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NIIST Launches 'Lab-to-Market' Program to Bridge Innovation Gap

  //science-technology.news-articles.net/content/2 .. -to-market-program-to-bridge-innovation-gap.html
  Published in Science and Technology on Monday, February 16th 2026 at 10:47 GMT by The Hans India
      Locales: Himachal Pradesh, N/A, INDIA

Thiruvananthapuram, February 16th, 2026 - The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) - National Institute of Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (NIIST) in Thiruvananthapuram is poised to launch a comprehensive 'Lab-to-Market' program, signaling a significant push to translate cutting-edge research into tangible economic benefits. This initiative, announced today by NIIST Director Dr. Achyutha Samanta, isn't simply about commercializing technologies; it's about building a robust ecosystem for innovation and entrepreneurship, addressing long-standing challenges in the Indian scientific landscape.

For decades, Indian research institutions like NIIST have been at the forefront of scientific discovery. However, a persistent 'valley of death' has often prevented these breakthroughs from reaching their full potential. Promising technologies, developed with significant public funding, frequently remain confined to laboratory settings, failing to translate into marketable products and services. The 'Lab-to-Market' program aims to decisively tackle this problem.

The core of the program revolves around facilitating collaboration between NIIST and a diverse range of industry players - from agile startups and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to established large corporations. NIIST possesses a portfolio of technologies ripe for commercialization, particularly in crucial areas like advanced materials, sophisticated sensors, and rapidly evolving healthcare solutions. These aren't just theoretical concepts; they represent potentially disruptive innovations with the capacity to reshape industries and improve lives.

Dr. Samanta emphasized the program's holistic approach. "This isn't simply about handing over a technology and expecting it to succeed," he explained. "We're providing comprehensive support across the entire commercialization lifecycle." This support encompasses crucial areas such as meticulous intellectual property (IP) management - ensuring NIIST's inventions are properly protected and valued - and the development of robust business plans to attract investment and guide market entry.

Funding access is another critical component. Many promising startups and MSMEs struggle to secure the capital needed to scale up production and navigate the complexities of the market. NIIST's program will actively connect ventures with potential investors, venture capitalists, and government funding schemes. Furthermore, the program recognizes the importance of market access, providing assistance in identifying target markets, establishing distribution channels, and navigating regulatory hurdles.

The implications of this program extend far beyond the immediate economic benefits of commercialized technologies. By fostering a more vibrant innovation ecosystem, NIIST aims to attract and retain top scientific talent, driving further research and development. This, in turn, could lead to the creation of high-skilled jobs and contribute to India's overall economic competitiveness.

Experts believe NIIST's initiative addresses a crucial national need. A recent report by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) highlighted the significant potential for increased collaboration between research institutions and industry, estimating that effective technology transfer could add billions of dollars to India's GDP. However, the report also identified key barriers, including a lack of awareness about available technologies, cumbersome IP transfer processes, and inadequate funding mechanisms.

NIIST appears to be proactively addressing these concerns. The program's structure suggests a streamlined approach to IP management, with dedicated personnel to facilitate licensing agreements and technology transfers. The emphasis on supporting MSMEs is particularly noteworthy, as these businesses often lack the resources to navigate the complex landscape of technology commercialization. By empowering smaller companies, NIIST hopes to foster a more inclusive and dynamic innovation ecosystem.

The success of the 'Lab-to-Market' program will likely be measured by several key indicators, including the number of technologies successfully commercialized, the revenue generated from these technologies, and the number of startups and MSMEs that benefit from the program's support. NIIST officials indicate they are also tracking metrics related to job creation and the overall impact on regional economic growth. The institute has already identified a handful of 'flagship' technologies to prioritize in the initial phase of the program, including a novel biocompatible material for medical implants and a highly sensitive sensor for environmental monitoring. These technologies represent a diverse range of applications and demonstrate NIIST's commitment to addressing both societal and industrial needs.