IP Experts and Innovators Gather at ICRISAT Hyderabad for National IP Yatra 2026 and Technology Exhibition
The two-day event features the National IP Yatra 2026, a national initiative supported by the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Government of India, and Udhyam Pradarshan, a technology exhibition supported by National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), held at ICRISAT, Hyderabad on 28–29 January 2026.
The event received over 300 participants, including MSMEs and Startups, intellectual property (IP) experts and beneficiaries of various schemes of the Ministry of MSME. Intellectual Property Management is key to several flagship initiatives such as Make-in-India and Start-up India. This event was aimed at nurturing innovations, in line with the Government of India’s Viksit Bharat 2047 vision for a transformative roadmap to make the nation fully developed, self-reliant, and prosperous.
The vibrant two-day event welcomed the Honourable Governor of Telangana, Shri Jishnu Dev Varma, at the inaugural ceremony.
He unveiled some of ICRISAT’s recent innovations, including the world’s first heat-tolerant pigeonpea, ICPV 25444, and the world’s first drought-tolerant three-way pearl millet hybrid, RHB-273. He also presided over the opening of “ICRISAT’s Biochar Systems Research and Innovation Hub” during the event.
Welcoming the Honourable Governor, Dr Stanford Blade extended a warm greeting to the IP experts from the national system, along with the exhibitors and participants. He highlighted ICRISAT’s continued support for startups and SMEs through IPR related support, capacity-building and incubation services.
Dr Himanshu Pathak, Director General, ICRISAT, addressed the participants and stated:
“In today’s rapidly evolving world, IP awareness is a national priority across the entire innovation ecosystem.”
“It must extend beyond large enterprises to include MSMEs and startups, women and youth innovators, rural and grassroots entrepreneurs, students, faculty, researchers, and emerging technology developers.”
While crediting ICRISAT for its scientific excellence and commitment to improving the lives of smallholder farmers, the Honourable Governor stated:
“ICRISAT stands out for its ability to integrate science, knowledge, and development to address global food security challenges, and India is proud to host this international center of excellence.”
Highlighting the importance of the National IP Yatra, the Honourable Governor added:
“By strengthening the understanding of various types of IPRs such as patents, trademarks, copyrights and others, we equip MSMEs to compete in global markets with confidence.”
The National IP Yatra 2026 featured five technical sessions covering Plant Variety Rights, India’s Next Decade of IP Reforms, India’s Geographical Indication Ecosystem, Digital and AI Innovations, and commercialization aspects such as Licensing and Valuation.
Dr Surya Mani Tripathi, Global Legal Head, ICRISAT, and Dr Dinesh Chauhan, Head – Agribusiness Innovation Platform (AIP), participated in the technical sessions.
Experts from the national IP ecosystem, including NABARD, NALSAR University of Law, AICTE, IIT Kharagpur, IIT Patna, NI-MSME and STEM, joined the discussions. Telangana’s innovation ecosystem was represented by institutions such as IKP, along with experts from ALEAP, BITS Pilani, TAFE, Advanta, IP Excel, Anand and Anand, and Sriram Bioseed.
Padma Shri Dr Rajni Kant, a distinguished GI expert credited with securing GI tags for more than 59 products across 20 states, was also a keynote speaker at the event. He underscored the vast potential of Indian GIs to expand their footprint in global markets.
Udyam Pradarshan 2026 featured a curated showcase of 23 shortlisted innovations selected from 250+ technology submissions received nationwide.
The showcase covered diverse and high-impact domains such as agriculture and allied sectors, digital technologies, AI and IoT solutions, biotechnology and life sciences, climate-smart and sustainability solutions, food technology, and renewable energy. In addition, 12 Geographical Indications (GIs) were also showcased, spanning agriculture, food, and art and handicrafts.
The valedictory session was graced by Special Chief Secretary to the Government of Telangana, Shri Jayesh Ranjan. Addressing the gathering virtually, he emphasized that Telangana provided a fitting backdrop for the National IP Yatra and that, when anchored by institutions like ICRISAT, such platforms strengthen innovation ecosystems.
“This is how an IP culture takes root – through access, clarity, and community. The National IP Yatra 2026 demonstrated how knowledge, when protected and shared responsibly, becomes a force multiplier for growth,” noted Shri Jayesh Ranjan
“ICRISAT’s work shows how scientific research can be translated into global public goods – from climate-resilient crops to technology transfer and entrepreneurship.
"Agricultural innovations from ICRISAT-like international organisations are needed to achieve Telangana’s Vision to become a $1 trillion economy by 2034 and a $3 trillion State GDP by 2047, when India celebrates its 100 years of Independence,” he added.
Shri C.S.S. Rao, Joint Director & Head of Office, MSME-Development and Facilitation Office (MSME-DFO), Hyderabad, Ministry of MSME, Government of India in attendance, the event also witnessed the exchange of three Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), with FIST-IIT Patna, IIT Kharagpur, and IKP Knowledge Park, aimed at strengthening collaboration in research, innovation, and technology transfer.
A key highlight of the valedictory session was the recognition of innovations showcased under the Udhyam Pradarshan. Innovators were recognized across five categories: Faarm2plate (biodegradable cutlery), Avisa Automotive (electric mobility), Peepul Agri (boom sprayers), Heliot.AI (smart farming), and Macvins Research & Innovations (smart IV cannula device).
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The 2-day event demonstrated how intellectual property awareness—when paired with platforms for collaboration and showcasing innovation—can accelerate India’s journey towards Viksit Bharat 2047. As ICRISAT continues to bridge science with development, addressing critical gaps such as IP awareness is critical in nurturing a resilient and globally competitive innovation ecosystem.
This work aligns with SDGs 17, 12 and 10
