Visakhapatnam: Andhra University is celebrating a significant achievement as it recently filed 119 patent applications, marking a remarkable milestone in its journey of innovation and research.

The university published four patents in 2017-18, followed by three in 2018-19 and three more in 2019-20. However, the real surge in patent filing and publication began in the academic year 2020-21, coinciding with the establishment of the DPIIT-IPR Chair Centre for Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) and the launch of the University's IP policy by the APSCHE Chairman.

The milestone of surpassing 100+ patent filings and publications in just about two years, along with the licensing of a patent from the Biochemistry department to a startup, reflects the dedication and commitment of the university's researchers, faculty, innovators, and the IPR Team.

This accomplishment is a testament to Andhra University's unwavering vision for excellence in advancing knowledge and pushing the boundaries of research and innovation.

Key contributors to this achievement include the university's faculty, research students, and the IPR Team. The Centre for IPR at Andhra University, established in 2020 with the sanction of DPIIT-IPR Chair by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has been pivotal in fostering a culture of IP creation, protection, and commercialization among students and faculty, ensuring the safeguarding of research and development efforts.

Andhra University's commitment to IPR in academia has led to several innovative academic programs, such as establishing the Centre for IPR, teaching IPR as a mandatory value-added credit course to approximately 10,000 students at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels, launching the University IP policy, offering MOOC on IPR, and organizing various awareness programs and workshops on IPR. All of these initiatives have created a significant impact on the university's IP and innovation ecosystem, resulting in the filing of over 119 patent applications.

Out of these applications, approximately 70 percent were filed by male researchers and faculty, with the remaining 30 percent being filed by female researchers. Filing over 100 patents is seen as just the beginning of a much larger potential, as the university has around 1500 research scholars, each capable of contributing to future patent applications, potentially placing Andhra University on par with premier institutions like IITs.

Notable progress includes 23 patents published in 2020-21, 34 patents in 2021-22, 53 in 2022-23, and 44 in 2023-24 as of November 2nd. The university has been granted 10 international patents, four Indian patents, three copyrights, and three design registrations so far.

A significant shift occurred with the introduction of the University IP Policy, as prior to the establishment of the DPIIT-IPR Chair, most IP applications were filed under the names of individual researchers and faculty. With the policy in place, all patent applications are now filed under the university's name, with the university taking care of the filing and maintenance costs.

The DPIIT-IPR Chair, Centre for IPR, has played a crucial role in coordinating IPR activities across the university. Patent filings are now taking place rapidly across 16 departments, including Engineering, Science, and Pharmacy Colleges.

The top four departments for patent filings at the university are Computer Science, Civil Engineering, Chemical Engineering, and Zoology. The recent visit by the NAAC Committee acknowledged and appreciated the university's innovative initiatives in the field of IPR.

For More Updates: Follow Us https://www.instagram.com/hellovizag.in/