In a strategic partnership aimed at fostering innovation and intellectual property (IP) growth within Karnataka’s burgeoning tech sector, Nasscom and the Karnataka Innovation and Technology Society (KITS), Department of Electronics, IT, BT, and S&T, Government of Karnataka, today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
The MoU is signed between Karnataka Innovation and Technology Society (KITS), Department of Electronics, IT, Bt, Government of Karnataka and National Association of Software & Services Companies (nasscom). The MOU outlines a joint commitment to enhance IP awareness, protection, and commercialization within Karnataka’s IT and ITeS industry. This strategic collaboration aims to strengthen the state’s position as a leading innovation hub, boost IP creation, and drive economic growth through enhanced technology development and commercialization.
As part of the MoU with KITS, the collaboration will focus on:
- • Establishing and managing an IP Enablement Program to boost innovation and patent filings in Karnataka through structured mentorship and support mechanisms
- • Delivering comprehensive technical support through IP mentorship, awareness workshops and capacity building initiatives across educational institutions
- • Creating supportive ecosystem for IP growth through strategic industry partnerships, policy frameworks and subsidized legal consultation
- • Providing necessary infrastructure and administrative support while monitoring program success through patent metrics and inter-departmental coordination
The Nasscom IP Enablement Program, a key component of this MoU, will provide structured mentorship and resources to Karnataka’s IT industry, with a special focus on startups and SMEs, to strengthen their IP management and innovation capabilities. This initiative aims to accelerate patent filings and drive technological advancement across the state.
The Hon’ble Minister for Rural Development and Panchayat Raj and Information Technology & Biotechnology, Sri. Priyank M Kharge highlighted Government of Karnataka’s focus & commitment on developing a conducive ecosystem for the technology sector which would nurture innovation. Karnataka has continued to remain the leader in innovation for the technology sector and necessary steps are being undertaken to ensure that the state retains this position, the Minister remarked. He said “ This collaboration with Nasscom marks a step in this direction, aimed at strengthening the tech industry in Karnataka by offering structured support & mentorship on intellectual property by the seamless collaboration between industry, academia, and the Government to drive innovation across the state.”
Speaking on the collaboration, Rajesh Nambiar, President, Nasscom, said, “The partnership with KITS underscores the industry’s commitment to nurturing innovation and strengthening the IP landscape in India. By working closely with the Karnataka government, we aim to empower businesses of all sizes to protect and leverage their intellectual property, driving economic growth and establishing India as a global leader in innovation.”
This collaboration aims to catalyze Karnataka’s innovation ecosystem through enhanced IP creation and protection mechanisms, cementing the state’s leadership in technology and creating a model framework for driving digital innovation across India.
