About 20 provisional patents have been granted to cover these devices, and five patent cooperation treaty (PCT) applications have been filed. The five products are in various stages of trials. Two companies have been formed, and one product has been licensed for sale and manufacture by Hindustan Latex.

It is worthwhile to mention that despite limited capital, the program has managed very well. It has come a long way from being attended by close to 35 people in its first edition to an overwhelming response in the subsequent years. With each passing year, we are gaining momentum. Moreover, I think the result of the efforts will be visible in another five years. I am sure the outcomes will reach its peak in the next 10-to-15 years.

What are the challenges before SIB in grooming entrepreneurs? Where is the industry heading?
What I see is that, although we are increasingly working towards creating new clusters of innovation platforms, we still don't have enough mentors for the innovators and potential entrepreneurs at the grass root level. However on a positive note, it is also a fact that the Indian bioscience industry is catching up steadily.

There are tremendous opportunities in the clinical and contract research industry. The medical technologies too have a big role in modernizing the healthcare and meeting the requirements that arise occasionally.

How can public institutes contribute to this success?
The public institutes have to be more accessible for the industry. The focus apart from publications has to be on the creation of more translational facilities. The designing of new instruments in the laboratories has to be in sync with the requirements in the industry. I am sure that the institutes boast a substantial talent pool and I am sure that with the changing times, new trends will emerge.