Bhubaneswar : Atal Incubation Centre – Nalanda Institute of Technology Foundation (AIC-Nalanda), supported by Atal Innovation Mission, NITI Aayog, Government of India, successfully organized the IP Sparks Conclave 2025 at VK-AICYAM, Bhubaneswar, to mark the celebration of World Intellectual Property Day.
This year’s conclave centered around the global theme “IP and Music: Feel the Beat of IP”, bringing together eminent cultural icons, IP experts, startup founders, legal professionals, and innovators to highlight the vital role of intellectual property in protecting creativity and cultural expression.
The event was graced by the august presence of Shri Krushna Chandra Patra, Hon’ble Cabinet Minister, Department of Science & Technology and Food Supplies & Consumer Welfare, Government of Odisha, who inaugurated the conclave and delivered an inspiring keynote address, encouraging innovators and artists to embrace the importance of safeguarding intellectual assets.
Adding to the significance of the event, distinguished personalities including Padma Shri Jitendra Haripal, celebrated folk singer of Odisha, and Padma Shri Guru Aruna Mohanty, acclaimed Odissi dancer and guru, shared their inspirational journeys, emphasizing the deep connection between cultural heritage and intellectual property rights.
The inaugural session also witnessed impactful keynote addresses by Shri Satyabrata (Kuna) Tripathy, eminent Odia cine actor and former Chairman of OFDC, Shri Abhijeet Mishra, noted Odia singer and composer, and Dr. Santosh Mohanty, Director, VK-AICYAM & VRMVK, Kanyakumari. Their insights highlighted the transformative role of IP in promoting and preserving India’s artistic and cultural legacy.
The day unfolded with technical sessions led by national experts like Dr. Nitin Shukla from National Chemical Laboratory, Pune, and Dr. Bijay Ku Sahu from NRDC, covering fundamentals of IP and its role in building a “Viksit Bharat 2047”, along with Shri Sidharth Agarwal emphasizing the significance of IP in the music industry.
A compelling panel discussion on “Empowerment of Artists by Protecting their IP” brought together voices from music, education, and cultural institutions, sparking a meaningful dialogue on safeguarding the rights of creators in today’s dynamic world. The session featured distinguished panelists — Prof. Sucheta Priyabadini, Chair Professor, RD Women’s University, Bhubaneswar; Shri Binod Bihari Rout, Department of Tabla, Utkal Sangeet Mahavidyalaya, Odisha; and Prof. Harikumar Madhavan Nair, Department of Sound, BPFTIO, Cuttack — who shared valuable insights on how intellectual property can empower artists, preserve cultural heritage, and foster innovation in the creative ecosystem.
Shri Durga Prasad Gouda, CEO of AIC-Nalanda, asserted, “The culture of IP and innovation needs to be nurtured and promoted in the right direction through collaborative efforts of educational bodies in the state,” highlighting the importance of strengthening the innovation ecosystem through collective efforts.
The conclave was organized with the support of Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), Atal Tinkering Labs (ATL) under ATL Sarthi Initiative, National Research Development Corporation (NRDC), National Chemical Laboratory (NCL) Pune, and Incubation Forum of National Law University Odisha, showcasing a strong collaborative effort to foster awareness and action on IP rights among young innovators and cultural practitioners.
The IP Sparks Conclave 2025 concluded with a heartfelt felicitation ceremony, honoring distinguished contributors from the fields of art, culture, and innovation, alongside recognizing 12 schools and colleges across Odisha where IP Sparks Bootcamps were successfully conducted throughout April 2025. This celebration reinforced AIC-Nalanda’s commitment to nurturing young innovators, promoting IP awareness, and protecting the spirit of creativity for the generations to come.
