Chennai: The number of patent holders for new inventions in Tamil Nadu is steadily increasing, with the state leading the nation in innovation, said Vincent, Member Secretary of the Tamil Nadu State council for Science and Technology.

Addressing a two-day study meeting on "Geo-Indexes and Innovative Technology Transfer" organized by the Tamil Nadu Science and Technology Forum in Chennai, Vincent highlighted the state's achievements. During the event, professors with outstanding contributions to research were honored for their work.

Vincent noted that since 2008, Tamil Nadu has developed technologies across 40 sectors, resulting in a significant rise in patents. The state has registered 7,500 inventions, surpassing Maharashtra, which stands second. This surge in patents has positively impacted Tamil Nadu's socio-economic landscape, encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship.

Under the council's initiative, 1,000 students are selected annually to receive ₹10,000 each to support their creative pursuits. This year alone, 16,000 applications were received. Additionally, workshops are conducted to guide researchers on patent registration and commercialization, aiming to make patented technologies accessible to the public.

Efforts are also underway to secure funding for patenting costs through the Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprises. Further, the council is facilitating investor connections to market patented products, fostering entrepreneurship among inventors.

For traditional products, the acquisition of geo-index certifications is being expedited. "Our goal is to help geo-certified product creators access global markets," Vincent said.

This comprehensive approach underscores Tamil Nadu's commitment to fostering a vibrant ecosystem for science, technology, and innovation.