The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has made significant strides in recent times, with major breakthroughs achieved in various areas of science and technology. The Union Minister of Science and Technology, Jitendra Singh, recently led a high-level meeting to review the ongoing initiatives and achievements of the CSIR.

• Development of India’s first indigenously developed hydrogen fuel sea vessel
• Development and commercialization of CSIR-TECHNOS Raman Spectrometers (CTR-300 and CTR-150)
• Development of fuel cell technology under the Industry-Originated NMITLI programme

The Minister praised the major breakthroughs achieved by the CSIR, particularly the development of the hydrogen fuel cell-based drivetrain in the inland waterway vessel, which was built by Cochin Shipyard. The vessel was supported by the CSIR-New Millennium Indian Technology Leadership Initiative (NMITLI) programme.

“It is a unique example of collaborative innovation in the public-private space. The country’s first indigenous green hydrogen fuel cell inland waterway vessel may later pave the way for hydrogen fuel-driven larger sea vessels or ships,”

said the Minister. The Minister also highlighted two recent breakthroughs supported under the NMITLI programme. Firstly, the development and commercialization of CSIR-TECHNOS Raman Spectrometers (CTR-300 and CTR-150), achieved through a partnership between CSIR–Advanced Materials and Processes Research Institute (CSIR–AMPRI), Bhopal, and M/s Technos Instruments, Jaipur.

1. Development of high-end Raman spectrometers for scientific instrumentation
2. Supply of 11 units of indigenous Raman Spectrometers to national institutions across the country
3. Market approval for the Raman spectrometers in January 2022

These breakthroughs represent a significant milestone in India’s scientific instrumentation capabilities. The Minister noted that eleven units of indigenous Raman Spectrometers have been supplied across the country to date, demonstrating growing national adoption of this indigenous technology. In addition to the Raman spectrometers, the Minister also highlighted the development of fuel cell technology under the Industry-Originated NMITLI programme. KPIT collaborated with CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory (CSIR-NCL), Pune, and CSIR-Central Electrochemical Research Institute (CSIR-CECRI) to develop and demonstrate low-temperature PEM fuel cell systems.

The Minister emphasized the importance of continuing to strengthen industry linkages, scaling up innovations for societal impact, and pursuing bold R&D initiatives aligned with national priorities. “These achievements exemplify the role of CSIR in driving technology-led growth and contributing to India’s self-reliance in frontier areas,” said the Minister. It is clear that CSIR is playing a vital role in driving India’s scientific and technological advancements, and its initiatives are having a significant impact on the country’s growth and development.
The Minister also highlighted the need for CSIR to continue pursuing bold R&D initiatives, focusing on areas that are critical to India’s national priorities. By doing so, CSIR can further enhance its contribution to the country’s growth and development, and drive India’s scientific and technological advancements forward.