NITR notches 101 patents in research & innovation since 2013

Rourkela: National Institute of Technology (NIT) Rourkela has crossed a major research milestone, with 101 patents granted so far, including 97 national and four international patents, since securing its first patent in 2013. In a statement issued on Thursday, the institute said it has filed 230 patents to date — 218 national and 12 international — reflecting steady growth in its research and innovation output. "The rise in granted patents over the last few years highlights the strengthening of NIT Rourkela's innovation ecosystem. The impact of the surge in filings during 2025 is expected to be reflected more strongly in the current and coming years," the release said. In 2025 alone, the institute was granted 23 patents, the highest in a single year.
The patents span a wide range of domains, including AI-based vehicular communication systems, autonomous drone technologies, industrial waste treatment, health-monitoring IoT devices, sustainable food packaging and advanced materials developed from waste resources. Director K Umamaheshwar Rao said crossing the 100-patent mark was a key step in building a strong culture of innovation. "Our growing portfolio reflects impactful work in priority areas such as AI, sustainable materials, healthcare, semiconductors and water research. With 91 patent applications filed in 2025, we aim to double the number of granted patents in the coming year, contributing to the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047," he said. The institute's Centre for Intellectual Property Rights (CIPR), set up in 2022, plays a central role in patent filing, technology transfer and industry collaboration. CIPR chairperson Sujit Sen said initiatives like "One scholar, one patent" have delivered strong results, with the institute targeting at least 200 patent filings in 2026. NIT Rourkela said it aims to expand industry partnerships, boost international filings and accelerate technology transfer to enhance societal and industrial impact.