DSIR-CRTDH Conclave-2024 Held in Bhubaneswar to Empower MSMEs through Innovation and Collaboration
Bhubaneswar, November 15, 2024 - The Department of Scientific & Industrial Research (DSIR) under the Ministry of Science & Technology convened its biennial DSIR-CRTDH Conclave-2024 at the CSIR-Institute of Minerals & Materials Technology (CSIR-IMMT), Bhubaneswar. The two-day conclave showcased the achievements of supported Common Research and Technology Development Hubs (CRTDHs) from across the country, with a focus on innovation-driven solutions for MSMEs in India.
The conclave aimed to empower MSMEs through collaboration, embracing sustainable economic growth, generating job opportunities, and positioning India as a global R&D and manufacturing hub. The initiative is part of the DSIR's "Common Research and Technology Development Hub" programme, which was launched in 2014-15 with an objective to create a supportive ecosystem for innovation among MSMEs.
The conclave began with the welcome address by Dr. Ramanuj Narayan, Director of CSIR-IMMT Bhubaneswar, who emphasized the need for academia-industry collaboration to tackle challenges faced by MSMEs in India. The inaugural session featured a live video address by Guest of Honor, Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, Secretary, DSIR & Director General, CSIR, highlighting the importance of CRTDH programs in making MSMEs more 'Atmanirbhar'.
A showcase report titled "CRTDH-Catalyzing innovation through collaboration: CRTDH highlights" prepared by DSIR was unveiled during the conclave. This report demonstrated the success stories and outputs of CRTDHs.
The technical sessions, attended Keynote addresses by Dr. Laxminarayan Padhi, Advisor to the Department of Science & Technology, Government of Odisha, and Shri P.K. Gupta, Director of the MSME Development Institute, Cuttack, provided a platform for sharing success stories from CRTDH members. The sessions featured presentations by coordinators of respective CRTDHs and beneficiaries.
The conclave also featured an exhibition showcasing individual CRTDH posters, audio-visuals, products/prototypes developed by various CRTDHs and associated MSMEs/Start-ups incubated at the CRTDHs. This allowed attendees to network with fellow CRTDHs and gain insight into their accomplishments.
Industry associations, startups, students & researchers, and representatives of supported and incubated MSMEs participated in the conclave. The exchange was fruitful and meaningful, facilitating dialogue for future collaboration.
The event concluded with a take-home message from Dr. Vipin C Shakla, Scientist G, & Head-CRTDH, DSIR, and appreciation by Dr Suman Mazumdar, Scientist -E from DSIR. A roadmap for the upcoming conclave at NIPER, Mohali was also hinted.