CSIR Labs Urged To Strengthen Industry Collaboration

Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, today underscored acceleration of technology transfer to upscale India’s industrial engagement.

Reviewing the scientific achievements and technological contributions of Chennai- and Hyderabad-based CSIR laboratories at a meeting held in Tirupati, the Minister said that stronger industry partnerships and faster translation of laboratory research into societal and commercial applications are critical to building an Atmanirbhar Bharat.

The review meeting focused on assessing recent accomplishments of the laboratories and their alignment with national priorities, against the backdrop of the sustained impetus provided by the Government of India to strengthen the country’s scientific and innovation ecosystem. Directors of CSIR laboratories presented their key achievements and outlined future pathways for impactful research, innovation, and industry collaboration.

Directors of CSIR laboratories- CSIR-Central Electrochemical Research Institute (CECRI), Karaikudi; CSIR-National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI), Hyderabad; CSIR-Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI), Chennai; CSIR-Structural Engineering Research Centre (SERC), Chennai; CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Hyderabad; and CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT), Hyderabad — participated in the meeting and presented their key achievements and way forward.

Collectively briefing the Minister, Dr. K. Ramesha, Director, CSIR-CECRI highlighted CSIR-CECRI’s work in electrochemical technologies, energy storage and clean energy, with indigenous efforts in sodium-ion batteries, metal recovery from spent batteries, green hydrogen production and CO₂ capture; Dr. Prakash, Director, CSIR-NGRI outlined CSIR-NGRI’s initiatives providing geophysical insights into Ladakh, geothermal energy exploration, mapping of critical minerals and development of a strain map of the Indian Plate, along with mission-mode programmes on Himalayan geo-hazards and heliborne surveys for the SLBC Tunnel project; Dr. P. Thanikaivelan, Director of CSIR-CLRI presented CSIR-CLRI’s development of the indigenous ‘Bha’ footwear sizing system, advanced defence gloves transferred to industry, touch-sensitive gloves for the Indian Air Force, pan-India gait studies and leather waste conversion into value-added products.

Dr. N. Anandavalli, Director, CSIR-SERC detailed CSIR-SERC’s focus on offshore renewable energy infrastructure, structural health monitoring, sustainable materials and disaster-resilient construction technologies including ERS, blast-resistant LSCC and bullet-proof security booths; Dr. Vinay Nandicoori, Director, CSIR-CCMB highlighted CSIR-CCMB’s achievements in genomics, diagnostics and biotechnology spanning human health, animal welfare and plant health; while Dr. D. Srinivasa Reddy, Director, CSIR-IICT briefed on CSIR-IICT’s advances in pharmaceuticals, vaccine adjuvants, new-generation refrigerants such as HFOs and its strong emphasis on translational research and industry collaboration.

Appreciating the collective efforts of the CSIR laboratories, Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized the importance of need-based research and science-driven innovation for national development. He underlined the need for stronger industry partnerships, accelerated technology transfer, and enhanced focus on societal applications of research. The Minister also emphasised that CSIR laboratories must ensure due acknowledgement by the industries for the commercialisation of CSIR technologies. The Minister noted that CSIR continues to play a pivotal role in strengthening India’s scientific capabilities and supporting the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.