New Delhi, Aug 7 (KNN) Registered small and medium enterprises (SMEs) can avail of assistance from the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) for developing innovative products and seeking patents for the same.

The project was taken up under the Patent Acquisition and Collaborative Research and Technology Development (PACE) Scheme for funding development and demonstration of process technologies, traversing the journey from proof-of-concept or laboratory stage to pilot stage, ready to be launched for commercialization.

In this regard, DSIR is seeking proposals from SMEs, firms and institutes registered in India under the relevant Act or hold SSI/MSME registration for financial support– Fourth Batch.

“The industry should have IP ownership, acquired or developed by it (patented or un-patented), that will be used for value addition or up-scaling in the proposed project,” said a notification.

The selected firm will be responsible for activities like scouting industries which are interested in acquiring a patented technology and R&D institutions and others willing to transfer patented technology.

It will support industries for adding value to the acquired technology or their indigenous technology for developing ‘Made in India’ products/processes and also develop a database of experts and IP to facilitate collaborative projects between industries and institutions.

PACE has unique features such as development and demonstration of technology by industry, loan to Indian industry and R&D organisation, supporting proposals in any industrial sector and supporting proposals which give evidence of existence of proof-of-concept and aim at fulfilling an unmet need. (KNN/ST)