Hyderabad, Sept.8 (NSS): The Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IITH) had announced the inauguration of the SATHI (Sophisticated Analytical and Technical Help Institute) Centre on its campus today. The event was graced by chief guest Prof. Abhay Karandikar, Secretary, Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India.
IIT Hyderabad has been awarded a grant by the Department of Science & Technology (DST) that recognises outstanding performance and the cluster’s commitment to advancing research and development initiatives to establish a centre on in-situ and correlative microscopy. This centre, focusing on cutting-edge microscopy characterisation, will be the first in India to enable real-time characterisation across multiple length scales for both fundamental and industrial R&D. This initiative aims to bring together scientists from a broad range of scientific disciplines, including physical sciences, chemistry, biology, and pharmaceutical studies, to address common scientific goals that can only be addressed by using such sophisticated microscopy techniques.
Led by Prof B.S. Murty, Director, IIT Hyderabad and a team of researchers from IIT Hyderabad with Dr Sai Rama Krishna Malladi as the Principal Investigator, the cluster at IIT Hyderabad received a funding of 60 crores from DST and has the support of 17 academic, research, and industrial organisations contributing to the tune of Rs. 20 Cr, namely, University of Hyderabad, Telangana State Council for Higher Education, VNIT Nagpur, NIT Raipur, NIT Warangal, NIT Andhra Pradesh, CBIT, Sri Vishnu Educational Society, Veltech University, ARCI, CCMB, IICT, LV Prasad Eye Institute, Dr. Reddy’s Labs, Bharat Biotech, Amara Raja Group and TATA Steel.
Dr. B.V.R. Mohan Reddy (Chairman Board of Governors, IIT Hyderabad), Prof. B. Jagadeeswara Rao (Vice Chancellor, University of Hyderabad), Dr. Krishna Ella (Chairperson Bharat Biotech International) and heads and representatives of all the partner organisations were among the eminent personalities who attended the event.
Following the inauguration of SATHI-CISCoM, the Hall of Fame and The Digital Heritage Lab were also inaugurated. The Hall of Fame showcases the significant developments at IIT Hyderabad, highlighting major research thrust areas and prototypes of various ongoing research projects. The Digital Heritage Lab at IIT Hyderabad is at the forefront of preserving India’s cultural heritage through innovative technology. Supported by DST, this lab showcases architectural drawings, 3D models, and immersive AR/VR experiences of several heritage complexes nationwide. Prof. Karandikar also visited the TiHAN testbed where they demonstrated drones capable of airlifting 60 and 100 kg payload.