Innovations from scientific institutions under Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment big draw at R&D Summit
The exhibition, held as part of the Research and Development Summit 2025 organised by the Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE), featured over 70 innovations and research outcomes from 12 institutions under the KSCSTE.
The herbal drink 'Aqua Flora-Infuse' developed by researchers at the Malabar Botanical Garden and Institute for Plant Sciences has been described as a combination the goodness of Nelumbo nucifera (lotus) and the natural colour of Clitoria ternatea (the flower Shankupushpam). 'The main ingredient is lotus,' Manjula K.M., who developed the product with Hareesh V.S., said.
Another big draw was the 'Tropical Soil Scent,' an innovation from the Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute, Palode, which has sought to capture and bottle petrichor — the distinctive fragrance that arises when the first rain hits the dry earth.
The KSCSTE has described this product, which was first showcased at the Global Science Fest held at Thonnakkal in 2024, as a 'significant step in sustainable fragrance innovation.' 'It harnesses the richness of plant-based chemistry and modern analytical techniques to recreate a beloved olfactory sensation,' a compendium of R&D outcomes from KSCSTE institutions released on Thursday observed.
Other big draws included the Automated Time-Integrated Rainwater Sampler and a Residential Grey Water Treatment Unit developed by researchers at the Centre for Water Resources Development and Management (CWRDM), wellness solutions from the Centre of Excellence in Nutraceuticals, a probiotic chocolate with prebiotic fibres developed by the Centre for Excellence in Microbiome.
The R&D summit, held at Hotel Hyatt Regency, marked both a celebration and a launchpad, showcasing audited, outcome-driven innovations, K.P. Sudheer, Executive Vice President, KSCSTE, said, addressing the summit on Thursday. 'With over 80 technologies and patents in areas such as health and agriculture, we are witnessing the real-world impact of lab-to-field innovations which are being showcased here today,' Dr. Sudheer said.
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The Hindu
3 days ago
- The Hindu
Innovations from scientific institutions under Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment big draw at R&D Summit
A lotus-based and caffeine-free herbal drink, smart solutions for urban transportation, and a bottled fragrance that promises the earthy scent of the first rain were among the highlights of an exhibition showcasing innovations from different scientific and research institutions here on Thursday. The exhibition, held as part of the Research and Development Summit 2025 organised by the Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE), featured over 70 innovations and research outcomes from 12 institutions under the KSCSTE. The herbal drink 'Aqua Flora-Infuse' developed by researchers at the Malabar Botanical Garden and Institute for Plant Sciences has been described as a combination the goodness of Nelumbo nucifera (lotus) and the natural colour of Clitoria ternatea (the flower Shankupushpam). 'The main ingredient is lotus,' Manjula K.M., who developed the product with Hareesh V.S., said. Another big draw was the 'Tropical Soil Scent,' an innovation from the Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute, Palode, which has sought to capture and bottle petrichor — the distinctive fragrance that arises when the first rain hits the dry earth. The KSCSTE has described this product, which was first showcased at the Global Science Fest held at Thonnakkal in 2024, as a 'significant step in sustainable fragrance innovation.' 'It harnesses the richness of plant-based chemistry and modern analytical techniques to recreate a beloved olfactory sensation,' a compendium of R&D outcomes from KSCSTE institutions released on Thursday observed. Other big draws included the Automated Time-Integrated Rainwater Sampler and a Residential Grey Water Treatment Unit developed by researchers at the Centre for Water Resources Development and Management (CWRDM), wellness solutions from the Centre of Excellence in Nutraceuticals, a probiotic chocolate with prebiotic fibres developed by the Centre for Excellence in Microbiome. The R&D summit, held at Hotel Hyatt Regency, marked both a celebration and a launchpad, showcasing audited, outcome-driven innovations, K.P. Sudheer, Executive Vice President, KSCSTE, said, addressing the summit on Thursday. 'With over 80 technologies and patents in areas such as health and agriculture, we are witnessing the real-world impact of lab-to-field innovations which are being showcased here today,' Dr. Sudheer said.
The Hindu
3 days ago
- The Hindu
Use scientific research to promote sustainable use and conservation of natural resources: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday urged the scientific community to explore how scientific research can be used to promote the sustainable use of Kerala's natural resources and their conservation for future generations. Mr. Vijayan was speaking after inaugurating the 'Research and Development Summit 2025' organised by the Kerala State Council for Science, Education and Environment (KSCSTE) here. Scientific research, he said, should be used to turn the global spotlight on traditional knowledge and products from the State. Scientific missions are successful only when they have tangible impacts on the lives of the people, he said. Stressing the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, he suggested that an 'interconnecting chain' should be created to facilitate the exchange of research outcomes from different scientific fields. 'So, when you study climate change, it should also benefit agriculture. Genetic engineering research should also support food and health sectors,' he said. Science has played an important role in Kerala's efforts to overcome some of the major challenges of the past decade, including floods, the COVID-19 pandemic, Nipah outbreaks and landslides, he said. On the occasion, the Chief Minister presented the 2023 Kerala State Science Award to S. Somanath, former Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Mr. Somanath has made the nation proud, having helmed several of ISRO's important missions during his career, he said. In his acceptance speech, Mr. Somanath urged Kerala to make use of the immense potential in space research and applications and the opportunities offered by the opening up of the sector through the new space policy. K.P. Sudheer, Executive Vice-President, KSCSTE, said that over the past decade, Kerala has successfully integrated science and technology into its push for development. What once existed as isolated pockets of academic resaerch has evolved into a robust, multisector innovation ecosystem focused on inclusive and sustainable progress, Dr. Sudheer said. The Chief Minister released a compendium of R&D outcomes from institutions under the KSCSTE on the occasion. M.C. Dathan, Mentor(Science) to the Chief Minister, Kerala Startup Mission chief executive officer Anoop Ambika and other officials were present.
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ICCS develops AI-based system to predict rainfall two hours in advance
The Institute for Climate Change Studies (ICCS), based in Kottayam, has developed an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered platform called 'Eye in the Sky' ICCS Nowcasting System, designed to deliver real-time rainfall forecasts. According to an official statement on Tuesday, the system can accurately predict rainfall up to two hours in advance and offers hyper-local insights. With its high precision, the platform aims at helping communities prepare for sudden and intense downpours. It will also serve as a critical tool for agencies like the Disaster Management Authority, providing timely alerts on heavy rainfall and potential landslides. A mobile app is being developed to make these updates easily accessible to the public. The ICCS will showcase this project on August 7 at the Research and Development Summit to be organised by the Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE) in Thiruvananthapuram. Operating under the KSCSTE, the ICCS conducts research on the impacts of climate change across various sectors in Kerala, including environment, river basins, and coastal regions. The institute is also planning to collaborate with Kannur University to develop a mini-portable weather station, with a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to be signed soon, said K. Rajendran, Director, ICCS.
