New Delhi: President Dr A P J Abdul Kalam on December 17 said innovators from the grass-roots could be benefited only if a system is developed that can convert their innovations into products.

"There is a need for a system that converts innovations into business solutions by adding economic value to them," Kalam said giving away awards to grass-root innovators at a function organised by the National Innovation Foundation under the Department of Science and Technology.

Then only these innovators would be benefited, Kalam said adding Technology Development Board could have a role in this direction by taking the idea of the innovators to the industry.

Kalam suggested that all innovators be attached to universities and laboratories in coordination with the industry so that innovations are integrated into the mainstream and supported.

All human beings have the latent talent to invent, which, however, could be realised only if efforts are put into right direction. It was not necessary to have modern education to be an innovator, he said.

The President said technology and leadership are necessary to convert India into a developed country. An innovation is either market driven or the result of circumstances.

PTI