Important to translate innovative ideas into affordable products: Prez Kovind

New Delhi, Mar 22 (KNN) In a bid to encourage aspiring entrepreneurs in the country, President of India, Ram Nath Kovind called for an approach that helps translate innovative ideas into affordable products and services.

President Kovind made these remarks during the concluding session of the Festival of Innovations and Entrepreneurship (FINE) at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

During the event, several presentations and round tables were held in various fields.

The theme of the event was Science and Technology led innovations for societal application; nurturing innovation ecosystem; role of government in scaling up and commercialization of innovations including start-ups; and innovations for sustainable agriculture with special focus on Bamboo and herbal medicine, aroma, fragrance and flavours, an official release informed.

The President said that the Exhibition of Innovations held at Rashtrapati Bhavan has demonstrated to industry, government and civil society how innovators are collaborating for a creative and compassionate India. But showcasing innovations is not the sole purpose of this Festival.

It is important to connect the bottom of the innovation pyramid with the other layers. And to clear the path for grassroots innovations to be scaled up for mass adoption, the president added.

The President said that an innovation culture is not limited to science and technology. It is a cross-cutting endeavour. Innovation Clubs in Central Institutions of Higher Education are expected to re-double efforts in discovering, spreading and celebrating innovation and in mapping unmet needs of urban and rural communities.

The President said that regions in our country that grow bamboo, aromatic and medicinal plants are, generally speaking, regions with developmental gaps and challenges. This year FINE has focused on pooling innovations in the management and processing of such resources.

The goal is to push development in these regions, by better using the natural resources available there. This will have a direct impact on livelihoods. (With PIB Inputs) (KNN/DA)