Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology Dr Jitendra Singh on Thursday underscored the need to accelerate technology transfer to deepen India’s industrial engagement and maximise the societal and commercial impact of scientific research. Reviewing the work of Chennai- and Hyderabad-based CSIR laboratories at a meeting in Tirupati, the Minister said that stronger industry partnerships and faster translation of laboratory innovations are central to building an Atmanirbhar Bharat.
Mission-Oriented Push for Industry–Science Integration
Dr Jitendra Singh emphasised that India’s expanding scientific ecosystem—strengthened by sustained policy support from the Government of India—must now focus sharply on industry alignment and real-world applications. He noted that laboratories should increasingly adopt need-based research, ensuring that innovations address national priorities while creating scalable industrial solutions.
CSIR Labs Align Research with National Priorities
The review meeting assessed recent achievements of CSIR laboratories and their alignment with India’s strategic goals. Directors from six premier CSIR institutes—CSIR-CECRI, CSIR-NGRI, CSIR-CLRI, CSIR-SERC, CSIR-CCMB, and CSIR-IICT—presented their progress and outlined future roadmaps for impactful research, innovation, and collaboration with industry.
Key Scientific and Technological Contributions
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CSIR-Central Electrochemical Research Institute (CECRI), Karaikudi
Director Dr K. Ramesha highlighted advances in electrochemical technologies, including sodium-ion batteries, metal recovery from spent batteries, green hydrogen production, and CO₂ capture, strengthening India’s clean-energy and energy-storage ecosystem. -
CSIR-National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI), Hyderabad
Director Dr Prakash outlined geophysical studies in Ladakh, geothermal energy exploration, critical minerals mapping, and the development of a strain map of the Indian Plate. He also detailed mission-mode programmes on Himalayan geo-hazards and heliborne surveys for the SLBC Tunnel project. -
CSIR-Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI), Chennai
Director Dr P. Thanikaivelan presented innovations such as the indigenous ‘Bha’ footwear sizing system, advanced defence gloves, touch-sensitive gloves for the Indian Air Force, pan-India gait studies, and conversion of leather waste into value-added products. -
CSIR-Structural Engineering Research Centre (SERC), Chennai
Director Dr N. Anandavalli highlighted work on offshore renewable energy infrastructure, structural health monitoring, sustainable construction materials, and disaster-resilient technologies, including ERS systems, blast-resistant LSCC, and bullet-proof security booths. -
CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Hyderabad
Director Dr Vinay Nandicoori showcased advances in genomics, diagnostics, and biotechnology, contributing to human health, animal welfare, and plant sciences. -
CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT), Hyderabad
Director Dr D. Srinivasa Reddy briefed on innovations in pharmaceuticals, vaccine adjuvants, new-generation refrigerants (HFOs), and CSIR-IICT’s strong focus on translational research and industry collaboration.
Focus on Technology Transfer and Industry Acknowledgement
Appreciating the collective efforts of CSIR laboratories, Dr Jitendra Singh stressed the importance of accelerated technology transfer, robust industry partnerships, and wider societal deployment of scientific outputs. He also emphasised that industries must provide due acknowledgement when commercialising CSIR-developed technologies, ensuring fair recognition of public-funded research.
CSIR’s Central Role in Atmanirbhar Bharat
The Minister reiterated that CSIR remains a pillar of India’s scientific and innovation ecosystem, playing a decisive role in strengthening indigenous technologies, supporting clean energy, healthcare, defence, and industrial competitiveness. He called upon CSIR laboratories to continue driving innovation that is industry-ready, socially relevant, and nationally impactful.
Conclusion
Dr Jitendra Singh’s review highlighted the critical transition from laboratory excellence to large-scale industrial application. By accelerating technology transfer and reinforcing industry collaboration, CSIR laboratories are poised to play a transformative role in India’s journey towards Atmanirbhar Bharat, ensuring that science-driven innovation translates into economic growth, self-reliance, and societal benefit.
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Source: PIB
