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Biography

Dr. Sanjay Bhardwaj is Scientist G and Head, Centre for Technology Acquisition and Transfer (CTAT) and Technical Information Centre (TIC), International Advanced Research Centre for Powder Metallurgy and New Materials (ARCI), Hyderabad.

Dr. Sanjay Bhardwaj did his Ph.D. from IIT Bombay, Mumbai, on a thesis titled “Developing a Commercialization Model for the Advanced Materials Technology Sector in the Indian Context”. For his doctoral research, he received the Emerald/EFMD Outstanding Doctoral Research Award  , sponsored by the International Journal of Operations & Production Management (IJOPM), a top-ranked, official journal of the European Operations Management Association. 

Emerald Award

 

 

 

He has over 29 years of experience across technology transfer, commercialization of R&D results, research collaborations, application development, process engineering, and production planning. He received the IIChE - ICI India Ltd. Award 2018. The award recognized significant success in developing an innovative model to translate scientific knowledge into industrial/commercial applications for wider social relevance. He is a recipient of several other awards /recognitions for his accomplishments/contributions.

His major contributions are as follows: 

  • Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) - based Collaborative and Technology Transfer Models, derived from his Doctoral research work, have been methodologically implemented at ARCI for more than a decade to boost translational research culture. Implementation mainly included: (i) assessing the Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) of R&D, keeping in view mainly the nuances of domains / lab-industry interaction; (ii) identification of value addition needs at different TRLs, for translation of research to transferable technologies; and (iii) creating collaborative / technology transfer models for optimum utilization of R & D at several TRLs (from ‘early stage R & D’ to ‘higher TRLs’). This initiative towards ‘maximizing the utilization of ARCI knowledge-base and R & D capability’ has played a key role in significant growth in (a) the ‘collaborations for effective use of R & D capability, for translational research/technology transfers’, and (b) also the ‘number of leads exploring the possibility of partnerships/ technology transfers’.
  • authored/co-authored 55+ papers/book chapters/short articles in peer-reviewed Journals/Conference Proceedings/Handbooks/Magazines. 
  • structured/negotiated/finalized more than 275 Agreements for technology transfer and R&D collaborations with several stakeholders of the innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem, including start-ups/established companies. 
  • presented 24 research papers in International / National Conferences / Seminars
  • delivered 250+ Invited lectures/presentations (including chief guest/ guest of honour/keynote/plenary lectures) during different programmes/panel sessions organized by prestigious organizations.  
  • Nearly 20,000 stakeholders representing industry, academia, R&D, and others reached out through the above interactions. Major highlights are : (a) Youtube lecture titled “Technology Transfer and Commercialization” delivered in National Webinar on ‘Technology Transfer in Pharmaceuticals’ on 17th April 2021 has 8,228 views , 246 likes as on 4th May 2026 (URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-OEPgHTvlw); (b) invited lectures on “Technology Commercialization and Entrepreneurship: Understanding the Upscaling Process” and “Technology Commercialization and Entrepreneurship : Opportunities from ARCI” in Seminar on Early-Stage Entrepreneurs ,  organized by University of Hyderabad (UoH) - Institution’s Innovation Council and Technology Enabling Centre — UoH on 29th June 2021 has 668 views,27 likes as on  4th May 2026  (URL:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nnGKL2TNnv8) ; (c) 5000+   participants in an invited lecture on “Intellectual Property (IP) Commercialization” on 2nd September 2020 organized by Gujarat Student Startup and Innovation Hub (i-Hub) , an initiative of the Education Department , Gujarat  Government ; and (d) Bilingual (English / Hindi) podcast (URL : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kw3u1KoxaH4) on IRadioLive Podcasting Platform on 25th June, 2024 has 302 views , 11 likes as on 4th May 2026
  • Prepared/supervised over 100 reports for Technology Foresight/ Techno-commercial Feasibility/ Patent Analysis 
  • Led Project - Centre for Knowledge Management of Nanoscience & Technology (CKMNT) supported by National Nano Mission (Department of Science & Technology, Government of India) from January 2015 to September 2016. 
  • Co-Project Investigator for Project - “A Comprehensive Study on Role of Tax Incentives in Promoting R & D in the Country” sponsored by National Science and Technology Management Information System (NSTMIS), Department of Science & Technology, Government of India (Report submitted in October 2021).
  • Served as Chairman, Indian Institute of Chemical Engineers - Hyderabad Regional Centre (IIChE - HRC) during 2019 - 2023 and Honorary Regional Secretary, IIChE - HRC during 2017- 2019. HRC received the Best Regional Centre Award in 2019, 2021, and 2022 from the IIChE. 

He is a Fellow of (1) the Institution of Engineers (India), (2) the Indian Institute of Chemical Engineers (IIChE), (3) the Indian Chemical Society, (4) the Indian Council of Chemists, and (5) the Society for Technology Management.

Guided 11 Graduate/ Post-graduate Students on the following projects:

  • Emerging Trends in Management of New Product Development 
  • Thermal Spray Coating Market in India
  • Nanotech for Healthcare                                                                                                               
  • Concentrated Solar Power - Parabolic Trough Receiver Coatings                                                   
  • Electric Vehicle Technology - A Patent Analysis                                                                                     
  • Fuel Cell Technology - A Patent Analysis                                                                                         
  • Feasibility Study of Sol-gel Coated Polycarbonate Sheet with Anti-scratch Property                       
  • Feasibility Study of Exfoliated Graphite Bipolar Plate used in PEM Fuel Cell                                   
  • Feasibility Study: Solar Spectral Selective Coating for Concentrated Solar Thermal Power Applications                    
  • A Study on Leadership Styles in R& D
  • Materials Technologies (under ARCI’s Graduate Trainee Programme)

Research Areas of Interest

Research Collaborations, Strategic Technological Alliances, Technology Transfer and Commercialization Process, Technology Marketing and Transfer, Science & Technology-based Entrepreneurship, Technology Foresight, Patent Analysis, and Intellectual Property (IP) Management

Highest Qualification

Ph.D. from IIT Bombay (Mumbai) on thesis titled "Developing a Commercialization Model for the Advanced Materials Technology Sector in the Indian Context"

List of Publications

Papers in Peer-reviewed Journals and Conference Proceedings/Book Chapter/Short Articles             

TOTAL: 56 Nos. 

(Peer-reviewed Journal Papers/ Conference Proceedings: 21 nos., Book Chapter: 1 no., and Short Articles/Abstracts: 34 nos.)

The following four papers discuss useful concepts for (i) assessing intellectual property / R & D / technology readiness, (ii) linking R & D capability with appropriate collaborative models to enhance the impact of intellectual capital available with organizations, and (iii) technology transfer and commercialization. Insights provided are especially relevant for organizations working towards commercialization of R & D results/innovation and entrepreneurship::

(1) Sanjay Bhardwaj and Karuna Jain, “Commercializing the Advanced Materials R & D in the Indian Ecosystem”, Asia-Pacific Journal of Management Research and Innovation (Sage Journals), 2023, Vol. 19, No. 2-3, pp. 150-159.

Abstract: Research and Technology Organisations (RTOs) are expected to manage the value chain involving the development, demonstration and transfer of technologies. Different technology commercialisation (TC) models, which provide a guiding framework for the management of this value chain, have been proposed in the recent past. The capability of these TC models to address challenges specifically associated with the commercialisation of advanced materials technologies is assessed, and a conceptual model is proposed. A case study associated with the commercialisation of advanced materials technology is used to refine the conceptual model. It was found that the conceptual model requires appropriate adjustments, especially when an RTO and an industrial organisation have collaboratively worked to realise successful commercialisation.

Keywords: R&D; technology commercialization; technological innovation; technology development; technology transfer; advanced materials; technical entrepreneurship.

 

(2) Bhardwaj, S., Padmanabham, G., Jain, K., Momaya, K.S. and Joshi, S.V. (2015). ‘Strategic alliances for advanced materials’ intellectual property value chain: research and technology organisation’s perspective’, International Journal of Intellectual Property Management, Vol. 8, Nos. 3/4, pp.207- 226.

Abstract: Intellectual property value chains (IPVCs) comprise exploratory studies, laboratory demonstration, field tests, transfer and/or commercialization of technologies. Strategic technological alliances (STAs) between different organisations aim at strengthening the IPVCs. This phenomenon has influenced research and technology organisations (RTOs) due to their important role in the IPVCs. Characteristics of technology area, e.g., advanced materials technology (AMT) for this paper, play a crucial role for such alliances. An RTO shall be responsible for arranging complementary assets during exploratory studies, laboratory demonstration, and field test stages, while commercialising entity shall be responsible for assembly of complementary assets for competitive manufacturing and marketing. In this paper, an attempt has been made to develop two-step process including: 1) assessment of the level of technology development using intellectual property development indices (IPDIs) for advanced materials technologies; 2) proposing a matrix to assist RTOs in identifying the useful partners from industry, academia and R&D.

Keywords: strategic alliances; innovations; research and technology organisations; RTOs; R&D; advanced materials; intellectual property development indices; IPDIs; cooperative strategies.

 

(3) Bhardwaj, S., Padmanabham, G., Jain, K. and Joshi, S.V. (2015). ‘Innovation paradigms: contractual models for research and technology organisations’, International Journal of Technology Transfer and Commercialisation, Vol. 13, Nos. 3/4, pp.133 -153.

Abstract: Co-development partnerships are increasingly being used to enhance innovation effectiveness and leverage complementary capabilities of partner organisations. A perceptible transition from closed innovation paradigm to open innovation paradigm is also observed. This trend is consistent with the thinking that capabilities necessary for creating innovations are often not completely available within a single organisation. Furthermore, the intellectual property (IP) regime is getting stronger by the day. These changes in the macro-environment coupled with the need to access complementary capabilities have spurred the need for novel contractual models, which facilitate transactions involving IP and other assets between different organisations. In this backdrop, the authors have attempted to analyse the trend of contractual models that have either already been adopted or are in the process of adoption by an Indian research and technology organisation (RTO) involved in the development, demonstration and transfer of materials-based technologies. This paper specifically addresses issues associated with partnerships that attempt to embrace open innovation paradigm in the face of progressively strengthening IP regimes, and their implications on contractual models suited to an RTO, with illustrative examples.

Keywords: innovation paradigm; intellectual property; open innovation; contractual models; research and technology organisations; RTOs; research and development; R&D; technology development; technology transfer; technology commercialisation; innovation; research.

 

(4) Sanjay Bhardwaj, G. Padmanabham, Karuna Jain, D. Srinivasa Rao and Shrikant V. Joshi (2017). ‘Technology commercialization in the advanced materials sector: Indian context’, Journal of Intellectual Property Rights, Vol. 22, No. 3, pp. 154 -167.

Abstract:  This study is aimed at developing insights into the Technology Value Chain (TVC) of advanced materials-based technologies using a scenario in which technology has been transferred by a Research and Technology Organization (RTO) to a Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) in the Indian context. A Conceptual Theoretical Model (CTM) using constructs from existing TVC models is used as a basis for the case study described in this paper.  This model is refined using actual evidence from an Indian RTO - the International Advanced Research Centre for Powder Metallurgy and New Materials (ARCI), Hyderabad. The TVC of ARCI’s proprietary Detonation Spray Coating (DSC) technology is used to expand upon the CTM as well as to provide new insights wherever possible. The TVC adopted for DSC includes technology incubation and proof of concept in advance of transferring the technology. These strategies, aided by government funding of the technology recipient companies, were observed to play an important role in successful commercialization.

Keywords: Technology commercialization; technology value chain; advanced materials technologies; detonation spray coating.

Awards & Honours

Major Awards, Honours and Recognitions

  • Emerald/EFMD Outstanding Doctoral Research Award for my doctoral research work addressing the theme of technology transfer and commercialization. The award was sponsored by the International Journal of Operations & Production Management (IJOPM), Emerald Group Publishing Limited UK, and the European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD). IJOPM is one of the leading journals in the world in the field of Operations Management.  

(Details: emeraldgrouppublishing.com/archived/research/awards/pastodras_2015.htm)

  • Best paper award for paper titled “Translational Research in Sonochemistry”, presented in IIChE-CHEMCON 2023, An International Conference on Energy Transition: Challenges and Opportunity, 27-30 December 2023, organized by the Indian Institute of Chemical Engineers (IIChE) in association with Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Petroleum Technology, Jadavpur University Kolkata, Heritage Institute of Technology, and University of Calcutta.
  • Indian Institute of Chemical Engineers (IIChE) - ICI India Ltd. Award 2018 for Excellence in Process or Product Development. Award, presented during CHEMCON 2018 International Conference, recognized the significant success in developing an innovative model to translate scientific knowledge into industrial /commercial applications for wider social relevance.
  • IIT Bombay - Chapter Service Award 2021 on 26th December 2021 in recognition of outstanding contributions to the Hyderabad IIT Bombay Alumni Chapter and to the progress of the Institute
  • IIT Bombay Heritage Foundation / IIT Bombay Alumni Association-Volunteer of the Month Recognition (September 2021) for significant contributions in conceptualizing and implementing several activities of IITBAA / Healthcare Group, specifically Healthcare 2030 Live, a virtual Summit organized on 11th September 2021
  • Bharat Vikas Award 2017 for loyalty, diligence, and outstanding performance in the field of Science & Technology-based Entrepreneurship conferred by the Institute of Self Reliance, Bhubaneswar, India.
  • 1st prize in ‘Quiz on Intellectual Property’ conducted during ‘Workshop on Managing Innovation & Intellectual Property’ at the 3rd International Conference on Management of Intellectual Property and Strategy (MIPS) 2016 at Mumbai during July 2016.
  • Appreciation Certificates/Letters from the All India Manufacturers Association (AIMO) - AP Chapter, Federation of Andhra Pradesh Small Industries Associations (FAPSIA), and Andhra Pradesh State Financial Corporation (APSFC) for initiatives in the field of technology-based entrepreneurship.
  • "Best Stall Award" for efforts in promotion of materials technologies for entrepreneurship, while independently managing the ARCI stall at the exhibition entitled "INDUS EXPO 2003," organized by the National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC) and M/s Bowstring at Hyderabad (November 2003).
  • Appreciation Letter from E.I. Dupont India Limited, New Delhi, for successfully developing new customers for polymer materials like Nylon-6 and Polyacetal resins during MBA Professional Training (June-August 1997).
  • Institute-cum-Merit Scholarship and Marshall Charitable Foundation Bombay’s Scholarship during B.Tech. at Harcourt Butler Technological Institute (HBTI) Kanpur {now Harcourt Butler Technical University (HBTU) Kanpur}.
  • Contributed as a member of the Management Committee for the Technology Business Incubator of a Hyderabad-based Engineering College, and the Entrepreneurship Development Cell of a Warangal-based Business School

Major Contributions to Professional Societies / Other Forums / Related Awards and Recognitions 

  • Chairman/Co-chairman of ARCI committees responsible for Website, Incubation, iGOT Karmayogi learning platform of the Government of India, Safety 
  • Chairman, Indian Institute of Chemical Engineers - Hyderabad Regional Centre (IIChE-HRC) for the year 2019 – 2023. 
  • As Chairman, Indian Institute of Chemical Engineers – Hyderabad Regional Centre (IIChE-HRC) , received Annual Trophy of
    • Best Regional Centre Award 2022 in the CHEMCON 2022 Conference and 75th Annual Session of IIChE at Harcourt Butler Technical University (HBTU), Kanpur during 27th-30th December 2022
    • Best Regional Centre Award 2021 in the CHEMCON 2021 Conference and 74th Annual Session of IIChE held at CSIR – Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology, Bhubaneswar during 26th-30th December 2021
    • Best Regional Centre (BRC) Award - 2019 was conferred on the IIChE-HRC at the 72nd Annual Session of IIChE / CHEMCON 2019 Conference held at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi during 15th-19th December 2019. Contributed as Honorary Regional Secretary, IIChE-HRC (2018-19)
  • Organizing Secretary, Indian Chemical Engineers Congress (CHEMCON) Conference 2020 & 73rd Annual Session of the IIChE (online mode) on the theme “Exploring Recent Trends in Chemical Engineering” during 27th-29th December 2020 organized by IIChE Headquarters and IIChE-Hyderabad Regional Centre.
  • Vice-chairman, 18th Annual Session of Chemical Engineering Students’ Congress (SCHEMCON 2022) on theme “Sustainable Technological Advancements in Chemical Industries – 2022” organized by Department of Chemical Engineering, NIT Warangal, and IIChE – Hyderabad Regional Centre during 23rd-24th September 2022 at NIT Warangal.
  • Co-convenor, International Conference on “Recent Advances in Chemical Engineering” 2020 during 8th-9th January 2020 organized by the Department of Chemical Engineering, University College of Technology, Osmania University, and IIChE-Hyderabad Regional Centre.
  • Honorary Regional Secretary, Indian Institute of Chemical Engineers - Hyderabad Regional Centre (IIChE - HRC) and Co-Chairman of the Academia–R&D–Industry interaction Committee/Industrial Visit Committee, IIChE - HRC for the year 2018-19 and 2017-18.
  • Honorary Joint Secretary, Indian Institute of Chemical Engineers-Hyderabad Regional Centre (IIChE-HRC) and Co-Chairman of Industrial Visit Committee, IIChE-HRC for the year 2016-17. 
  • President, IIT Bombay Alumni Association (IITBAA) -Hyderabad Chapter for the year 2019 – 2020 and Joint Secretary, IITBAA-Hyderabad Chapter for the year 2018-19. 
  • Chair, technical session on Innovation Systems, Member of the panel for the selection of the best paper under the “student” and “non-student” categories, Technical Committee Member, and Reviewer in the 28th International Conference of the International Association for Management of Technology (IAMOT) 2019, organized at Mumbai during 7th-9th April 2019.
  • Chairman, Technical Session on Material Science and Engineering (MSE) during International Conference on Advances in Chemical & Material Sciences (ACMS - 2022) organized by Indian Institute of Chemical Engineers (IIChE) HQ in association with Heritage Institute of Technology, Kolkata, NIT Jalandhar, and Osmania University College of Technology, Hyderabad during April 14-16,2022.
  • Chairman, panel discussion on “challenges, threats and opportunities in Chemical Engineering and allied areas” and Chairman, poster session in International Conference on “Recent Advances in Chemical Engineering (RACE) – 2020” organized by Osmania University College of Technology, Hyderabad, and the IIChE-Hyderabad Regional Centre on Golden Jubilee Celebrations of OUCT (8th—9th January, 2020). 
  • Chairman, technical session, in CHEMCON 2018 - International Conference on Seemless Chemical Engineering in Service of Humanity: Innovations, Opportunities & Challenges at NIT Jalandhar during 27th-30th December 2018
  • "Best Stall Award" for efforts in promotion of materials technologies for entrepreneurship, while independently managing ARCI stall at Exhibition entitled "INDUS EXPO 2003" organized by the National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC) and M/s Bowstring at Hyderabad (November 2003)
  • Member, National Committee for Industry – Institute interaction, Indian Institute of Chemical Engineers (IIChE) for the year 2020
  • Member, International Relations Committee, IIChE for the year 2023
  • Mentor at Innovation Club, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Patna from August 2018 to July 2019, and Atal Incubation Center-Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, Aurangabad 
  • Expert Member, Evaluation and Monitoring Committee for the review of Regional Technology Transfer supported under National Biopharma Mission, BIRAC (Department of Biotechnology, Government of India) from Jan 2024
  • Member, IP & Technology Management Advisory Committee, BIRAC (Department of Biotechnology, Government of India) from October 2025
  • Member, KAPILA (Kalam Program for IP Literacy and Awareness Implementing Agency) Committee, Research & Development Cell, University of Hyderabad, from 27th July 2023
  • Member, University Technology Management Cell, V N Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth (Agricultural University)
  • Contributed as Member, Expert Group (August 2022-September 2023) on Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs), constituted by Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)
  • Member, Departmental Research Committee, Department of Chemical Engineering, Chaitanya Bharathi Institute of Technology, Hyderabad (2023-2025) from 1st March 2023
  • Member of the selection committees for recruitment/promotion of the scientific/technical personnel in government-funded organizations
  • Fellow, Indian Council of Chemists in February 2026
  • Fellow, Indian Chemical Society in May 2025
  • Fellow, Indian Institute of Chemical Engineers (IIChE) in December 2023 
  • Fellow, The Institution of Engineers (India) in February 2019 
  • Fellow, Society for Technology Management in August 2014
  • External Expert Member, Technology Transfer Committee, Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology, Guwahati (Assam), on specific cases
  • Reviewer of the research papers in Journals / Conferences on themes like IP / Technology Transfer/ Technology Commercialization / Innovation
  • Contributed as Advisory Board member for Incubation Centre/Entrepreneurship Development Cell of a Hyderabad-based Engineering College and a Warangal-based Business School

Affiliation to Professional Societies

  • Fellow, Indian Institute of Chemical Engineers (IIChE) 
  • Fellow, Indian Chemical Society
  • Fellow, Society for Technology Management
  • Fellow, Indian Council of Chemists
  • Life member - Materials Research Society of India 
  • Life member (Senior) - Indian Institution of Industrial Engineering 
  • Life member - Global Institute of Flexible Systems Management
  • Life member - The Society for Polymer Science (India)