New Delhi, July 23: The National Research Development Corporation (NRDC) and the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM), a statutory body under the Ministry of Ayush, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a strategic partnership for promoting innovation, intellectual property (IP) management, technology transfer and commercialization of research outcomes in the Indian System of Medicine.

The MoU provides a comprehensive framework for collaboration to identify, protect, develop and commercialize innovative technologies and intellectual property generated by NCISM-regulated institutions and registered practitioners of the Indian Systems of Medicine. The partnership seeks to bridge the gap between research and commercialization by creating an enabling ecosystem for innovation-driven growth in Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha and Sowa-Rigpa.

Under the collaboration, NRDC will extend its expertise in intellectual property protection, patent and trademark facilitation, technology assessment, valuation, licensing, technology transfer, industry linkage and commercialization of technologies.

The Corporation will also provide mentoring to innovators, facilitate incubation support, promote industry-sponsored research, and assist institutions in developing effective intellectual property management practices and commercialization strategies.

NCISM will facilitate engagement between NRDC and its regulated institutions, Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development (RIED) Cells, and registered medical practitioners across the country. Institution-specific technical, commercial and financial engagements arising from the collaboration will be undertaken directly between NRDC and the respective institutions or innovators.