To encourage technology transfer in the Indian life-science sector, Foundation for MSME Clusters (FMC) in collaboration with Hyderabad based IKP Knowledge Park (IKP) is organising 'Tech Transfer 2012' in Hyderabad and Ahmedabad. The entire project is funded and supported by the the National Science and Technology Entrepreneurship Development Board, part of the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India.

This is for the first time that such an event is being organised in the country with an aim to benefit the Indian life-sciences industry, especially the MSMEs to address the gaps between industry requirements and knowledge creators through creating a wider platform for technology transfer. This technology transfer exercise is being organised in two places first in Hyderabad on February 9 along with the BioAsia event followed by Ahmedabad on February 22 which will be supported by Gujarat State Biotechnology Mission (GSBTM).  

This year-long exercise has been undertaken in six phases, ie market survey, technology scouting, partnership with national and international agencies, institutions and organisations; technology screening, two technology workshops, and follow-up and transfer of technologies. This exercise will provide a platform to reputed international, national companies, universities and institutes with authentic data, information proven trials to present their technologies.

According to Dr Tamal Sarkar, director, FMC, “It is a first of its kind platform, wherein live technologies will be presented directly to the industry. These technologies have been aggregated from across the globe to suit the requirements of Indian MSMEs and we hope to offer Tech Transfer 2012 as a one-stop shop for most of the technology related requirements of Indian life-science industry.”

Key decision makers and representatives from the industry will be participating in the workshops with technology presentations relating to bio-pharmaceuticals, pharmaceuticals which includes APIs, intermediates, formulations, diagnostics and medical devices from across the country. Dr Sarkar informed that they would also attempt to facilitate financial assistance for technology acquisition and licensing by interested companies.

Around 200 industry representatives from 150 life-science companies of India and abroad are expected to participate in the workshop. A customised mechanism has been devised to capture expressions of interest from industry towards their interests in technologies. FMC and IKP will follow up with the expressions of interest, and take them forward towards possible transfer of technology.

Sourabh Gargav, manager, FMC, informed that India has around 20,000 life-science enterprises, including large, medium, and small. “We are very happy with the kind of response we have received till now from the industry on this, as they are very inquisitive about what they are to expect at this event. This will be a perfect platform where we aim to address requirements of select 2000 players and envisage 50 to 100 technology transactions to take place through Tech Transfer 2012.”

To create a far reaching impact to push for an innovative ecosystem in India, FMC and IKP has also partnered with international technology transfer facilitators like Steinbeis Centre for Technology Transfer India, Institute of Intellectual Property, Research and Development (IIPRD), New Delhi, and other providers from around the world.