New Delhi: CSIR–NIIST completed 11 technology transfers and signed one MoU during its Lab to Market event at CSIR Headquarters in New Delhi.
The programme marked a major CSIR–NIIST technology transfer milestone. It highlighted the institute’s push to move research from laboratories to industry and society. The event took place under the banner “CSIR–NIIST Tech Connect: Lab to Market.”
Dr. (Mrs.) N. Kalaiselvi, Secretary, DSIR and Director General, CSIR, urged institutions to accelerate R&D innovation. She said research must begin with market needs and then design solutions. Moreover, she stressed validation, scalability and commercialisation to ensure social benefit.
She noted that technology transfer now forms a core institutional mandate. In addition, she linked this shift to national goals of self-reliance, sustainability and nutrition security. She also highlighted interdisciplinary work in biosciences, bioengineering, Ayurveda research, artificial intelligence and sustainable materials.
CSIR–NIIST technology transfer covers food, materials and green solutions
Among the key outcomes of the CSIR–NIIST technology transfer drive was a high-protein, low glycaemic index rice enriched with iron, folic acid and Vitamin B12. The variety targets anaemia and diabetes while retaining taste and cooking quality. Another major transfer involved instant coffee foam technology that sustains foam at high temperatures without milk.
The institute also introduced a low-sodium salt technology and signed an MoU for its scale-up and collaborative research. Furthermore, it transferred cardanol polyol-based polyurethane dispersions, osmotic dehydration processes, ready-to-cook vegetable mixes, fruit roll technologies, composting bio medium JAIVAM and vegan leather.
Dr. C. Anandharamakrishnan, Director, CSIR–NIIST, described the programme as a “festival of technology transfers.” He said the institute shifted from conventional R&D to demand-driven innovation. As a result, it recorded growth in external revenue, industry projects, CSR projects and research output.
Commodore Amit Rastogi (Retd), Chairman and Managing Director, NRDC, highlighted stronger CSIR–NRDC collaboration. He said NRDC expanded beyond licensing to support incubation, technology readiness assessment, design clinics and financial assistance up to ₹1 crore. He also outlined plans for a National Technology Translation Organization and an AI-enabled exchange platform.
Industry leaders, researchers and media representatives attended the event. The CSIR–NIIST technology transfer initiative, with 11 transfers and one MoU, underscored its focus on industry partnerships and innovation-led growth.
