ICRISAT Equips Global Leaders with Technology Transfer Expertise for Real-World Impact
ICRISAT, through the Government of India's ITEC program, trains professionals from 23 nations, building skills to transform innovations into practical application.
Hyderabad, India – Providing a comprehensive deep dive into the intricacies of technology transfer, the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) successfully concluded its intensive two-week International Training on Mastering Technology Transfer: A Global Pathway for Developing Countries, on 13 June 2025. Supported by India’s Ministry of External Affairs, under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) program, the course trained 50 professionals from 23 countries in transferring agricultural innovations from lab to field.
The participants came from diverse backgrounds, including policymakers, researchers, and industry experts. They gained skills in IP management, market research, commercialization, and legal frameworks. The program emphasized practical strategies to enhance technology adoption, empowering attendees to drive impactful change in their nations.
![[L-R]: Principal Scientist - Sociologist, Gender & Nutrition Research, Dr Padmaja Ravula; Deputy Director General - Research and Innovation, Dr Stanford Blade; Director General, Dr Himanshu Pathak; and Global Head - Legal Services, Dr Suryamani Tripathi.](https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/6f6e96ab-7a9a-497b-83eb-2c9eab2fa8d8/ICP_8759.jpg "[L-R]: Principal Scientist - Sociologist, Gender & Nutrition Research, Dr Padmaja Ravula; Deputy Director General - Research and Innovation, Dr Stanford Blade; Director General, Dr Himanshu Pathak; and Global Head - Legal Services, Dr Suryamani Tripathi.")
Highlighting the significant challenges in transferring agricultural technologies, Director General of ICRISAT, Dr Himanshu Pathak, explained that, agricultural innovations face considerable uncertainties due to varied agro-climatic zones, soil conditions, and other environmental factors.
"Scientists worldwide develop breakthrough agricultural technologies, yet many farmers remain unaware of them. This gap between innovation and adoption is a global challenge. This course is not just about creating technologies; it is about ensuring they reach the fields where they are needed most," shared Dr Pathak.
Spotlighting the mutual learning nature of the course, Deputy Director General – Research and Innovation, ICRISAT, Dr Stanford Blade said:
“This program represents a two-way exchange of knowledge. While participants gain critical skills in technology transfer, we at ICRISAT equally benefit from their on-ground experiences and perspectives. This synergy is how we co-create truly transformative solutions that work across different contexts.”
Transforming Technologies into Tangible Benefits
By the course's conclusion, ICRISAT equipped the participants with end-to-end technology transfer expertise, covering innovation assessment, IP protection, market research, commercialization, funding strategies, and legal frameworks. Through interactive sessions, including IP searches, negotiation exercises, and risk analysis, they developed tailored transfer strategies.
Participants also benefited from extensive field visits, including tours of ICRISAT's world-class facilities, such as the Genebank, genomics labs, climate facilities, and phenotyping units, alongside the CGIAR Centers.
Insights from Participants
Expressing his eagerness to apply the newly acquired knowledge, Mr Lamin O Janneh, an ICT Officer from the Gambia Prison Services, Gambia, said the training equipped him with important skills for his work in the tech field. He added that it would enhance his leadership and teamwork abilities, enabling more effective communication with both technical and non-technical staff. Most importantly, he noted, the training strengthened his sense of responsibility and professionalism, crucial for managing sensitive data and maintaining secure prison technology systems.
For more insights directly from the participants, watch the video report.
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This successful program demonstrates ICRISAT's dedication to advancing agricultural innovation through practical technology transfer. According to Mr Suryamani Tripathi, Global Head - Legal Services at ICRISAT, the initiative created vital international partnerships by uniting diverse professionals, from scientists to policymakers, who collectively address the multifaceted challenges of bringing technologies to market. Dr Padmaja Ravula, Principal Scientist - Sociologist, Gender & Nutrition Research, ICRISAT, noted that the program's strength lies in its inclusive approach, combining varied perspectives across disciplines, sectors, and geographies.
Roseleen Aind
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