Friday Oct 03, 2025
Friday Oct 03, 2025
Saturday, 7 June 2025 01:42 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Marking a pivotal step in transforming the country’s innovation landscape, the National Initiative for the Commercialisation of Research and Development (NIRDC) has commenced the establishment of technical review committees to evaluate R&D proposals submitted under a newly approved Cabinet framework.
In the first quarter of 2025 alone, the NIRDC received project proposals valued at over Rs. 2 billion.
The process of evaluating the technical viability of these proposals has now commenced, with a focus on transparency and accountability.
Departing from previously flawed and ineffective evaluation mechanisms used in the country, the NIRDC is introducing a new evaluation model grounded in global best practices. This model emphasises transparency and impartiality, aligning with methods employed by technologically advanced nations.
Accordingly, several training sessions have already been conducted for those who applied to serve on the technical evaluation committees. These sessions aimed to provide reviewers with a fundamental understanding of the new technological evaluation process and to raise awareness of the relevant legal framework governing the procedures.
The sessions were organised under the leadership of NIRDC Founder and Senior Presidential Adviser on Science and Technology Prof. Gomika Udugamasuriya.
The sessions, held from 2-4 June, were attended by a group of both local and international experts.
The NIRDC Director General Dr. Muditha D. Senarath Yapa, along with the NIRDC staff, provided the necessary support and facilities for the successful conduct of these sessions.
