Innovation being a key driver for socio-economic development in today’s context, the existing eco- system for supporting innovation needs to be strengthened on priority. Innovation plays a critical role in terms of the competitiveness of enterprises, in particular against the current background of globalization, as a part of which businesses are being called on to face ever-greater competition. Investment in innovation must, therefore, be treated as a priority issue by enterprises, universities, research centers and technical centers contribute to the development of a knowledge-based economy, in which ideas and innovation are the principle sources of economic growth and competitive business advantage. World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, is one of the 17 specialized agencies of the United Nations for promotion of Intellectual Property Rights throughout the world. WIPO administers 26 international treaties on IP. It provides various support programs for capacity building and training for its member states.

WIPO through its Technology and Innovation Support Centre (TISC) program aims to provides innovators in developing countries with access to locally based, high quality technology information and related services, helping them to exploit their innovative\ potential and to create, protect, and manage their intellectual property (IP) rights. Till date, WIPO has established more than 700 TISC Centers worldwide. The creation and expansion of TISC network in India is aligned to the vision statement of National IPR Policy 2016: "An India where creativity and innovation are stimulated by Intellectual Property for the benefit of all; an India where intellectual property promotes advancement in science and technology, arts and culture, traditional knowledge and biodiversity resources; an India where knowledge is the main driver of development, and knowledge owned is transformed into knowledge shared.” To effectively implement National IPR Policy, the Cell for IPR Promotion and Management (CIPAM) has been created as Focal Point under Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India. As a part of the TISC Program, the National Focal Point, has to nominate institutions that would host the TISC; based upon the capacity, experience and infrastructure in the field of Intellectual Property. The National Focal Point will further act as intermediary between WIPO & TISC host institution and shall guide & monitor activities of TISC.