NIIST holds the promise to turn Kerala into a land driving India’s future economic surge,” said Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, while inaugurating the Golden Jubilee Grand Finale Celebration of CSIR–NIIST in Thiruvananthapuram today.

 

 

Reflecting on CSIR’s journey, Dr. Singh stated that its achievements have truly justified the purpose for which it was established. He highlighted that NIIST now represents a surge of interdisciplinary initiatives with a futuristic vision. He lauded innovations such as the biomedical waste brick, underscoring the institute’s contributions to society and industry, and called for expanding the institute’s work to inter-governmental collaboration and building a self-sustainable ecosystem, while also emphasizing the integration of stakeholders to continue this journey of excellence.

 

 

Dr. Jitendra Singh inaugurated the Golden Jubilee Innovation Centre, aimed at promoting innovation-driven entrepreneurship and strengthening industry-institute collaboration. He also inaugurated the Automated Nodal Hub for Next-Generation Dye-Sensitized Light Harvesters and the Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI-ML) Laboratory, demonstrating NIIST’s commitment to cutting-edge research and technology.

 

In a demonstration of sustainable innovation, the Union Minister launched ‘Vidyut Svasthya’, a pedal-assisted exercise system that converts human kinetic energy into electricity for charging electronic devices such as laptops and mobile phones. Developed using hybrid technology at NIIST, the system promotes both fitness and energy sustainability.

During the event, CSIR-NIIST signed an MoU with the Kerala Houseboat Owners Federation, in collaboration with the Suchitwa Mission and the Kerala Pollution Control Board, to address wastewater management challenges in the houseboat industry and promote eco-friendly recreational travel. Another MoU was signed with MRF Limited for the development of smart tyre technology, enabling self-monitoring and performance optimization. In a further milestone, the Aluminium–Magnesium–Scandium alloy technology developed by NIIST was transferred to Star Alucast, Mumbai, strengthening India’s defence and aerospace sectors.

As part of its Golden Jubilee initiatives, NIIST has developed a nature-based water purification system to restore Padmatheertham Pond near Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple. The system, which addresses algae bloom and odour issues, will be monitored for a year before wider implementation. The Government of Kerala has allotted 10 acres at the Bio360 Life Sciences Park, Thonnakkal, on a 99-year lease to NIIST for establishing a Bio-Manufacturing Innovation Hub, focusing on probiotics, bioactive foods, alternative proteins, and biopolymers.

 

 

The function was presided over by Dr. C. Anantharamakrishnan, Director, CSIR–NIIST. He reflected on the institute’s 50-year journey of scientific excellence and multidisciplinary achievements.

 

Prof. Dipankar Banerjee, Vice Chancellor, IIST, Thiruvananthapuram, Dr. Krishna M Ella, Executive Chairman, Bharat Biotech International and Shri. Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Former Union Minister were the guests of honour for the event. The event also featured a special lecture by Dr. K. Vasuki, IAS, Secretary, Labour and Skills Department, Government of Kerala. Dr. P. Nishi, Head, Business Development Division, CSIR–NIIST; and Dr. K. V. Radhakrishnan, Head, Agro Processing Division, CSIR–NIIST were also present.

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NK

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