Panjab University Hosts Workshop on GI and Grassroots Innovation to Boost Regional Economy

Chandigarh, April 27, 2026: Panjab University's (PU) DST-Centre for Policy Research (CPR) in collaboration with Punjab State Council for Science and Technology, PU-IIT Ropar Regional Accelerator for Holistic Innovations Foundation (PI-RAHI: Northern Region S&T Cluster), Department of Biotechnology, and University Institute of Fashion Technology & Vocational Development, organised a one-day workshop on “Geographical Indications (GI) and Grassroots Innovation for Strengthening Regional Innovations and Economic Development”.
The workshop focused on the role of Geographical Indications (GIs) in protecting regional heritage, promoting local craftsmanship, and enabling sustainable economic development. It also aimed at building awareness among stakeholders on Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), GI registration processes, and market linkages for GI products.
PU Vice Chancellor, Prof. Renu Vig in her inaugural address, highlighted the University’s role in strengthening the innovation and startup ecosystem. She referred to the recently introduced startup and entrepreneurship policies that are supporting faculty and researchers in scaling innovations. She also noted that the University is introducing skill enhancement courses aligned with regional needs to promote globally competitive innovations.
Prof. Kashmir Singh, Coordinator, DST-CPR, PU, emphasised the growing prevalence of “Jugaad” innovations and stressed the need to formally recognise and protect such innovations through utility models under IPR frameworks.
Er. Prithpal Singh, Executive Director, PSCST, outlined key initiatives in the IPR domain and cross-sectoral innovation support. He highlighted the Grassroots Innovators of Punjab (GRIP) programme, which identifies and supports innovators without formal technical training. He called for greater institutional collaboration to identify and promote GI products and regional innovations.
Vice Chancellor Punjabi University, Prof. Jagdeep Singh spoke about the “Earn While Learn” initiative, linking education with heritage preservation through practical engagement.
Prof. Amandeep Singh Grover, Director, National Institute of Fashion Technology, underscored the need to strengthen engagement with local artisans and upgrade their technical and operational capabilities.
In his keynote address, Dr. Vipin Kumar, Scientist ‘G’ and former Director, National Innovation Foundation, stated that GIs provide identity and value to regional innovations and must be supported by sustainable innovation ecosystems, while “Jugaad” acts as an initial trigger for technological solutions.
The workshop also featured interactions with grassroots practitioners, including Ms. Lovely Lajwanti, handloom artist, and Ms. Rekha Mann, Founder Chairperson of the Phulkari Cluster, Patiala, who shared their experiences in promoting Phulkari at wider platforms.
An award distribution ceremony for startups under the SHE Cohort 4.0 Programme was also held during the event.