Empowering MSMEs through Innovation and Collaboration to Foster a Self-Reliant India

The Ministry of Science & Technology recently concluded the DSIR-CRTDH Conclave-2024, held at the CSIR-Institute of Minerals & Materials Technology (CSIR-IMMT), Bhubaneswar. The program, initiated in 2014-15 by the Department of Scientific & Industrial Research (DSIR), aims to provide MSME clusters with the necessary supportive ecosystem for innovation.

The Conclave was organized to recognize the importance of MSMEs in the overall economy of India and to focus on creating R&D infrastructure that drives scientific advancements, technological innovations, and socio-economic development. Theprogram has achieved remarkable success, generating inspiring success stories from its stakeholders who have participated and showcased their achievements.

Key highlights of the Conclave included a welcome address by Dr. Ramanuj Narayan, Director of CSIR-IMMT Bhubaneswar, where he emphasized on the need for collaboration between academia and industry to address challenges faced by MSMEs in India.

The inaugural session also saw a live video address by Guest of Honor, Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, Secretary, DSIR & Director General, CSIR, who highlighted the importance of the CRTDH programme in making MSMEs more 'Atmanirbhar' with the handholding of academic institutions.

Four technical sessions during two days saw keynote addresses by Dr. Laxminarayan Padhi, Advisor, Department of Science & Technology, Govt. of Odisha, and Shri P.K. Gupta, Director of the MSME Development Institute, Cuttack, Ministry of MSME, Government of India.

The Conclave also featured an exhibition showcasing posters, audio-visuals, products/prototypes developed by various CRTDHs and their associated MSMEs/Start-ups incubated at the CRTDH. The event provided a platform for networking among CRTDHS, MSMEs/Start-ups, industry associations, students & researchers.

The Conclave concluded with a take-home message by Dr. Vipin C Shukla Scientist G & Head-CRTDH, DSIR, and a vote of thanks by Dr. Suman Mazumdar, Scientist-E from DSIR.