The CSIR-National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (CSIR-NIIST) recently wrapped up its golden jubilee celebrations with a spectacular display of innovation. Among the exciting unveilings were a unique pedal-assisted exercise system that transforms human effort into usable electricity, a vital eco-restoration initiative for Thiruvananthapuram’s Padmatheertham pond, and a cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI-ML) Laboratory. These projects represent significant strides in scientific and technological advancement.
Union Science and Technology Minister Jitendra Singh graced the occasion as the chief guest, highlighting the national importance of these developments. The event also witnessed the signing of several crucial Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), including agreements for developing sustainable wastewater management solutions for houseboats and pioneering smart tyre technology.
To champion eco-friendly tourism, CSIR-NIIST is collaborating with the Kerala Houseboat Owners’ Federation, the Suchitwa Mission, and the Kerala State Pollution Control Board to create advanced onboard and off-site wastewater treatment systems. In another significant partnership, an MoU with MRF Ltd. aims to develop self-powered tyre monitoring systems, pushing the boundaries of next-generation mobility. These innovative ‘nanogenerator-integrated smart tyres’ developed by CSIR-NIIST can harvest kinetic energy and provide real-time data on tyre conditions like pressure, wear, and road quality, promising safer and more efficient travel.
Empowering a Sustainable Future: Key Unveilings
Minister Singh officially launched ‘Vidyut Swasthya,’ an ingenious pedal-assisted exercise system. This system not only encourages fitness but also champions sustainability by converting human energy into electricity for charging personal gadgets. Powered by CSIR-NIIST’s advanced hybrid nanogenerator technology, it comes complete with an ergonomic workstation and a digital display for an interactive experience.
As part of its commitment to environmental stewardship, NIIST presented its comprehensive eco-restoration blueprint for the Padmatheertham pond. This plan involves deploying a nature-based treatment system, utilizing ‘floating wetlands’ and external purification units, to significantly improve water quality and revive the pond’s ecological balance. The institute emphasized that continuous monitoring over a year will establish this as a scalable and reproducible model for urban water bodies nationwide.
Further expanding its technological footprint, the event also marked the inauguration of an automated nodal-hub for assembling dye-sensitised light harvesters, the new AI and Machine Learning laboratory, and the state-of-the-art Golden Jubilee Building-Innovation Centre.
Dr. C. Anandharamakrishnan, Director of CSIR-NIIST, reflected on the institution’s journey, stating that the celebrations underscored five decades of unwavering commitment to scientific excellence, groundbreaking innovation, and profound societal impact. He noted that the past year alone has seen a flurry of successful conclaves, industry collaborations, and community outreach programs.