In a world where ideas have become the new currency, SVKM’s NMIMS (Deemed-to-be University), Mumbai, brought intellectual property (IP) into sharp focus through a workshop on “Intellectual Property for Business Success: Valuation, Licensing, and Commercialisation.”
Organised by the IPR Cell of SVKM in collaboration with ASSOCHAM and supported by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce, and CIPAM, the workshop aimed to deepen IP awareness and demonstrate how intellectual property can be strategically leveraged for commercial growth.
Welcoming the guests, Dr. Jayant Gandhi, Hon. Secretary, SVKM, set the tone for the day. “Ideas are the new currency today, and innovation only matters when it is protected and put to use. As Prime Minister Narendra Modi envisions with ‘Vikshit Bharat 2047,’ your research and creativity can drive India’s growth and global competitiveness.”
Shri Asoke Basak, Advisor to the President and Head, SVKM IPR Cell, reflected on NMIMS’ journey in strengthening its IP culture. “Over the past two years, our IPR Cell at SVKM/ NMIMS has worked hard to understand, protect, and organize intellectual property, while learning that commercialization is key to creating value. With the support of experts from ASSOCHAM and our dedicated team, today’s workshop aims to guide on how to protect, leverage, and commercialize ideas.”
Highlighting the growing role of IP in the university’s research ecosystem, Dr. Ramesh Bhat, Vice Chancellor, NMIMS, said, “Research today is not just about papers; it is about creating tangible value through patents, innovation, and commercialization. NMIMS has proudly earned a NAAC A++ accreditation, reflecting our teaching excellence, yet our research score of 3.39 shows we can aim higher. With over 100 patents in the pipeline, we must convert ideas into granted patents and viable technologies.”
Expert Insights
The first session, led by Mr Ram Krishnan, Sr. Director, Engineering, Qualcomm, San Diego, USA, focused on ‘Unlocking IP Value – From Innovation to Commercial Impact.’ He explained, “Innovation starts with identifying real problems and creating solutions that matter. India’s ecosystem, from 4G to emerging 6G and AI, offers immense opportunities for students, researchers, and start-ups. Programmes like the Design in India Challenge, women-led start-up mentorship, and L2Pro Pro India provide structured support and incentives to file IP and scale ideas. Protecting intellectual property is not the end; it is the beginning of creating impact and turning innovation into real-world solutions.”
The second session, conducted by Mr Gaurav Phadnis, Partner, Lex Orbis, explored ‘IP for Business Success – Case Studies’. He added, “Even simple innovations, like a modified air cooler or pressure cooker, can be patented if they are novel and inventive. The problem-solution approach turns everyday challenges into inventive solutions. Commercialisation and monetisation follow protection, showing that strategic use of IP can transform creativity into real business value and impact industries, society, and the next generation of innovators.”
Concluding the workshop, Mr Vijaykumar Shivpuje, Advisor, ASSOCHAM IP Council and Director, Patlex Business Solution, highlighted the final session on ‘IP Valuation, Licensing, and Commercialisation’. He said, “IP alone does not create value. The technology must solve a real problem and be commercially viable. Protecting your innovation is easier; commercialising it is the challenge. Patents, designs, and trade marks are tools, but real impact comes from licensing, consultancy, joint ventures, or spin-outs. Universities, start-ups, and MSMEs can leverage government schemes, incubation centres, and TTOs to move ideas to market. Our focus should be on aligning research with industry needs, understanding valuation, and creating strategies to turn intellectual property into tangible business success.”
Through expert-led sessions and interactive discussions, the workshop highlighted how intellectual property, when protected, valued, and commercialised, can transform innovation into real-world business and societal impact.
