KISS-DU Hosts a seminar on “Future Trends in IPR Protection for Indigenous Communities”

The KISS Science & Technology Innovation Hub for Tribals (Funded by DST, Govt. of India) recently hosted an enlightening session titled “Future Trends in IPR Protection for Indigenous Communities” on 24^th March 2025. This event served as a platform for experts and academicians to discuss the critical role of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) in safeguarding the traditional knowledge, cultural heritage, and innovations of indigenous communities. This event was organized in collaboration with KIIT Technology Business Incubator (KIIT-TBI), Centre for Indigenous Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Institution’s Innovation Council, AURORA Centre and Internal Quality Assurance Cell.

The inaugural session commenced with an address by Professor Debasis Bandyopadhayay, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor of KISS Deemed to be University (KISS-DU). He stressed the importance of IPR in preserving the rich heritage of tribal communities and called for stronger legal frameworks and widespread awareness among indigenous innovators.

Dr. Snighdarani Panda, Associate Professor and Co-Principal Investigator (Co-PI) of a DST-funded project, introduced the esteemed guest speaker, Dr. Vinita Jindal, Deputy General Manager (DGM) and Head of IP & Technical Management at BIRAC, a Government of India institution.

Dr. Rashmi Mohapatra, Associate Professor and Principal Investigator (PI) of the project, shared an in-depth overview of the STI Hub for Tribals, which is funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India. She highlighted its core objectives, including encouraging tribal engagement in science and technology, offering capacity-building programs for tribal entrepreneurs, spreading IPR awareness, and promoting sustainable innovations rooted in traditional knowledge. Dr. Mohapatra emphasized the Hub’s dedication to empowering indigenous communities through the integration of scientific research and traditional wisdom.

The Keynote Address by Dr. Vinita Jindal focused on emerging trends in IPR protection for indigenous communities. She discussed the significance of patents, trademarks, and geographical indications (GI) in safeguarding indigenous knowledge. Dr. Jindal also emphasized the pivotal role of Traditional Knowledge Digital Libraries (TKDL) in curbing bio-piracy, highlighted government initiatives, and elaborated on funding opportunities for indigenous innovators. Her talk underscored the contributions of organizations like BIRAC in fostering tribal entrepreneurship and innovation.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Rashmi Mohapatra, who expressed gratitude to the distinguished guest speaker, dignitaries, and participants. She acknowledged the support provided by KISS-DU and funding agencies, reiterating the institution’s commitment to preserving and nurturing indigenous knowledge systems.

The session highlighted the dire need to bridge the gap between policies and their implementation at the grassroots level. The insights shared during the discussion underscored the crucial role of IPR in empowering tribal communities and ensuring their contributions to science and technology are both recognized and protected.

Through such initiatives, KISS DU and its STI Hub for Tribals continue to play a vital role in strengthening legal and policy frameworks for protecting tribal knowledge. This effort ensures a more inclusive, innovation-driven future while preserving the cultural legacy of indigenous communities. The event was hosted by Ph.D. scholar Miss Damayanti Giri and Project Associate Mr. Jay P. Jena.