda research, AI applications, and sustainable materials. She underlined the strategic expansion of the CSIR–NIIST Innovation, Technology and Entrepreneurship Hub to foster startups, SMEs, and collaborative industry projects in sustainable packaging, spice incubation, coir and rubber technologies, and green hydrogen-enabled bio-manufacturing.
Among the key technologies transferred was a high-protein, low glycaemic index rice enriched with iron, folic acid, and Vitamin B12, designed to address anaemia and diabetes. Another highlight was an instant coffee foam technology capable of sustaining foam at high temperatures without milk. Additionally, a low-sodium salt technology was introduced, alongside other innovations including cardanol polyol-based polyurethane dispersions, osmotic dehydration processes, ready-to-cook vegetable mixes, fruit roll technology, composting bio medium (JAIVAM), and vegan leather.
Dr. C. Anandharamakrishnan, Director of CSIR–NIIST, described the event as a “festival of technology transfers,” emphasizing the institute’s commitment to expanding its national footprint and enhancing visibility among industry partners. He noted the institute’s growing external revenue, increased technology transfer volumes, and active engagement in CSR and industry projects.
Commodore Amit Rastogi (Retd), Chairman & Managing Director of the National Research Development Corporation (NRDC), underlined the strengthened synergy between CSIR and NRDC. He highlighted NRDC’s expanded role in technology commercialization, including incubation infrastructure, technology readiness assessments, design clinics, system engineering support, financial assistance up to ₹1 crore, seed funding, and IP facilitation. Plans for a National Technology Translation Organization and an AI-enabled technology exchange platform were also discussed to accelerate lab-to-market conversion.
The event saw participation from industry leaders, researchers, and media representatives, reinforcing CSIR–NIIST’s vision of a robust innovation ecosystem. With 11 technologies successfully transferred and one MoU signed, the Lab-to-Market event reaffirmed CSIR–NIIST’s commitment to translational research, commercialization-driven growth, and national impact.
