ICRISAT-DST launch database portal to promote Intellectual Property & Technology Exchanges in Agriculture

'TechKnow' is a dynamic database with non-confidential information about IP-protected technologies developed and owned by the India Public Research Institutions and Academic Institutions in the agricultural sector. The portal is an outcome of a research project funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, and developed by ICRISAT which aims to bridge the gap between technology developers and technology seekers in the agricultural ecosystem.

The database portal for Intellectual Property in the agriculture sector called ‘TechKnow’ was launched in the presence of Dr Srivari Chandrasekhar, Secretary, Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, and Dr Jacqueline Hughes, Director General, International Crops Research Institute for Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) in Hyderabad. The newly launched platform provides details of IP-protected technologies from selected agricultural domains developed by various public and academic institutes across India.

Currently, it showcases information about over 700 patents, 160 registered copyrights, 13 trademarks, 2546 plant varieties, 78 industrial designs, and 149 geographical indications from agricultural domains like Genetic Resources, and Crop Improvement; Agricultural Mechanization and Agricultural implements; Post-harvest, Value-addition, Food products and processes; Plant-protection and processes, Agricultural chemicals and inputs.

The dynamic database developed is the outcome of a three-year research project executed by ICRISAT and funded by DST, the Government of India. Titled ‘Mapping of IPRs and its management in academics/research institutions: A study on agriculture research sector in India,’ the study was carried out by collecting publically available data on agriculture IP developed by various Agriculture institutions across the country including ICAR institutions, Central and state universities, other public and private research academia.

This initiative will bridge the gap between technology developers and technology seekers in India. During the launch, Dr. Surya Mani Tripathi, Principal Investigator of the Project highlighted that it will help innovators who are keen to commercialize their technologies and even benefit innovators in identifying technology gaps to develop novel technologies without duplication in R&D. ‘TechKnow’ also helps start-ups and MSMEs in the agriculture sector, looking for technologies that can be turned into workable business models.  

To access the database, click here:  www.techknow.org.in