Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 16 (UNI) The CSIR–National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (NIIST) here holds the promise to transform Kerala into a land driving India’s future economic surge, said Dr. Jitendra Singh, union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology.
Dr. Singh said NIIST symbolises the fusion of science, innovation, and sustainability that will shape India’s next phase of economic and technological growth.
Reflecting on CSIR’s historic journey, he noted that its accomplishments have truly justified the vision with which it was founded, and praised NIIST for its surge of interdisciplinary initiatives with a forward-looking approach.
Commending the institute’s innovations, such as the biomedical waste brick, he said NIIST’s scientific advances are directly benefiting society and industry.
He urged the institute to expand its efforts through inter-governmental collaboration, building a self-sustaining innovation ecosystem, and integrating all stakeholders to sustain the momentum of excellence.
The union Minister, who inaugurated the Golden Jubilee Grand Finale Celebrations of CSIR–NIIST here yesterday, also opened the Automated Nodal Hub for Next-Generation Dye-Sensitized Light Harvesters and the Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI–ML) Laboratory, underscoring NIIST’s commitment to cutting-edge research and technology development.
Demonstrating the institute’s emphasis on sustainability, Dr. Singh launched ‘Vidyut Svasthya’, a pedal-assisted exercise system that converts human kinetic energy into electricity for charging laptops and mobile phones.
Developed using hybrid technology at NIIST, the system combines physical fitness with clean energy generation, offering a glimpse of future-ready green solutions.
The event also witnessed the signing of several strategic Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs). CSIR–NIIST entered into an agreement with the Kerala Houseboat Owners Federation, in collaboration with the Suchitwa Mission and the Kerala Pollution Control Board, to develop sustainable wastewater management solutions for the state’s houseboat industry.
Another MoU was signed with MRF Limited for the development of smart tyre technology capable of self-monitoring and performance optimisation, marking a new step towards intelligent mobility.
NIIST’s Aluminium–Magnesium–Scandium alloy technology was also transferred to Star Alucast, Mumbai, a milestone that will strengthen India’s defence and aerospace sectors.
As part of its Golden Jubilee initiatives, NIIST has implemented a nature-based water purification system to restore the historic Padmatheertham Pond near the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple.
The system is designed to tackle algae bloom and odour problems and will be monitored for a year before being scaled up for wider use. In a major boost to Kerala’s biotechnology aspirations, the state government has allotted 10 acres of land at the Bio360 Life Sciences Park in Thonnakkal on a 99-year lease to NIIST for establishing a Bio-Manufacturing Innovation Hub.
The new facility will focus on developing probiotics, bioactive foods, alternative proteins, and biopolymers, strengthening Kerala’s position in the global bioeconomy.
Presiding over the function, Dr. C. Anantharamakrishnan, Director, CSIR–NIIST, recounted the institute’s 50-year journey of scientific excellence, multidisciplinary research, and contributions to national development.
The ceremony was attended by several distinguished guests, including Prof. Dipankar Banerjee, Vice Chancellor of the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST); Dr. Krishna M Ella, Executive Chairman of Bharat Biotech International; and former union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar.
A special lecture was delivered by Dr. K. Vasuki, IAS, Secretary, Labour and Skills Department, Government of Kerala. Senior scientists Dr. P. Nishi, Head of the Business Development Division, and Dr. K. V. Radhakrishnan, Head of the Agro Processing Division, were also present.
As NIIST steps into its next 50 years, the celebrations reaffirmed its mission to combine innovation with inclusivity—positioning Kerala as a hub of scientific advancement that fuels India’s growth story.
