Fostering research, innovation, and technology commercialization, the National Research Development Corporation (NRDC) and Doon University, Dehradun, today signed a Memorandum of Agreement at Raj Bhawan, Dehradun. The ceremony was graced by Lt. Gen. Gurmit Singh, Hon’ble Governor of Uttarakhand, marking a milestone in academia-industry collaboration in the state.
Hon’ble Governor Lt. Gen. Gurmit Singh highlighted the alignment of this partnership with the national vision of Viksit Bharat @2047, emphasizing its role in strengthening Uttarakhand’s innovation ecosystem. He noted that this is NRDC’s first formal collaboration with a state university in Uttarakhand, setting a precedent for future academic-industry partnerships.
Universities must transcend traditional teaching roles and emerge as hubs of translational research and innovation, he remarked. Further adding he said, ‘This partnership will not only protect intellectual properties of the University but also transform research into tangible economic value, benefiting students, faculty, and the state at large.’
Cmde Amit Rastogi (Retd.), CMD, NRDC, reaffirmed NRDC’s commitment to supporting Doon University in patent filings, technology transfer, and commercialization. ‘Our collaboration will bridge the gap between academia and industry, enabling researchers to convert innovations into market-ready solutions while nurturing entrepreneurial mindsets among students and faculty,’ he stated.
Prof. Surekha Dangwal, Vice Chancellor, Doon University, outlined the university’s strategic shift toward IP-driven research across its science and design disciplines. ‘Our Schools of Environment & Natural Resources, Design, and key science departments are actively engaged in cutting-edge research. Partnering with NRDC will amplify our ability to secure patents, trademarks, and commercialize technologies,’ she said. The university’s advanced research facilities and strong publication record position it as a key contributor to Uttarakhand’s knowledge economy.
This collaboration paves the way for enhanced R&D outcomes, startup creation, and industry-academia synergy, contributing to Uttarakhand’s economic and technological advancement. It also opens doors for other state universities to explore similar partnerships, reinforcing the state’s position as an emerging innovation hub.
