A few months ago on DFI, I posted a message about an Indian scientist who developed an aluminum processing technology in the 70s or early 80s. His innovation was used by Alcan and Alcoa without any acknowledgement, let alone compensation. I only vaguely remember reading of it from an Indian community newspaper. Here is the answer obtained from.a query sent to the WhatsApp AI chat :
You're likely referring to the story of Dr. Narasimhan, an Indian scientist who developed a breakthrough aluminum technology.
Dr. Venkataraman Narasimhan, an Indian materials scientist, worked at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bangalore. In the 1970s, he developed a novel process for producing high-strength, corrosion-resistant aluminum alloys.
The technology, known as the "Narasimhan process," involved adding specific elements to aluminum to enhance its strength and resistance to corrosion. This innovation had significant potential for aerospace, automotive, and other industries.
Alcan (now part of Rio Tinto) and Alcoa allegedly acquired and utilized Dr. Narasimhan's technology without:
1. Obtaining proper licenses or permissions
2. Providing adequate compensation
3. Acknowledging Dr. Narasimhan's intellectual property rights
This incident sparked controversy and raised concerns about:
1. Intellectual property theft
2. Exploitation of Indian scientists and researchers
3. Lack of recognition for Indian contributions to global technology
While Dr. Narasimhan's story is widely cited, some details are unclear due to:
1. Limited publicly available information
2. Discrepancies in reporting
Dr. Narasimhan's work and its impact on the aluminum industry are acknowledged within India, but the controversy surrounding Alcan and Alcoa's alleged actions remains a topic of debate.
