NIO organizes interactive session with industry representatives to foster collaboration for translating research into deployable technologies

**Executive Summary** The CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography (CSIR-NIO), Goa, organized a two-day "Blue Innovation Forum: Industry Meet" on December 16-17, 2025. The event fostered collaboration between industry representatives and the institute to translate research into deployable technologies. A key highlight was the exchange of a Technology Transfer (ToT) agreement for a coral reef monitoring robot and the signing of a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) for marine microalgal pigment commercialization. **Key Points / Main Content** * **Event Overview:** * The "Blue Innovation Forum: Industry Meet" was held on December 16-17, 2025 in Goa. * The event was organized by CSIR-NIO as part of its Diamond Jubilee celebrations. * The program was inaugurated by Prof. Sunil Kumar Singh, Director, CSIR-NIO, in the presence of Shri P. Shanmugam, Advisor, Export Import Bank of India (EXIM Bank), Mumbai. * **Collaboration & Agreements:** * A Technology Transfer (ToT) Agreement was exchanged between CSIR-NIO and Krishna Defence & Allied Industries Limited for the C-Bot coral reef monitoring robot. * A Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) was signed between CSIR-NIO and Glaukos Algae Technologies Private Limited to collaborate on scaling up and commercializing natural marine microalgal pigments. * **Thematic Sessions & Activities:** * The forum included thematic sessions on marine robotics, underwater technologies, coastal and ocean observation systems, marine biotechnology, environmental monitoring, and offshore services. * Special sessions focused on critical metal extraction from the sea and carbon capture and utilization. * The program featured a CSIR-NIO technology exhibition, laboratory visits, and interactive sessions. * **Participation & Objectives:** * The event was attended by around 78 delegates representing 68 organizations. * The forum aims to catalyze collaborative innovation, accelerate technology translation, and foster strategic partnerships. **Impact Analysis** **CSIR-NIO** * **Impact:** The event provides a platform to showcase research, establish collaborations, and facilitate the translation of technologies into practical applications. * **Action Required:** Continue to engage with industry partners, support ongoing collaborations, and leverage the outcomes of the forum to further research and development efforts. **Industry Representatives** * **Impact:** The event offers opportunities to engage with cutting-edge research, explore potential technology acquisitions, and establish strategic partnerships with CSIR-NIO. * **Action Required:** Evaluate the technologies showcased, engage in discussions with CSIR-NIO scientists, and explore opportunities for collaboration and technology adoption. **Krishna Defence & Allied Industries Limited** * **Impact:** Gains access to the C-Bot coral reef monitoring robot technology developed by CSIR-NIO. * **Action Required:** Implement the Technology Transfer (ToT) Agreement to commercialize and deploy the C-Bot technology. **Glaukos Algae Technologies Private Limited** * **Impact:** Gains access to expertise and resources for scaling up and commercializing natural marine microalgal pigments. * **Action Required:** Implement the Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) to collaborate with CSIR-NIO on the scale-up and commercialization of marine microalgal pigments.

Key Entities Referenced