Union Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, recently underscored a pivotal vision for India: establishing a truly self-reliant science and technology ecosystem driven by significantly greater involvement from the private sector. His remarks were delivered during the concluding ceremony of the golden jubilee celebrations at the CSIR-National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (CSIR-NIIST) in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
Dr. Singh advocated for a comprehensive national strategy, urging a ‘whole of government approach’ to be seamlessly integrated with ‘whole of science’ and ‘whole of nation’ efforts. A key aspect of this strategy, he noted, is the expanded role of private industry and innovators.
Highlighting recent policy shifts, the Minister stated, “We have fearlessly opened up sectors previously considered exclusive. This includes the burgeoning space sector, and notably, this year’s Budget announced the liberalization of the nuclear sector.” He added that the era of isolated, siloed operations is firmly behind us, making way for a surge in interdisciplinary initiatives and collaborative planning.
The Union Minister praised NIIST’s foresight, acknowledging that its inherent interdisciplinary nature has always been its core strength. He commended the institute’s founders for their visionary approach, stating that NIIST has unequivocally proven its purpose and is now poised to ascend to its ‘next level’ of contribution.
Echoing this sentiment, CSIR-NIIST Director C. Anandharamakrishnan articulated the institute’s ambitious goal: to evolve into an ‘International Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology’ in the years to come.
Introducing Vidyut Swasthya
A highlight of the event was Dr. Singh’s unveiling of ‘Vidyut Swasthya,’ an innovative pedal-assisted exercise system designed to convert human kinetic energy into electricity, ideal for charging various personal electronic gadgets.
In addition to this, NIIST showcased a range of new ventures and advancements. These included the launch of the Golden Jubilee Innovation Centre; ‘ANANDHA’ – an advanced Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning laboratory dedicated to the Automated Nodal-hub for Assembly of Next-generation Dye-sensitised Light Harvesters; and an impactful eco-restoration project focused on the Padmatheertham Pond in Thiruvananthapuram.
The institute also formalized its commitment to innovation and collaboration through key technology transfers and Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs). These included the successful transfer of technology for indigenously developed aluminium-magnesium-scandium (Al-Mg-Sc) alloys, alongside agreements for sustainable wastewater management solutions for houseboats and the development of smart tyre technologies.
The celebratory occasion was further graced by the presence and insightful addresses from distinguished personalities such as Krishna Ella, Executive Chairman of Bharat Biotech; Dipankar Banerjee, Vice Chancellor of the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology; Rajeev Chandrasekhar, BJP Kerala State President and former Union Minister; and Dr. P. Nishy, Chief Scientist at CSIR-NIIST.