Union Minister lauds CSIR labs role in Hyderabad’s thriving ecosystem for scientific research & entrepreneurship

Hyderabad's CSIR institutions drive scientific innovation, drug discovery, and entrepreneurship, contributing to India's self-reliant knowledge economy.

Hyderabad has emerged as a thriving ecosystem for scientific research, innovation, and entrepreneurship with the CSIR institutions playing a pivotal role in drug discovery, genetic diagnostics and developing cost-effective Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API), said Union Minister of State for Science & Technology Jitendra Singh.

Dr. Singh appreciated the vital role played by the CSIR - Council of Scientific & Industrial Research, in driving scientific innovation, supporting national missions, and contributing to India’s goal of becoming a self-reliant knowledge economy.

The Minister emphasized the importance of science-based solutions for national development, especially in addressing societal challenges and promoting sustainability. He reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modi government’s commitment to fostering a culture of innovation, commercialization, and self-reliance in science and technology.

Earlier, Dr. Singh has held a meeting with the directors of three premier labs located here: CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT)’s D. Srinivas Reddy, CSIR-National Geophysical Research Institute (CSIR-NGRI)’s Prakash Kumar, and CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CSIR-CCMB)’s Vinay Kumar Nandicoori to review the recent work outcomes, as per an official release.

Dr. Reddy briefed about IICT’s contributions in chemical and pharmaceutical sectors like developing .safer and more effective agrochemicals while the work in catalysis has led to novel catalysts for hydrogenation, oxidation, and polymerization processes used widely in industrial applications.

Development of compostable plastics in association with GreenWorksBio, Hydrazine Hydrate in collaboration with Gujarat Alkalies and Chemicals Limited (GACL), Anaerobic Gas Lift Reactor (AGR) technology which enables efficient conversion of biodegradable waste into biogas and bio-manure were highlighted.

Dr. Vinay Kumar Nandicoori explained about CCMB’s accomplishments in molecular biology, genetic diagnostics, and biotechnological innovation like developing DNA fingerprinting technology, which has had an impact on forensic investigations and legal proceedings in the country. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it had responded swiftly by developing indigenous diagnostic kits, surveillance systems, and even advancing mRNA vaccine technologies.