Hyderabad: Union Science and Technology Minister Jitendra Singh called upon laboratories of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) to strengthen their engagement with industry, enhance public outreach and ensure that scientific innovations translate into tangible societal benefits.
“Our laboratories have developed world-class technologies. Now the focus should be on taking these innovations beyond laboratory walls and making people aware of what Indian science has to offer,” said Singh, who is also the vice-president of CSIR. He was speaking after laying the foundation stone for a Rs 44.46-crore hostel and inaugurated four advanced R&D facilities at the Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT)
Dr Singh said the country’s scientific institutions have made remarkable contributions over the decades, but their visibility and public connect must grow further. He urged research institutions to leverage social media and digital platforms to communicate scientific achievements, particularly to the younger generation. He said every CSIR laboratory should showcase its work in a manner that inspires students, entrepreneurs and the public.
Highlighting the importance of industry collaboration, the minister said research should not end with publications but should culminate in technologies that can be commercialised. “Starting a startup is easier than sustaining one. Industry partnerships are essential to convert scientific innovations into successful enterprises,” he observed.
Among those present were CSIR-IICT director Dr D. Srinivasa Reddy, CSIR-CCMB director Dr Vinay K. Nandicoori, CSIR-NGRI director Dr Prakash Kumar, CSIR-NEERI director Dr S. Venkata Mohan, and CDFD director Prof. Ullas Kolthur-Seetharam.
Dr Jitendra Singh said the convergence of scientific institutions with industry has become essential for transforming research into economic value. He said laboratories can no longer function in isolation and must increasingly work alongside industry, MSMEs, startups and technology partners to accelerate innovation and commercialisation.
Referring to agriculture, he said scientific research across the entire value chain, from improved technologies to the productive utilisation of agricultural residues, can unlock new opportunities for value addition, rural entrepreneurship and sustainable industrial growth.
He inaugurated the advanced R&D facility for fluorochemicals, 500 KLD decentralised effluent treatment plant, continuous processing platform and sustainable engineering complex (SustEC).
The Advanced R&D facility for fluorochemicals will strengthen India’s capabilities in developing electronics and speciality materials. The facility is expected to support indigenous process development, reduce dependence on imports and promote environmentally sustainable fluorination technologies.
The decentralised effluent treatment plant for textile wastewater showcases an innovative wastewater treatment technology developed by CSIR-IICT with support from the Department of Science and Technology. Nearly 6,700 residents of Siripuram are expected to benefit through improved sanitation, cleaner surroundings and enhanced public health.
The continuous processing technologies establishes an advanced platform for continuous-flow manufacturing of pharmaceuticals, fine chemicals and speciality chemicals. The Sustainable Engineering Complex provides integrated pilot-scale infrastructure for process engineering, equipment validation and technology demonstration.
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