India’s Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) has partnered with the nationwide micro and small industries organisation, Laghu Udyog Bharati (LUB), in a deal aimed at enhancing technological capabilities among small businesses.

The memorandum of understanding (MoU), signed on 21 August 2024 at the CSIR headquarters, focuses on the rapid transfer of 100 selected technologies to LUB's member enterprises within 100 days,according to a press release by India’s Press Information Bureau.

LUB, established in 1994, represents over 51,000 members across 575 districts in 27 Indian states. The collaboration is designed to help small businesses by providing access to CSIR’s innovations, which span various sectors including agriculture, environmental monitoring, and food processing.

As part of the initiative, 15 technologies, such as a pesticide detection kit and multi-copter drones, have already been transferred to six companies from CSIR's labs. The partnership, overseen by India’s CSIR Director General N Kalaiselvi and top LUB officials, is expected to significantly extend CSIR’s market reach and support export promotion. Meanwhile, LUB's adoption of these low-cost technologies aims to enhance operational efficiency among its members, aligning with the broader goal of import substitution and compliance with regulatory standards​.

The Indian government considers the status of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises to be an important economic indicator for the country and measures the growth of the nation based partially on it.

Several policies and plans under the incumbent government are testimony to the importance of these industries and their upliftment being a priority.