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‘Innovation Needs Unity’: Jitendra Singh Calls for Enhanced Centre-State Collaboration in Science, Technology, and Innovation

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In a strong push for cohesive national progress in science and technology, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, Speaking at a high-level policy forum on Friday, the Minister underscored the need for a unified approach to harness India’s full scientific potential.

Dr. Singh highlighted that innovation does not exist in silos and that synergized efforts across all levels of government are essential to translate scientific breakthroughs into impactful outcomes for society. “Innovation needs unity,” he stated, urging policymakers, researchers, and administrators from both central and state governments to bridge gaps and align their STI goals.

He further noted that while India has made significant strides in space research, biotechnology, and digital technology, the decentralization of innovation ecosystems must be accompanied by better coordination. “States have diverse strengths and challenges. When matched with national-level resources and strategic guidance, we can accelerate progress and ensure inclusive development,” Dr. Singh remarked.

The Minister also acknowledged the pivotal role of state governments in nurturing grassroots innovations and promoting regional research institutions. He encouraged the formulation of state-specific STI policies that align with the broader national framework laid out in the upcoming National STI Policy.

In addition, Dr. Singh announced plans to establish a national-level coordination platform to streamline communication and project execution between the Centre and states. The platform will facilitate knowledge sharing, funding access, and capacity building across state science departments and innovation hubs.

Experts at the forum welcomed the initiative, noting that better integration could bolster India’s position as a global innovation leader. Representatives from state governments, academic institutions, and industry shared best practices and discussed collaborative models that have shown promise in addressing local challenges through technology.

Dr. Singh concluded his address by reiterating that India’s growth story in the 21st century will be powered by science-led innovation, but only if it is rooted in cooperative federalism. Only then can we unlock the true potential of Indian science for the benefit of every citizen.”

The forum marked a significant step toward realizing a more interconnected and inclusive innovation ecosystem in India, aiming to bridge policy, research, and implementation gaps through strategic Centre-state collaboration.

University of Hyderabad Researchers Secure Patents for Pioneering Innovations in Materials Science

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The University of Hyderabad (UoH), one of India’s premier research institutions, continues to solidify its reputation in scientific innovation, with two newly granted patents in the field of materials science and microwave technology.

The patents, awarded to faculty members from the School of Physics and the Advanced Centre of Research in High Energy Materials (ACRHEM), underscore UoH’s growing impact in high-performance materials research with wide-ranging industrial applications.

Innovation in 3D Ceramic Resonators
The first patent, titled “Dielectric Resonators with Complex 3D Geometries Using Gel Casting Techniques,” is credited to Professors K.C. James Raju and V. Seshubai, along with research scholars T. Anil and Swarup Raju. This novel method facilitates the production of high-temperature ceramic dielectric resonators molded into intricate three-dimensional structures.

Traditionally, creating 3D resonators from ceramic materials poses significant challenges due to their brittle nature and high processing temperatures. The patented gel casting approach overcomes these limitations, enabling the fabrication of compact and high-performance resonators suitable for next-generation microwave and millimeter-wave communication systems.

“This technique opens new pathways for designing miniaturized antennas and frequency filters, particularly in 5G and satellite communication devices,” explained Prof. Raju.

Breakthrough in Low-Temperature Crystallization
The second patent focuses on the laser-based crystallization of ferroelectric thin films, a breakthrough that significantly lowers the thermal requirements for these critical materials. Spearheaded again by Prof. K.C. James Raju and his team, the technique successfully reduces the crystallization temperature from 700°C to 300°C by utilizing controlled laser irradiation.

This innovation has significant implications for the electronics industry, particularly in the integration of ferroelectric materials into semiconductor devices, which typically cannot endure high processing temperatures. Lower thermal thresholds enable the application of these films in tunable microwave components, sensors, and energy-efficient electronic devices.

“This development bridges the gap between high-performance ferroelectric materials and practical device manufacturing,” noted Prof. Raju.

UoH’s Growing Patent Portfolio
With these two patents, the University of Hyderabad continues to expand its footprint in applied scientific research and industrial collaboration. The institution has increasingly focused on promoting innovation that addresses real-world challenges in communication, electronics, and advanced materials.

Vice-Chancellor Prof. B.J. Rao praised the research teams for their work, stating, “These achievements are a testament to the University’s commitment to fostering a research environment that supports both theoretical advancement and practical application.”

Looking Ahead
As global industries seek cost-effective and scalable technologies in electronics and telecommunications, the breakthroughs from UoH researchers could play a pivotal role in shaping future solutions. The university also aims to collaborate with industries and startups to bring these patented technologies from the lab to the market.

While the university has yet to announce any patent specifically related to alpha alumina platelets, these recent innovations indicate that UoH remains a leader in cutting-edge materials science research with broad commercial potential.

AICTE’s KAPILA Initiative Spurs 39% Surge in Patent Filings Across Indian Universities Over Five Years

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In a promising development for India’s innovation landscape, the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE)’s KAPILA initiative has catalyzed a 39% increase in patent filings from higher education institutions over the past five years. Launched in 2020, the KAPILA (Kalam Program for IP Literacy and Awareness) scheme aims to foster a culture of intellectual property (IP) awareness and innovation among students, researchers, and faculty in technical institutions across the country.

The program, named in honor of former President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, has made significant strides in transforming academic research into patentable technologies. According to AICTE officials, the rise in patent filings is a testament to the growing awareness and engagement in IP rights, encouraged by KAPILA’s structured training, workshops, and financial support for filing patents.

Building an Innovation Ecosystem

Before the implementation of KAPILA, many researchers and academic institutions faced challenges in navigating the complex processes involved in IP filings. The initiative addressed this gap by offering financial support for patent application fees and organizing extensive IP literacy campaigns across engineering and science colleges.

“KAPILA has democratized access to IP knowledge. Today, students and faculty are not only more aware of their rights but are also more motivated to innovate with real-world applicability,” said an AICTE spokesperson. “This 39% rise reflects a fundamental shift in how institutions perceive research and intellectual property.”

In addition to supporting individual filings, KAPILA has encouraged group projects and interdisciplinary collaborations, leading to stronger, more commercially viable patents. Several universities have reported a surge in technology transfer agreements, startup incubations, and research commercialization, thanks to heightened IP consciousness.

Opportunities for Streamlining

Despite the success, stakeholders suggest there is room for improvement in making the system more accessible and efficient. Simplifying the reimbursement process for patent filing expenses and introducing features like bulk data uploads in universally accepted formats could significantly enhance the user experience.

“While the initiative has been a game-changer, administrative challenges still deter many potential applicants,” said Dr. Meera Shah, IP coordinator at a leading university. “The ability to submit multiple entries through a common platform and formats like Excel or CSV would save time and reduce the risk of errors.”

Further, there is a call for the integration of AI-based tools to assist with prior art searches, patent drafting, and classification—features that would not only reduce the workload on applicants but also improve the quality of patent submissions.

Regional Reach and Future Goals

One of KAPILA’s major achievements has been its outreach to Tier-II and Tier-III cities, where innovation potential often goes untapped due to lack of exposure and resources. Through webinars, campus campaigns, and the involvement of Innovation Councils, KAPILA has made IP literacy part of the mainstream academic discourse.

Looking ahead, AICTE plans to enhance the platform by partnering with IP professionals and industry mentors to support patent commercialization, a crucial step toward transforming academic innovation into market-ready solutions.

As India aspires to become a global knowledge economy, initiatives like KAPILA are crucial to nurturing homegrown inventors and safeguarding their intellectual contributions. With further improvements in user-friendliness and support systems, the initiative could pave the way for a more robust, inclusive, and innovation-driven academic ecosystem.

Maharashtra Professors Develop Low-Cost, Eco-Friendly Water Purifier; Secure Indian Patent

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In a remarkable breakthrough aimed at addressing the pressing issue of clean drinking water in underserved regions, a group of professors from Maharashtra has developed an innovative, low-cost, and eco-friendly water purifier. The invention, which combines simplicity with sustainability, has now been awarded a patent by the Indian government, marking a significant milestone in grassroots innovation and public health advancement.

The team, comprising researchers from a reputed government college in Maharashtra, designed the water purifier with the specific intent of making clean drinking water accessible to rural and tribal populations. The purifier operates without electricity and is made using locally available, biodegradable materials, making it both cost-effective and environmentally responsible.

According to the lead researcher, the purifier employs a multi-layer filtration technique using natural substances such as sand, activated charcoal derived from agricultural waste, and specially treated clay. This combination effectively removes physical impurities, pathogens, and certain chemical contaminants, thereby providing water that meets safety standards for human consumption.

What sets this invention apart is its alignment with public health ethics and community service. The professors undertook extensive fieldwork across tribal settlements and drought-prone villages in Maharashtra to understand the real-world challenges these communities face. “Our aim was to create a solution that is practical, affordable, and sustainable for people who are often overlooked by commercial technology,” said one of the researchers.

The purifier is expected to make a substantial impact in areas where waterborne diseases are rampant due to the lack of basic purification infrastructure. With its patent secured, the team now plans to collaborate with non-governmental organizations, self-help groups, and local governments to facilitate mass production and distribution.

Health experts have lauded the innovation for its potential to reduce the incidence of diseases such as diarrhea, cholera, and dysentery—ailments that disproportionately affect rural populations. “This is an excellent example of how academic knowledge can be translated into real-world impact,” said Dr. Neha Jadhav, a public health specialist based in Pune.

The Indian patent not only protects the intellectual property rights of the inventors but also opens up avenues for further research and potential commercialization. Plans are underway to train local communities in assembling and maintaining the purifiers themselves, further empowering them through education and skill-building.

In a time when water scarcity and pollution are growing global concerns, this eco-friendly water purifier serves as a beacon of hope. It exemplifies how indigenous innovation, driven by social responsibility and ethical commitment, can lead to transformative change—especially for those living at the margins of society.

As the team prepares for the next phase of implementation, their work stands as a testament to the power of academia, community engagement, and sustainable innovation coming together to solve real-world problems.