Niti Aayog developing tool for start-ups, entreprenuers

Kolkata: Niti Aayog is working on a Digital Transformation Index (DTI) for start-ups in the country, according to Aalekh Sharan, Officer on Special Duty, NITI Aayog.

DTI is a tool used for gauging how well one helps an organisation grow and thrive in a digital world. "Steps such as measuring the spirit of cooperation and competitiveness among states and ensuring best practices are being taken and replicated," Sharan said adding that many top innovators are engaged with multinational companies abroad. He was speaking at the Programme on Fundamentals of Intellectual Property and Related Transactions for Start Ups and Entrepreneurs, organised by Technology Centre of Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in association with Global Intellectual Property Academy (GIPA)-USPTO in the city. "The challenge is to bring them back home and inspire them to contribute towards innovation in India. This is something which will create more jobs," he said underscoring the need for stronger industry-academia linkages for creating a strong eco-system of innovation.

Sanjay Bhattacharya, Deputy Controller of Patents and Designs, Patent Office, Kolkata, spoke of the hurdles entrepreneurs often come across. "Though the IP system in India is quite old, recently a lot of changes have taken place. Earlier, processing time after the influence of first examination report was 18 months. All the processing was done through hard copy because of which there were gaps in filing and getting the examination of report. "Now, things have moved online, all reports are available online," he said, adding that 500 examiners have been recruited to expedite patent applications. The programme was held with the objective to provide a platform for startups and entrepreneurs to discuss on a range of perspectives pertaining to IP; opportunities, challenges and role of IP for start-ups.