Itanagar, Apr 26: The Arunachal Pradesh State Council for Science and Technology (APSCS&T) observed World Intellectual Property Day 2026 on Sunday with a programme centred on the theme “IP and Sports: Ready, Set, Innovate!”, bringing together students, academicians, and experts to promote awareness on intellectual property rights (IPR).
Organised by the Patent Information Centre of APSCS&T in collaboration with Rajiv Gandhi Government Polytechnic College through its IPR Cell, the event witnessed participation of around 50 students from various departments.
In his opening remarks, Director-cum-Member Secretary of APSCS&T, C D Mungyak, highlighted the growing importance of IPR in today’s innovation-driven world, describing it as the backbone of the modern knowledge economy. He stressed that while innovation begins with an idea, intellectual property ensures its protection and value, particularly for sportspersons, entrepreneurs, and innovators in Arunachal Pradesh.
Resource person Dr Topi Basar, Dean of the Faculty of Law, RGU, delivered a insightful talk on IPR fundamentals, covering patents, copyrights, trademarks, geographical indications, and legal safeguards. She also emphasized the need to protect traditional knowledge systems and highlighted Arunachal Pradesh’s potential in securing Geographical Indication (GI) tags.
Another resource person, Prof Sandeep Singh of the Mechanical Engineering Department, NERIST, spoke on innovation, startups, and scalability. He underscored the commercial value of intellectual property and the importance of timely registration of patents and designs, supported by real-world examples and case studies.
Vice Chancellor of Himalayan University, Prof Prakash Divakaran, who was the chief guest, highlighted industrial opportunities in Arunachal Pradesh and encouraged youth to harness knowledge and innovation for sustainable development.
The guest of honour Banu Otem Daio, Principal in-charge, Training and Placement officer, RGGPC, urged students to identify societal needs and secure their innovations through proper patenting and IPR mechanisms, particularly in preserving indigenous knowledge.
Earlier, delivering the welcome address, Er Tenzin Sherap, Scientist-C at APSCS&T, encouraged students to channel their creativity into practical innovations.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr Rinchin W Mosobi, lecturer, RGGPC. The programme saw active participation from students and faculty, reinforcing the significance of intellectual property in fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and the protection of traditional knowledge.