Technology Readiness Level (TRL), MRL, IRL, IP Commercialization & Tech-Transfer

Introduction

MUIT Incubation and Innovation Foundation (MIIF) organized an Expert Talk on Technology Readiness Level (TRL), Manufacturing Readiness Level (MRL), Innovation Readiness Level (IRL), IP Commercialization, and Technology Transfer. The session was aimed at enhancing students’ and faculty members’ understanding of technology maturity, intellectual property, and the commercialization process. It also encouraged young innovators to explore pathways to transform their ideas into viable business opportunities.

Participation

The event witnessed an excellent response, with 120 students from the Pharmacy and Engineering departments of MUIT participating. Students actively interacted with the speaker, asked insightful questions, and sought clarity on various aspects of patents, technology readiness, and commercialization.

About the Speaker

The expert talk was delivered by Ms. Arpita Trivedi, a Qualified Indian Patent Agent and a distinguished trainer in Intellectual Property Rights (IPR). She is a topper in IP Portfolio Management from NPTEL and has deep expertise in patent drafting, IP analytics, technology transfer, and innovation mentoring.

She has been selected among the Top 100 Women Scientists (WISE-C, TIFAC-DST) for specialized IPR training. Her passion for building IP awareness and promoting innovation in academic and industrial ecosystems reflected throughout her session.

Session Highlights

1. How Engineers Can Make Money from Ideas
   A practical guide for engineers, innovators, and technical founders on converting ideas into business value.
   Formula highlighted: Wisdom + Patent = Wealth
2. IP Fundamentals & Quick Recap of IPR
   
   • Meaning and importance of intellectual property
   • Role of IP in safeguarding innovation
   • Basics of patentability and protection mechanisms


3. Major Forms of Intellectual Property Rights
   
   • Traditional Knowledge
   • Trade Secrets
   • Patents
   • Trademarks
   • Industrial Designs
   • Geographical Indications
   • Circuit Layout Designs
   • Copyright
   • Plant Breeder’s Rights


4. Why Engineers Must Care About IP
   

   “Your technical brilliance deserves strategic protection.”

   Ms. Trivedi emphasized that in today’s innovation-driven economy, IP awareness is critical. She highlighted how engineers, especially those entering startups, must understand patenting, licensing, and commercialization.


5. Opportunities for Students in IP Commercialization
   • Campus Innovation & Incubation Centers
   • National support programs for innovators
   • Low-cost patent filing schemes for students and researchers


6. Business Case for IP Awareness
   • Cost of ignorance in IP
   • Case Study: Google’s PageRank Patent and how it shaped Google’s business model
   • Indian startups leveraging patents such as Biocon, Ather Energy, and Razorpay

Technology Readiness, Manufacturing Readiness & Innovation Readiness

• TRL – stages from concept to market readiness
• MRL – assessing manufacturing feasibility
• IRL – evaluating innovation potential, scalability, and user acceptance

These frameworks are crucial for innovators progressing from idea to prototype and eventually to commercialization.

Special Thanks

• Hon’ble Vice Chancellor Sir
• Registrar Sir, Dr. Girish Chimmwal
• Sr. Administrative Officer, Dr. Rajesh Singh
• Controller of Examinations, Dr. K.K. Shukla
• Dean Academics (Lucknow), Dr. Neeraj Jain
• Dean Academics (Noida), Dr. Trapty Agarwal

A special acknowledgment is also extended to the entire MIIF team for their dedicated efforts in successfully organizing this impactful session.

Conclusion

The Expert Talk effectively broadened participants’ understanding of intellectual property, technology readiness, and commercialization pathways. The insights shared by Ms. Arpita Trivedi will significantly benefit students and young innovators as they move forward with their ideas and projects.

MUIT Incubation & Innovation Foundation remains committed to fostering a strong culture of innovation and will continue organizing such meaningful sessions for the benefit of the MUIT community.

Attachments

1. Photographs of the Expert Talk Session
2. Attendance Sheet of Participants