Few words on GIAN (North):-
GIAN (N) has prioritised about 20 innovations for value addition in the short-term. The projects are at different stages of incubation. A quick overview is given below:
IPR protection
A total of 11 patents applications have been filed in India for the grassroots technologies from Northern India.
Product Development
GIAN (N) has facilitated in development of three (3) product prototype from concept stage. One (1) more concept, which is a capital intensive arrangement for marble cutting machines, will be field tested soon in marble industry with some assistance from the private sector.
Work is being undertaken on seven (7) more projects where basic models are being developed/ improvised into final prototypes. In three (3) cases the development works are at completion stage.
Diffusion of technology
Three (3) technologies pertaining to Water conservation (arch shaped, low cost Check Dam), Drudgery Reduction of Women (Well Pulley with stopper) and dryland forestry (plantation with minimal water) are being replicated in different places of Rajasthan with help from Dept of S&T, GOR and leading NGOs of the state. First two innovations are from Gujarat and this is an inspiring case of cross-regional technology diffusion.
Project studies
Students of premier Technology Institutes and B-schools have undertaken several studies on the grassroots innovations. Eight (8) students of different IITs have worked to help in technical documentation of various innovations. Thirteen (13) students of different business schools including IIMs, have undertaken projects on market feasibility and business planning on various innovations. Besides, GIAN (N) has independently done several validation, evaluation works on different innovations.
Venture support & Business Development
Apart from techno-economic viability studies as above, GIAN (N) has provided handholding support to innovators in setting up unit, extension of product line, business development and licensing of technology. Two (2) new units have become operative. Licensing arrangement for one (1) venture is under process. Besides, mentoring, financial assistance and market linkages have been provided to three (3) existing units. Commercialisation of one (1) new system is at an advance stage of implementation with support from private sector industry.
Scouting
Presence of a GIAN has invigorated the efforts of scouting by the associates and collaborators of Honeybee Network. Substantial number of new entries- both technological innovations and traditional knowledge- has been collected from remote corners of the region. Exemplary works have been done by Honey Bee Collaborators of Rajasthan and Uttaranchal in this respect. Some other state governments like Govt. of Delhi have taken special initiative to identify such outstanding innovations through the government machinery. This year womens’ contribution has increased significantly.
Dissemination Programmes
Eight (8) expositions and workshops were conducted/ participated in the region for dissemination and outreach. This includes workshops and expositions in Delhi, Chandigarh, Kanpur, Jaipur, Ajmer and Pilani. Active support from governments, industry associations, IITs etc were received in the programmes. Besides GIAN (N) has represented the cause of innovators at various forums and through print and electronic media.
Alliances for innovation augmentation
Effective linkages have been established with many organisations (totalling about 20) from the fields of science & technology, patent attorneys, NGOs, trade associations and development funding organisations. Objective is to strengthen the process of innovation at grassroots by linking student projects, technology inputs from faculty experts, facilitate design improvement, product development, testing and evaluation of the innovations, IPR protection as well as mentoring/ facilitating commercialisation and social diffusion of technologies.