Maharashtra Greenlights Rs 60 Crore MANTRA Centre to Boost Patent Filing and Research Commercialisation

The Maharashtra government has granted in-principle approval for a dedicated MANTRA Centre with an allocation of Rs 60 crore to strengthen patent filing, intellectual property (IP) management, and research commercialisation within the state's higher education institutions.

The initiative will be implemented by the Higher and Technical Education Department, which will establish the Maharashtra Academy for Nurturing Technology, Research and Intellectual Assets (MANTRA). The centre is expected to commence operations from July 1 at the University of Mumbai's Kalina Campus.

Recognising the critical need for institutional support in IP creation and management, the department constituted an expert committee chaired by Dr A B Pandit, Vice Chancellor of the Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT), Mumbai. The committee underscored the necessity for enhanced assistance to researchers throughout the patenting process.

Based on the committee's recommendations, the project will roll out in two phases. The first phase involves setting up MANTRA and launching a two-credit, 30-hour training programme titled 'Sankalp' aimed at faculty members across Maharashtra's higher education institutions. This programme is designed to build capacity in IP management and patent filing.

Additionally, the department plans to establish a state-level Patent Bank. This repository will serve as a centralised database of patents generated by educational institutions in Maharashtra, facilitating easier access and management of academic intellectual property.

The second phase will focus on technology transfer, fostering industry collaboration, and promoting wider utilisation of intellectual property developed within academic institutions. This approach aims to bridge the gap between research outputs and commercial application.

The MANTRA initiative reflects Maharashtra's commitment to nurturing innovation ecosystems within its universities and enhancing the commercial impact of academic research.

By institutionalising support mechanisms such as training and patent repositories, the state seeks to empower researchers and streamline the journey from invention to market.

The Higher and Technical Education Department's strategic vision aligns with broader national objectives to boost India's intellectual property landscape and research-driven economic growth.

As MANTRA begins operations, it is poised to become a pivotal platform for intellectual asset management and technology commercialisation in Maharashtra.

This development marks a significant step towards integrating academic research with industry needs, potentially setting a precedent for other states to emulate.

The initiative's success will depend on effective implementation and sustained collaboration between academia, government, and industry stakeholders.

Overall, the Rs 60 crore MANTRA Centre represents a forward-looking investment in Maharashtra's innovation infrastructure, aiming to catalyse patent activity and research commercialisation across the state's higher education sector.