Climate Change agreements and technology transfer

No less than a technological revolution, both in the development of new technologies and in enhancing access to existing technologies by developing countries, is necessary to enabling action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the adverse effects of climate change.Several technologies are identified in UNFCCC report:

Technologies for mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions:
 Examples of technologies for mitigating carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions may include:
• Energy efficiency;
• Renewable energy technologies, including solar panels, wind turbines, biomass and hydro-power generation, as well as technologies for geothermal energy and ocean energy;
• Carbon capture and storage, which involves capturing carbon dioxide before it can be emitted into the atmosphere, transporting it to a secure location, and isolating it from the atmosphere, for example by storing it in a geological formation;
• Hybrid vehicles, for example those that switch between electric and combustion engines;
• Nuclear power.
Examples of technologies for mitigating methane (CH4) emissions may include:  

• Animal waste management: Methane released from liquid manure management systems can be captured and used to meet a portion of a farm’s energy requirements or simply flared;
• Livestock management: Improved nutrition and grazing management has been identified as effective in increasing efficiency and reducing methane emissions;
• Landfill methane capture and use: The principal approach to reducing methane emissions from landfills involves the collection and combustion or use of landfill gas. Landfill gas utilization technologies focus on electricity generation and direct gas use;
• Natural gas and oil systems: Current opportunities for reducing methane emissions include both process and hardware improvements, such as equipment upgrades.
Examples of technologies for mitigating nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions may include:
• Matching nitrogen supply with crop demand, tightening nitrogen flow cycles, and optimising tillage, irrigation and drainage could reduce nitrous oxide emissions from fertiliser use by 19%;
• Fertiliser: Nitrogenous fertilizers play an important role in increasing crop yields. Reducing N2O emissions can include the use of low N2O-emitting fertilizer or the use of slow-release fertilizers and nitrification inhibitors.
Examples of technologies for mitigating hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) emissions may include:
• Improved design, tighter components, and recovery and recycling during servicing and disposal of refrigeration, air conditioning, and heat pumps can reduce lifetime HFC emissions at moderate to low costs.
Technologies for adaptation to adverse impacts of climate change:
 Examples of technologies for coastal areas:
• Accommodate sea-level rise (improved drainage, emergency planning);
• Protect against sea-level rise (hard, soft and indigenous technologies);
• Managed retreat.
Examples of technologies in the agricultural and fishing industries:
• Tolerant/resistant crop varieties (to drought/heat, salt, insects/pests);
• Efficient water utilization and improved irrigation systems;
• Heat-tolerant livestock breeds.
Examples of technologies for water resources:
• Water recycling and conservation (including rainwater harvesting);
• Water desalination.
Examples of technologies for health improvement:
• Disease monitoring and surveillance;
• Upgrading of drinking water and sanitation.
Examples of technologies for systematic observation and monitoring:
• Improved data collection;
• Improved data management and data processing systems.

Working in these areas-  share the information.

Tata group makes strategic investment in Sun Catalytix

Business Standard carried the news that Tata group is investing millions of dollars in Sun Catalytix — an energy storage and renewable fuels company — founded by a Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) professor, Daniel Nocera. The aim is to introduce a low-cost solar contraption to power homes for the poor, primarily in developing countries like India.

The research was carried out by MIT Prof Daniel Nocera and initial research was funded by  National Institutes of Health and National Science Foundation. Sun Catalytix, founded by Daniel Nocera, received a $700,000 seed investment led by Polaris Ventures.Development continued to replace costly catalyst and the Indian firm with vision - Tata invested in the start-up. Many Chinese firms made such strategic investments but this is the first by an Indian firm. 

What is the role Indian/ Chinese origin students/ faculty play in accessing promising technologies at fluid stage?

Innovation Tournments by Christian Terwiesch and Karl Ulrich

DST- P&G Challenge of the month `Innovative Whitening Technologies superior to Hydroquinone' ushered in `Open Innovation' into India and going by the experience of innovation leaders , one can predict this Juggernaut would not stop. Innovation Tournaments by Christian Terwiesch and Karl Ulrich , Professors at The Wharton School provides a practical guide in tapping the global brains.

Do you believe that Innovation process can be standardized- then read this. The authors narrate processes to pull innovation opportunities from strategy, select innovation projects by taking into account both estimated profits and investment needs, creating a balanced pipeline with different time horizons, designing filters for ideas, deploying financial models and creating organisational structure. More over the software  Darwinator and other resources listed in the book are free to download on registration.

CARMa Connect

CARMa raises capital from high net worth individuals to provide risk capital between Rs 25 lakhs to Rs 5 crores. CARMa Accredited Sponsors will identify/ support high growth potential entrepreneurs/ SMEs in their region. Details: http://www.carmagroup.in/#  

Medical Device cluster near Ahmedabad (Gujarat)

GIDC is developing an industrial estate adjoining Tata nano project at Sanand and part of this land is allocated to Medical Device companies. Land allotment is planned during `Vibrant Gujarat Investment Summit' in January 2011. contact: Dr D.L.Pandya, dlpandya@gmail.com

2010 Indian MedTech Summit

The 4th annual summit organised by Stanford-India Biodesign will be held at India Habitat Centre, New Delhi on Dec 11th. See Agenda Contact:

Ms. Christine Kurihara, christine.kurihara@stanford.edu

GE EDISON CHALLENGE 2010: The Finalists

These 10 teams will participate in the Final Round to be held at John F Welch Technology Centre, Bangalore, India on 9th and 10th December 2010.

Sl No	Team Name	Institution Name
1	Changemechers	Indian Inst. of Technology, Kharagpur
2	Deja-BHU	Inst. of Technology (Banaras Hindu Univ.), Varanasi
3	Gram-Dhanvantari (IIT Bombay)	Indian Inst. of Technology, Mumbai
4	HeartBeat	Indian Inst. of Technology, Kharagpur
5	IWANJAU	Sri Jayachamrajendra College of Engineering, Mysore
6	Mycobrats	Sastra Univ., Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu
7	Nano.skm	Sastra Univ., Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu
8	New Age Innovators	Indian Inst. of Technology, Kharagpur
9	Rural_Focus	Indian Inst. of Technology, Kharagpur
10	Thinkers	Indian Inst. of Technology, Kharagpur

 

Open Planet ideas: idea sourcing by Sony with WWF

The competition is in the Concepting stage - there are 215 concepts to refine.

INDIA INNOVATION INITIVE -i3 : INNOVATORS SHORTLISTED FOR MENTORING/ INCUBATION SUPPORT BY CIIE-IIMA

With out-of-the-box innovations, India shows its science quotient

Ten of them are shortlisted for mentoring/ incubation support by CIIE-IIMA under InnovatorX platform. They are:
Swetank jain/ intelligent power conditioner with hybrid system integrator, Jatindra nath das/ an adjusting grabbing bucket, GB Krishnappa & others/ A simple system for production on distilled water, Nandan kumar/ machine to mfr three dimensional non wooven fibrous structure for medical application, Kishore R/ Pulse wave velocity measurement system, Omkar Kumar/ Synbiotic Ice cream, Chavan Nitin Sureshrao/ controlling foaming without using antifoam agents, Chhaya harihar gadgole/ herbal lipstick, Ambati Venketeswara rao/ process equipment for refrigeration plants and Vinod kumar kansal/ probiotic dahi.

A Search for a Rural Toilet Design Begins on 19th Nov – the World Toilet Day

A Search for a Rural Toilet Design Begins on 19th Nov – the World Toilet Day

Agro Tech 2010 Chandigarh

Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) is organising the 9th edition of Agro Tech - India’s Premier Biennial Agro Technology & Business Fair from Friday, 3 – Monday, 6 December 2010 at the Chandigarh. Sustainable Agriculture’ is the theme of Agro Tech 2010 and aims at integrating technological advancements, environmental & ecological stewardship & technical knowledge for the farming community & other consumers under one roof. contact:
Vivek Gupta , Confederation of Indian Industry (Northern Region Headquarters), Block No. 3, Dakshin Marg, Sector 31-A, Chandigarh 160030 (INDIA), : +91-172-2607228 +91-9646648390

Michael Dell - 2020 Shaping Ideas

The NEN First Dot 2010-2011- student startup showcase

An initiative of the NEN Entrepreneurship Cells in Chennai and the NEN Trust, the First Dot brings together student start-ups from across the country, providing them an opportunity to showcase their products and services to a panel of successful entrepreneurs, expert mentors, national print and electronic media, as well as a large number of peers. The showcase will take place at the SSN College of Engineering in Chennai on January 10th and 11th, 2011. NEN First Dot is currently inviting nominations from student startups across the country, last date 15th Dec. For details contact: 
Vijay Sharma , +91 9535509762

Body Powered Devices - The 50 Best Inventions of 2010 - TIME

Body Powered Devices - The 50 Best Inventions of 2010 - TIME

Best India 2011

BEST-India (Biotechnology Entrepreneurship Student Teams) is aimed at encouraging young postgraduate and doctoral students in developing biotechnology entrepreneurship and exposing them to issues involved in commercialization of bio-science. BEST is sponsored by the Department of Biotechnology (www.dbtindia.nic.in), Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India and is administered by ABLE - India (www.ableindia.org) 

Students have to form a team comprising of 5 team members, identify a team leader and a faculty member/mentor as a Guide. The Guide is optional. Each team will submit a Concept Note based on which a Panel will screen the applications and shortlist 20 teams. These 20 teams will attend a fully paid for high quality Entrepreneurship Workshop that will familiarize them on matters related to starting a business venture like Business Plans, IP & Patenting Strategies, Raising Finance, Business Strategies and HR Practices. At the end of the Workshop, each team will develop a business plan based on their Concept and learning from the Workshop and make a ten minute power point presentation to the Jury. The Jury will evaluate and critique each of the business plans and identify 3 winning teams. The 3 Winning teams will be awarded Prize money of Rs.500, 000/-, Rs. 300,000/- and Rs. 200,000/ respectively. The winning teams will be also be given an opportunity to attend and present their business plans at ABLE’s Annual BioInvest Conference. BioInvest is ABLE’s flagship conference that brings together on one platform Life Science Companies, Institutional Investors and Investment Bankers to explore opportunities for investment. 

Upload concept notes between Nov 20th ,2010 to Jan 18,2011

http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/eng/r_a_mashelkar_breakthrough_designs_for_ultra_low_cost_products.html

See this video of Dr RA Mashelkar
http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/eng/r_a_mashelkar_breakthrough_designs_for_ultra_low_cost_products.html

Moving Ideas from University to Market Place

Moving Ideas from University to Market Place

The Power of Ideas convocation 2010-Daily-TV-Economic Times

The Power of Ideas convocation 2010-Daily-TV-Economic Times

I-Slate

Story behind I-Slate:  Prof Krishna V. Palem is the Kenneth and Audrey Kennedy Professor of Computing at the Department of Computer Science at the George Brown School of Engineering at Rice University. His research interests while focussed on all aspects of embedded computing, include adaptive architectures and computing, algorithms, compiler optimizations, embedded systems, low energy computing and nanoelectronics. He is the founding director of VISEN center at Rice University. Institute for Sustainable Nanotechnology and Electronics (ISAID) was established at Nanyang Technological University (NTU), which invested $4 million to develop a low power chip. The new chip, which is being developed by ISAID and the Swiss Center for Electronics and Microtechnology, makes it possible for the I-slate to run on solar power from panels similar to those used in hand-held calculators.I-Slate now under testing in India is based on this chip.

UNESCO report on Engineering

Engineering is the most popular subject yet engineering a prototype is the most challenging conversion task in taking `idea' to `market'. The Report sheds new light on the need to:
develop public and policy awareness and understanding of engineering, affirming the role of engineering as the driver of innovation, social and economic development; develop information on engineering, highlighting the urgent need for better statistics and indicators on engineering ; transform engineering education, curricula and teaching methods to emphasize relevance and a problem-solving approach to engineering; more effectively innovate and apply engineering and technology to global issues and challenges such as poverty reduction, sustainable development and climate change – and urgently develop greener engineering and lower carbon technology.

challenge in Due Diligence

Checking on promoter's intention is a big challenge in providing public funds to start-ups. I had my share of failures in spotting shady characters. Read this story of X Prize giving prize money  $2.50 million to Li-Ion Motors uncovered by NYTimes. Is the person behind the scam (Salim Rana) of  Indian origin? 

`The Global Brain' by Satish Nambiasan and Mohanbir, Wharton School Publishing (2008)

Satish Nambisan is professor of technology management and strategy at the Lally School of Management Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, and Mohanbir Sawhney is McCormick Tribune Professor of Technology and the Director of the Center for Research  in Technology & Innovation at the Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University.

In this book, the authors trace the titanic shift from Firm Centric to Network Centric Innovation and prescribe 4 models to tap the Global Brains.

Innovation used to be something companies did within their four walls. Thousands of researchers and scientists toiled deep within the bowels of large corporations to create the next big thing. Corporations attempted to hire the best and the brightest researchers and managers to drive research and new product development. Then came Internet , Open Source ,Crowd sourcing,  Open Innovation etc and consultants, academics , media joined the chorus to liberate innovation from organizational boundaries.

The Global Brain is rich and diverse- a large number of innovative firms as well as a large pool of innovative people  exist in different parts of the world whose knowledge and creativity can be leveraged by the companies. Moreover, new types of innovation intermediaries and new technological infrastructure have made tapping into such global network of innovators, scientists and innovative firms easier than even before. Thus the imperative for sourcing external innovation is matched by the rapidly expanding horizon of innovation opportunities.

Network Centric Innovation (NCI) is an externally focused approach to innovation that relies on harnessing the resources and capabilities of external networks and communities to amplify or enhance innovation speed and the quality of innovation outcomes. A wide variety of networks, players and roles are emerging; business ecosystems, alliance constellations, open source communities, expert communities, inventor communities, customer communities etc. Network Centric Innovation embraces these different types and also captures the unique approaches to organizing innovation  that arise from the combination of different types of networks and interactions of companies with different types of innovation networks.

The concept of NIC has four defining principles: shared goals, shared world-view, social knowledge creation and architecture of participation. The four models of network centric innovation are: The orchestra model,The creative bazaar model, The Jam central model,  The MOD station model.

Read More

Incentives to set up Micro and Nano technology manufacturing units

There was expectation that Special Incentive package of DIT, (announced in 2007 after long discussions with industry) would give birth to hardware industry, but it appears there are no takers for the fund. The analysts blame global recession/ bad timing/ under investment etc. 

Is condition of equity allotment to government/ nominated agency a deterrent for global firms?  

Is preference for mature technology ( solar PV assembly) a result of empty pipeline ( in India) of start-ups ?

TIFAC-SIDBI revolving fund for Technology Innovation Programme

TIFAC created a Revolving Technology Innovation Fund of Rs30.00 crores and placed it with SIDBI to provide assistance to MSMEs for development, up-scaling, demonstration and commercialization of innovative technology based projects.  MSMEs seeking financial assistance from the Fund for technology innovation projects may send detailed project proposal either to TIFAC or SIDBI.  Support will be given as secured loan at 5% interest covering about 80% of project cost. Loan amount per project is expected to be around Rs100 lakhs. The technical evaluation of the project proposals shall be carried out by TIFAC and financial appraisal of the technically recommended proposals only shall be done by SIDBI. The proposals recommended both technically & financially shall be sanctioned for implementation by a Project Approval Committee (PAC) consisting of SIDBI and TIFAC officials. SIDBI will manage the Fund on behalf of TIFAC.

Details: PR Basak, Programme Coordinator
Technology Information, Forecasting & Assessment Council (TIFAC)
4th. Floor, ‘A’ Wing, Vishwakarma Bhavan, Shaheed Jeet Singh Marg
New Delhi - 110 016
Tel : +91-11-26526926 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              +91-11-26526926      end_of_the_skype_highlighting, 42525759
Fax : +91-11-2696 1158, 26863866
E-mail : tifac.sidbi@gmail.comThis e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  

Double Bottom Line investment

Many VCs supportive of Social Enterprises talk of DBL investment.What exactly does that mean? I get some indication from DBL. DBL Investors assists its portfolio companies in achieving a “double bottom line”: that is, strong long-term financial success as well as positive social, environmental and economic impact in the local community. Double bottom line practices that companies choose to adopt can be significantly beneficial to the fiscal bottom line both via direct benefits of cost savings and value creation, and via indirect benefits of creating goodwill with their market, customers and community, and enhancing employee morale and retention.

Some examples of double bottom line practices:
• Local hiring, particularly qualified residents of low and moderate income communities
• Employee development, training for advancement, and continuing education
• Employee education on topics including healthcare, childcare, profit sharing, home ownership, financial literacy and   personal finance management
• Understanding and applying local and nearby liveable wage ordinances
• Hosting educational sessions for the community on topics including healthcare, childcare, profit sharing, home ownership, financial literacy and personal finance management
• Contracting with qualified local, women, and minority suppliers and contractors, in areas such as line-of business and/or building and property maintenance services
• Pollution and waste reduction: encouraging carpooling and public transit, waste minimization, and recycling
• Energy conservation and resource efficiency: “green” building design, construction and operation
• Positive relations with the local community, including facilitating employee volunteering and charitable contribution, and working with local organizations and non-profits
• Assisting local schools by participating in career days, tutoring, mentoring and internship programs
• Maintaining positive relations with local, regional, state, and federal agencies in relation to regulatory compliance, permitting, and accessing resources and financial incentives
• Encouraging employees to patronize businesses in the local community
• Other programs specific to the company’s line of business and collective interest.

Are they different from CSR!

Office Paper to Toilet Paper - White Goat Paper Recycler : DigInfo

FICCI - CSIR Technofest 2010

FICCI, in partnership with the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Government of India, is organizing a fourteen-day exhibition “CSIR Technofest 2010” from 14-27 November, 2010 at Hall 11, ITPO, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. The overall theme of the programme is “Science & Innovation for transforming India.”  The exhibition intends to highlight such scientific innovations that are transforming India. The 14 day exhibition will showcase technologies developed by CSIR, which are ready for commercialization and those which have been successfully commercialized along with their industry partners.

contact: Ms. Rashmi Sarita, Senior Assistant Director, Science & Technology/Innovation Division, FICCI at rashmisarita@ficci.com.

ALPAKS Kids education toys

Jhawar introduced artificial clay in Indian toy industry and from an one product company, ALPAKS now offers hundred odd products. Read her story: Knowledge Wharton

The Innovation Game: 1 Introduction & Overview

Draft Manual of Patent Office Practice and Procedure

The draft is available for comments.Comments/suggestions on the revised draft manual may be sent to sukhdeep.ipo@nic.in by 4th December, 2010

VenSat

VenSat Tech Services, Pvt. Ltd. was founded by Venkatesh Roddam and Satyanarayana Mudunuri, in 2009. Mr. Roddam is a veteran of 20 years in international banking, including almost a decade with Deutsche Bank, last serving as Managing Director responsible for the business operations of the Corporate Trust and Securities Services business for 31 markets globally, based in Frankfurt. Mr. Mudunuri has is the former Executive Vice President, Finance, for ITC, Ltd.,Both were with Satyam. The production team, now over 100 artists strong, in two animation/VFX studios in Chennai and Hyderabad. Newly established, VenSat America will develop innovative co-production arrangements linked to the company's animation, VFX, motion comics and 2D-to-3D conversion services.

Woven Recycled Denim Charpai Cot

Siddarth Hirwani's design is one of the finalist in recycled denim challenge.

Selecting & Getting best out of Consultant

The book by Dr Sunil Abrol ,DG, CDC is an attempt to facilitate appreciation of processes that would enable clients to effectively identify, select, engage and use consultants for their specific needs. The application of principles shared in the book is expected to not only help get best consultant but also reduce selection time, bring objectivity/ transparency, reduce assignment execution time, minimise conflicts between consultants & clients and contribute to timely and satisfactory completion of projects.
The book published by ICPR India is priced at Rs 195/-. Contact author:  ABROL mailto:abrol@cdc.org.in

Syndicate Bank Entrepreneurship Research and Education Centre (SBEREC) at IIT Kanpur

The Syndicate Bank Entrepreneurship Research and Education Centre (SBEREC) is established at Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur to promote and support research in entrepreneurship, develop and teach courses, impart skills to successfully manage new ventures, and help new entrepreneurs succeed.

The SBEREC-IITK will support alumni and students engaged in
entrepreneurial pursuits and aims to:

a) Promote research on entrepreneurial companies and on topics relevant to entrepreneurs.
b) Graduate students who understand entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial companies.
c) Provide resources for students and alumni embarking on entrepreneurial ventures.
d) Establish relationships with the local entrepreneurial community.
e) Nurture a national culture of entrepreneurship learning and training
For details contact: Dr. B.V.Phani, Associate Professor, Finance & Entrepreneurship, Coordinator, SIDBI Innovation & Incubation Center,

Ph: +91-512-2596646
http://home.iitk.ac.in/~bvphani/

Colgate gets patent for Red tooth powder

Read the controversial US patent 7736629 and check for yourself the NOVELTY.