Jammu, Dec 01: The CSIR–Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (IIIM), Jammu, celebrated its 85th Foundation Day on Monday with renewed focus on innovation, industry collaboration, and national scientific outreach. The institute formalised research partnerships by signing Confidentiality Disclosure Agreements with Hapico and Medispace Innovations, aiming to fast-track laboratory discoveries into market-ready technologies. The event also marked the filing of 14 patents this year, reflecting a strengthened intellectual property portfolio.
Former Director of CSIR-CFTRI Mysuru, Dr. Sridevi Annapurna Singh, delivered the foundation day lecture on the therapeutic value of everyday foods. She called for heightened scientific validation of India’s traditional dietary knowledge, improved quality standards for nutraceuticals, and stronger synergy among CSIR laboratories and industry players to fuel health-driven innovation.
Guest of Honour Dr. Kannan Srinivasan, Director CSIR-CSMCRI Bhavnagar, commended IIIM’s strong translational research environment and urged young scientists to utilise emerging clinical trial avenues supported by national agencies. He highlighted the critical role of pilot-scale facilities in bridging gaps between discovery and deployment.
Presiding over the ceremony, CSIR-IIIM Director Dr. Zabeer Ahmed described the occasion as a proud chapter in the institute’s journey from its founding as the Drug Research Laboratory in 1941 to its present stature across campuses in Jammu and Srinagar. He said over 1,000 students visited IIIM locations today, underlining efforts to connect science with society and motivate future researchers.
Dr. Ahmed outlined achievements including women-centric skill development under the Atal Incubation Centre, startup participation through national platforms, and expanded agrotechnology and aroma missions benefiting farmers and entrepreneurs. IIIM’s incubation centres have supported more than 125 startups, with several launching products commercially.
S&T staff and patent contributors were honoured for notable work during the preceding year. The event was conducted by Dr. Gurleen Kour, while Abdul Rahim, Chief Scientist and Head IIIM Srinagar, proposed the vote of thanks.
