Union Minister inaugurates R&D facilities and Rs 44.46-crore hostel at IICT Hyderabad

Union Science and Technology Minister Jitendra Singh inaugurated four advanced research and development facilities and laid the foundation stone for a Rs 44.46-crore hostel at the Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT) in Hyderabad. Speaking at the event, the minister called upon Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) laboratories to strengthen their engagement with industry and enhance public outreach to translate scientific innovations into tangible societal benefits.

During his address, Dr. Singh, who also serves as the vice-president of CSIR, emphasized that scientific institutions must take their world-class technologies beyond laboratory walls. He urged laboratories to leverage digital platforms and social media to communicate their achievements, particularly to inspire students, entrepreneurs, and the younger generation.

Highlighting the necessity of industry collaboration, the minister stated that research should culminate in commercialised technologies rather than ending with publications. He noted that starting a startup is easier than sustaining one, making industry partnerships essential to convert innovations into successful enterprises. Dr. Singh added that laboratories must work alongside MSMEs, startups, and technology partners to accelerate commercialisation.

The newly inaugurated facilities at the IICT campus address various scientific and environmental needs. The advanced R&D facility for fluorochemicals aims to strengthen India's capabilities in developing electronics and speciality materials, which is expected to reduce import dependence and promote environmentally sustainable fluorination technologies.

Additionally, the minister inaugurated a 500 KLD decentralised effluent treatment plant for textile wastewater. This facility, developed with support from the Department of Science and Technology, is expected to benefit nearly 6,700 residents of Siripuram through improved sanitation and public health.

The other two facilities include a continuous processing platform for the manufacturing of pharmaceuticals, fine chemicals, and speciality chemicals, and the Sustainable Engineering Complex (SustEC), which provides pilot-scale infrastructure for process engineering and technology demonstration.

Several prominent scientists and administrators attended the event, including 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.