The DST-UoH-Technology Enabling Centre (TEC) organized a special talk titled “Translational Research and Assessing the Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) of R&D” on 24th January, 2024, at the Dr. Zakir Hussain Lecture Hall Complex, University of Hyderabad. The event was organized in hybrid mode. The special talk was delivered by Dr. Sanjay Bhardwaj, Scientist G at the International Advanced Research Centre for Powder Metallurgy and New Materials (ARCI), Hyderabad.

 

Technology development and IPR/ patent filing are needed to move upwards in the research and development field. However, most researchers are not sure where their technology stands and what is required to take it to the market. In this regard, Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) are used to assess the maturity of a technology, and they are often used by governments and other funding bodies to define the eligibility criteria for product commercialization. DST-UoH-TEC organized this talk to give researchers a detailed outlook on TRLs.

 

Dr. Shringika Soni from DST-UoH-TEC, Hyderabad gave opening remarks. Professor G.S. Prasad, Coordinator DST-UoH-TEC, Hyderabad introduced the speaker and highlighted high achievements in technology transfer. Distinguished speaker, Dr. Sanjay Bhardwaj’s featured talk highlighted his profound insights and experiences on TRLs with the audience. The discussions covered a spectrum of topics, including the evolution of TRL, real-world applications, challenges and solutions, and collaboration and innovations. Dr. Bhardwaj also discussed two case studies on, (i) Detonation Spray Coating (DSC) technology, and (ii) Nanosilver technology. He suggested adopting an integrated model, TRL-based Collaborative, Technology Transfer and Commercialization Models (TCTTCM) to secure the Intellectual Property (IP) of the product as well as collaboration and product commercialization.

 

 

The talk provided both online and offline attendees with valuable takeaways, including a deeper understanding of TRL, insights into strategies for enhancing technology readiness, and a vision for the role of TRL in shaping the future of technology. Attendees expressed appreciation for the comprehensive discussion and the opportunity to interact with experts in the field. Also in attendance at the workshop were Prof. Tushar Jana (School of Chemistry, UoH), Dr. Premkiran (School of Physics, UoH) and Dr. Nagamani (SCIS, UoH).  The talk facilitated networking and knowledge-sharing, creating a collaborative environment for all participants.

 

The event concluded with Dr. Bhardwaj being felicitated and presented with a memento as a token of appreciation by Professor G.S. Prasad (Coordinator DST-UoH-TEC). The event was concluded with the vote of thanks by Ms. Sreshta. The staff of DST-UoH-TEC and DST-UoH-CPR coordinated the planning and organization of the talk.