Africa-Press – Mauritius. Participants of the Innovation and Technology Commercialization training course with ICRISAT Director General Dr Jacqueline Hughes The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) yesterday concluded a highly impactful two-week training program aimed at fostering innovation and technology commercialization in African nations.
Representatives from 11 African countries participated in the intensive learning experience from January 29 to February 10, 2024. The event, made possible through the generous support of the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) program under the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India, commenced with an inaugural address by Ms Snehaja Jonnalagadda, Chief of the MEA Branch Secretariat in Hyderabad, on January 29, 2024.
Highlighting the significance of the event, a valedictory ceremony was held on February 9, 2024, where participants were bestowed with certificates. In her remarks, Dr Jacqueline Hughes, Director General of ICRISAT, lauded the diverse expertise brought forth by participants, representing various ministries and national institutes of science, technology, and agriculture across their respective nations.
Dr Hughes expressed gratitude to the Ministry of External Affairs of the Government of India for their support and underscored the importance of safeguarding intellectual assets, particularly from a legal standpoint.
Dr Deepanwita Chattopadhyay, Chairperson and CEO of IKP Knowledge Park in Hyderabad, also addressed the gathering and presented certificates to the participants.
In her address, Dr Chattopadhyay emphasized the imperative of leveraging the training received, particularly as many participants hold pivotal roles in negotiations within their countries.
Dr Chattopadhyay highlighted the importance of strategic planning in negotiations, urging participants to prioritize opportunities that serve the best interests of their nations. Dr Suryamani Tripathi, Global Head – Legal Services at ICRISAT, and Dr.
Padmaja Ravula, Coordinator of ICRISAT’s Dryland Academy, emphasized the role of participants as ambassadors for their countries and advocated for the continuation of the invaluable network established during the training.
Speaking on behalf of all participants, Mr. Koye Yani Bolongar from Chad expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Ministry of External Affairs of the Government of India, ITEC, and ICRISAT for the enriching training experience.
Mr Bolongar envisioned the program as a catalyst for strengthening India-Africa relations and fostering robust technology sharing and transfer initiatives.
Reflecting on the transformative nature of the sessions, Maria Goyayi from Tanzania underscored an enhanced appreciation for Africa’s untapped potential.
The two-week training program concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Ms Sravanthi Vedula, Senior Officer, Innovation Management at ICRISAT, expressing appreciation for the collaborative efforts that made the training a resounding success.
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