The National IP Yatra 2025-26 was held at the Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Amritapuri campus, organized by Amrita’s Intellectual Property Facilitation Centre (Amrita IPFC) in conjunction with the MSME Development and Facilitation Office (MSME-DFO) of Thrissur.
The objective of the two-day conference was to enhance awareness of intellectual property and other issues relating to digital technology, branding, and entrepreneurship for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), start-ups, researchers, academics, students, and young entrepreneurs under the theme “Scaling and Growth of MSMEs via Intellectual Property Assets”.
The National IP Yatra 2025-26 was launched with a ceremonial lighting of the lamp. The Director’s message was delivered by Dr. Krishnashree Achuthan, Dean and Director of Amrita IPFC, who emphasized the Institute’s efforts to create socially relevant, industry-driven innovation through research, inspired by Chancellor Amma’s view that compassionate innovation must lead to successful businesses.
The Presidential Address was presented by Prof. Sumeet Bahl, Director of Research Collaborations, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham. During his address, Professor Bahl stressed the role collaborative research and intellectual property play in the development of our nation.
On the occasion of the inaugural address by Chief Guest Shri Prakash G S, Director, MSME DFO-Trittus, Ministry of MSME in India, he highlighted the importance of Intellectual Property regarding the development of a strong IP-based competitive environment for MSEs. He also called for the MSEs and their innovations to be utilised strategically to protect and commercialise their own intellectual property.
Subsequently, Mr Mahesh Mohan, Deputy General Manager, Amrita IPFC, delivered the keynote address outlining how Amrita IPFC supported MSMEs and innovators through the various support mechanisms available in the region.
Felicitation addresses were given by Shri Binu Balakrishnan, Manager, District Industries Centre, Kollam; Shri Suresh Kumar, President, Laghu Udyog Bharati and MD, MAKS Automation; and Shri Len Philip, State Convenor – Social Security, Kerala State Small Industries Association, respectively. All three guest speakers collectively pointed out that collaboration between academia and industry is an essential component for the establishment and growth of sustainable MSEs.
The signing of the MoU between Amrita IPFC and Laghu Udyog Bharati, MAKS Automation, Genxmy Pvt Ltd, and Impressads Marketing Solutions Pvt Ltd was an important milestone to promote collaboration between the two institutions and strengthen the local industry through partnership and an innovation ecosystem. The programme ended with a formal vote of thanks given by Professor Suresh A, Faculty, Amrita School of Business (Amritapuri).
The national IP Yatra panel agreed that MSMEs are the backbone of the Indian economy, so they should take advantage of government incentives such as Udyam registration and innovation support systems to grow. Intellectual property is a valuable business opportunity, so patents, trade marks, design marks, and GI registrations will not only provide protection for the intellectual property but also allow for the commercialisation of that intellectual property and revenue generation from the sale of such products.
There were also sessions highlighting Amrita IPFC; a single-window facilitation centre (for MSMEs) to support their IP protection and technology transfer initiatives; examples were given of how these four platforms can be used to streamline the implementation of digital tools (branding, digital marketing, AI and generative AI) that will improve productivity, decision-making and competitiveness through a phased digital adoption approach. A strategic method called Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) was introduced as a framework for improving global competitiveness by enhancing product visibility and assessing risk for MSMEs.
Through the tireless dedication to find new ways to create an impact, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham reaffirms its commitment to compassion-driven innovation for society, as expressed in the vision of Chancellor Amma. Amrita IPFC aims to empower MSMEs, startups and farm communities by facilitating knowledge sharing, technology transfer and intellectual property; thus strengthening livelihoods at the grassroots level, while contributing to sustainable inclusive economic growth.
