The Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) has identified six areas -- affordable healthcare, low cost diagnostics, solar energy, water, smart materials and creating wealth from waste -- where there were gaps in technology creating impediment in product development.
DSIR Secretary Samir Brahmachari said that Rs 20 crore will be allocated annually for acquiring patented technology, develop small ideas available with the micro, small and medium enterprises and help them scale up production.
Giving an example, he said the CSIR labs have developed technology for purifying arsenic contamination in water but does not have the means to dispose of the impurity to ensure that it does not go back to the earth.
"We will look across the world whether there is any patent that is lying in some country that would bridge the gap. We can acquire such patents and give it to the MSME sector on a non-exclusive license basis," Brahmachari told reporters here.
He said it any particular firm was keen to have a particular technology on an exclusive basis, they will have to pay for it.
The initiative comes at a time when the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is celebrating its 70th foundation year.
Several technologies developed by CSIR labs have been money-spinners, the most successful being the 'Sonalika' tractor which was hived off to the industry over a decade ago.
Similarly, India has emerged as the largest producer of a 2-Acrylamido-2-Methyl Propane Sulfonic Acid (ATBS), a chemical developed by a CSIR which is used in oil drilling and enhanced oil recovery.
"The CSIR earns a good amount as royalty from giving these technologies to the industry," Brahmachari said.
