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The Hindu
4 days ago
- Science
- 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
4 days ago
- Science
- 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.
The Hindu
01-08-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Bamboo on your plate: KFRI brings a nutritious forest treasure to everyday diet
A crunchy, nutrient-rich revolution is under way, and it is rooted deep in Kerala's forests. The Kerala Forest Research Institute (KFRI) has developed bamboo shoot-based flakes and powder, a step that could bring one of nature's most overlooked superfoods to kitchen shelves across the country. Bamboo shoots, long cherished in the cuisines of Northeast India and Southeast Asia, are now being given a new form for South Indian palates, thanks to the efforts of a team led by R. Jayaraj, Principal Scientist at KFRI. 'The goal is not just nutritional innovation, but also creating value-added products that are sustainable and farmer-friendly,' according to Dr. Jayaraj. The products are made from tender bamboo shoots (locally called mulan koombu), which are harvested, processed to remove moisture, and then converted into flakes and powder without losing their natural nutritional profile. Rich in vitamins, proteins, minerals, and low in fat, these bamboo products support digestion and help regulate body weight, according to the scientists. High fibre content With their mild flavour and texture, bamboo flakes and powder can be blended into bakery items like biscuits, breads, and healthy snacks. What's more, the high fibre content and nutritional properties make it an excellent dietary addition for health-conscious consumers. But despite their promise, these products are still in their early stages of market penetration. Lack of awareness among public about the nutritional properties of the product is a challenge. The scientists also face the hurdles in raw material sourcing and lack of commercial-scale partners to take this forward. However, the potential for rural impact is enormous. Commercialising bamboo-based food products could open new income streams for bamboo cultivators, particularly in tribal and forest-adjacent communities. The KFRI believes this innovation could also boost bamboo cultivation in Kerala. At conclave As part of its push to scale the initiative, the KFRI will present these bamboo-based products at an upcoming Research and Development conclave hosted by the Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment on August 7 in Thiruvananthapuram. In a world turning toward nature for answers to modern health problems, bamboo may soon go from forest floor to dining table, ushering in a greener, healthier tomorrow.
The Hindu
29-07-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
KSCSTE to host R&D summit
The Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE) will host a research and Development (R&D) summit in Thiruvananthapuram on August 7. The event aims to connect research outputs from R&D institutions under the Science and Technology department with real-world market needs. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will inaugurate the summit that will also feature presentations, one-on-one B2B sessions, storytelling case studies and the formal signing of Expressions of Interest (EOIs) to foster collaborations beyond the summit. KSCSTE executive vice president K.P. Sudheer, who addressed a media conference, said the programme will serve as a strategic platform to bring together and connect key stakeholders, including investors, institutions and industries, and to engage with the research and development outputs of Kerala's institutions.
New Indian Express
27-07-2025
- Science
- New Indian Express
‘Back-to-Labs' programme helps Kerala women scientists return to research after career breaks
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Marriage, maternity, and family – the hurdles before aspiring women in a patriarchal society are numerous. Career break is not a pleasing term to be seen in a resume, but things have not hit a dead end for science researchers, as the 'Back-to-Labs' programme tries to support those who had to take at least a year off from their respective fields. The Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE), which organises this scheme, has produced a startup grant, three awarded patents, four filed patents and several international publications, through its 86 scholars. Initiated in 2007, the programme began as a 'hand-holding' system of support for women scientists who had to take a break from their research career due to various reasons. The council provides a monthly stipend of Rs 60,000 and an annual sum of Rs 75,000 to post-doctoral fellows for two years. 'After the age of 35, it is difficult for women to pursue a career in the research field. In such circumstances, programmes like these will help scholars,' said scholar Minu P, who had to take a break due to familial situations and pandemic crises. Many women quit their research careers due to the lack of support, she added. Minu is planning to take her career forward in the research field. A patent holder for developing water purification nanocomposite films, Bindu M, expressed her happiness at being able to pursue her subject, which is relatively difficult. Another scholar, Chinthu T Udayarajan, who completed her post-doctoral fellowship in food sciences recently, is all set to get into the shoes of an entrepreneur of craft chocolates.
