NRDC and Gandhigram Rural Institute Sign MoA to Boost Innovation and Rural Technology Commercialization

New Delhi, June 11, 2026: The National Research Development Corporation (NRDC) and The Gandhigram Rural Institute (GRI), Dindigul, have signed a strategic Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) aimed at promoting innovation, technology commercialization and rural transformation.

The agreement was virtually signed and exchanged by Commodore Amit Rastogi (Retd.), Chairman and Managing Director of NRDC, and Dr. N. Panchanatham, Vice Chancellor of The Gandhigram Rural Institute, in the presence of senior officials, scientists, researchers and executives from both institutions.

Focus on Innovation and Technology Transfer

The collaboration seeks to combine GRI's academic and research capabilities with NRDC's expertise in technology transfer and commercialization.

Key areas of cooperation include:

• Technology commercialization

• Technology Readiness Level (TRL) assessment

• Intellectual property management

• Entrepreneurship development

• Research translation and innovation

• Rural transformation initiatives

Accelerating Sustainable Solutions

The partnership aims to convert research outcomes into practical technologies and sustainable solutions that can improve rural livelihoods and contribute to inclusive economic growth.

By fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, the two institutions seek to strengthen India's ecosystem for research commercialization and support national development goals.

Supporting Rural Development

Officials said the collaboration would play an important role in promoting impactful technologies that address the needs of rural communities while encouraging startup creation and knowledge-based economic growth.