CII Partnership Summit: CM Naidu seeks WIPO’s support to boost innovation ecosystem in A.P.

VISAKHAPATNAM Ahead of the CII Partnership Summit, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu met World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Director-General Daren Tang on Wednesday to explore institutional collaboration for promoting innovation, research, and Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) in the State. Mr.

Naidu proposed establishing a WIPO–Andhra Pradesh Academy to conduct joint training programmes on patents, trademarks, industrial designs, and technology protection tailored for students, researchers, startup founders, and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). Seeking international exposure for local heritage products, Mr. Naidu urged WIPO to help the State secure Geographical Indication (GI) tags for its traditional handloom and handicraft sectors while elevating quality standards and global branding for existing GI products.

Highlighting key initiatives, including the Ratan Tata Innovation Hub and the grassroots ‘Swayam’ brand aimed at fostering 10 lakh women entrepreneurs, Mr. Naidu invited WIPO to partner in expanding women-led business enterprises.