KU workshop stresses patent commercialisation, innovation culture

Srinagar, Sep 18: The University of Kashmir (KU) has concluded a day-long workshop on “Intellectual Property Rights: Commercialisation and Licensing of Patents,” underscoring its commitment to innovation, technology transfer and the protection of intellectual assets at a time when IP-led growth is gaining importance in national and global economies.

Organised by KU’s Directorate of Internal Quality Assurance (DIQA), NewGen IEDC and IPR Cell, the programme brought together innovators, researchers and entrepreneurs to deliberate on patent filing, licensing frameworks and pathways for successful commercialisation.

Vice-Chancellor KU, Prof Nilofer Khan, who inaugurated the workshop, said the University is making significant progress in filing and securing patents, reflecting its vision of fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship. “In today’s knowledge-driven economy, safeguarding innovations through patenting and licensing is not merely a legal requirement but a strategic imperative for national development and for enabling our youth to transform ideas into viable enterprises,” she said.

Dean Research KU, Prof Mohammad Sultan Bhat, said such workshops are vital for sensitising faculty and scholars about patent processes and commercialisation. “This awareness helps strengthen the innovation ecosystem, ensuring that research outcomes move beyond laboratories to make real-world impact,” he noted.

Registrar KU, Prof Naseer Iqbal, reiterated the University’s focus on equipping students and faculty with the skills for successful technology transfer. “The emphasis is on enabling innovators to meaningfully engage with industry partners for licensing and commercialisation,” he said.

Earlier, Director DIQA, Prof Manzoor Ahmad Shah, said the workshop was designed to blend theory with practice by offering insights into patent filing, claims drafting and strategies for commercialisation.

Certificates were also presented to faculty members and researchers who successfully secured patents—an acknowledgment of KU’s growing role in advancing technology-driven solutions.

During the technical sessions, Kiran from IIT Delhi and Dr Gauri Gargate from IIT Kharagpur guided participants through case studies, practical exercises and expert discussions on patent claims, filing procedures and strategies for commercialisation.

The inaugural session was conducted by Prof Aijaz Akbar, Deputy Director DIQA, while Dr Irfana Rashid, Coordinator NewGen IEDC, delivered the vote of thanks.