IPR key to economic growth: DMU VC
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, July 20 2025: Emphasising the critical role of innovation and Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) in boosting economic growth, DM University vice-chancellor Prof W Chandbabu said that India cannot achieve the goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047 without a strong focus on innovation.

He made the remark while speaking as chief guest at the closing ceremony of Innotech Fest 2025, organised by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) at Manipur Science Centre, Takyelpat, on Sunday.

Prof Chandbabu stated that India is making rapid strides in the Global Innovation Index with Manipur also progressing in innovation, science and technology, and start-up enterprises.

However, he said that the state urgently needs an enabling ecosystem to support and sustain innovation and entrepreneurship.

Improvements in law and order, market systems, and demand-supply trends are essential to nurturing innovation, he added.

The vice chancellor stressed that students must understand the significance of innovation and IPR and called for active collaboration from all sectors of society.

For businesses to succeed and the economy to flourish, IPR must be effectively utilised.

Higher educational institutions should take the lead in promoting and facilitating Geographical Indication (GI) registration, he said.

Prof Chandbabu also pointed out that indigenous musical instruments of Manipur need to be registered under IPR, warning that failure to do so could result in the state essentially borrowing its own heritage once others secure the registrations.

The vice-chancellor also urged institutions such as DMU, DST, MTI Hub and others to work together in organising regular training programmes focused on innovation, science and technology, IPR and GI registration.

Science and technology secretary Kengoo Zuringla presided over the function, while IPR secretary Hungyo Worshang, MASTEC director Dr Kh Rakesh and MTI Hub officer Dr Rajiv Kangabam attended as guests of honour.

Prizes were distributed to the winners of various competitions held during the festival.

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