The CSIR–National Institute of Oceanography (CSIR–NIO), Goa, organised a two-day industry–institution interaction programme on the theme ‘Blue Innovation Forum: Industry Meet’ on the occasion of Diamond Jubilee celebrations of the institute.
The programme was inaugurated by Prof. Sunil Kumar Singh, Director, CSIR–NIO, on December 16, 2025, in the presence of P. Shanmugam, Advisor, Export Import Bank of India (EXIM Bank), Mumbai.
Addressing the gathering, Prof. Sunil Kumar Singh talked about the NIO’s commitment to translating indigenous marine research into deployable technologies through sustained engagement with industry. P. Shanmugam talked about the importance of financial and strategic support to enable the scaling up of Indian technologies for both domestic and global markets.
A major highlight of the inaugural session was the exchange of a Technology Transfer (ToT) Agreement between CSIR–NIO and Krishna Defence & Allied Industries Limited, Mumbai, for the C-Bot coral reef monitoring robot. The indigenously developed underwater robotic platform is designed for applications in coral reef monitoring and marine surveys. The session also witnessed the signing of a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) between CSIR–NIO and Glaukos Algae Technologies Private Limited, Nellore, to collaborate on the scale-up and commercialization of natural marine microalgal pigments.
The programme was coordinated by Dr. Narsinh L. Thakur, Chief Scientist and Head, Patent & Technology Cell, and Dr. Mandar Nanajkar, Head, Business Development Group, with support from Dr. Jay Kumar, Chief Scientist, along with senior scientists and officials of the Institute.
During the two-day forum, a series of thematic sessions discussed marine robotics and underwater technologies, coastal and ocean observation systems, marine biotechnology, environmental monitoring, and offshore services. Special sessions were also held focusing on emerging priority areas such as critical metal extraction from the sea and carbon capture and utilization for climate-resilient and sustainable development. Around 78 delegates representing 68 organisations took part in the programme.
The programme also featured a CSIR–NIO technology exhibition, laboratory visits, and structured interactive sessions, enabling direct engagement between industry representatives and CSIR–NIO scientists.
The Blue Innovation Forum aims to catalyse collaborative innovation, accelerate technology translation, and foster strategic partnerships.
