APCTT in partnership with the Government of Andhra Pradesh, India and Indian Innovators Association co-organized the International Innovation Fair during 9 -11 September 2017 in Vishakhapatnam, India. The International Innovation Fair provided a platform to showcase innovative technologies developed by public R&D institutions, non-for-profit organizations, grassroots innovators, incubated companies and entrepreneurs from over 20 countries across the world. As part of the international fair, APCTT also organized an international workshop entitled, “Supporting Innovative Entrepreneurs and Role of Technology Transfer” on 10 September 2017. The workshop aimed to enhance awareness on the support mechanisms available for innovative entrepreneurs and share best practices in cross-border technology transfer from countries in the Asia Pacific region and beyond.

The workshop sessions focused on 1) opportunities and challenges for technology commercialization, technology transfer and adoption, 2) effective management of intellectual property rights, 3) establishing and sustaining cross-border cooperation on technology transfer and 4) sharing of policy frameworks for technology transfer and innovation led entrepreneurship. The workshop brought together over 100 delegates from academic institutions, research and development institutions, small and medium enterprises, grass root innovators and entrepreneurs. International participants in the workshop included senior representatives from APCTT’s partner organizations in India, Indonesia, Islamic Republic of Iran, Kazakhstan and Philippines in addition to countries in the Middle-East and Europe.

Mr Nara Lokesh, Minister for Information Technology, Electronics and Communications, Government of Andhra Pradesh delivered the keynote address at the workshop and shared the policy framework of Government of Andhra Pradesh to support innovative entrepreneurs. The one-day workshop facilitated the sharing of country level experiences, lessons learned, as well as innovative policy interventions through a series of national policy presentations, deliberations on policy mechanisms and interactive discussions. The participants also discussed the need for future regional cooperation platforms to support knowledge exchange and networking. One of the key outcomes of the International Innovation Fair has been that the Government of Andhra Pradesh, India has already pledged 15.3 million USD annually to support innovation in the state. The Government has strongly encouraged multi-lateral and regional organizations such as APCTT for active participation and support to the annual International Innovation Fair organised by the Government  of Andhra Pradesh in the subsequent years.