Latest news with #S.Vincent
The Hindu
04-08-2025
- Science
- The Hindu
836 IPR applications filed in Tamil Nadu in the past year
Seven Patent Information Centres (PIC) attached to educational institutions in the State were recognised by the Tamil Nadu State Council for Science and Technology (TNSCST) on Tuesday for their role in intellectual property filings, steps taken to raise IPR awareness and technology transfers performed. The IPR cells in Periyar University, Salem; Mother Teresa Women's University, Kodaikanal; Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore; Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science, Chennai; Nehru Group of Institutions, Coimbatore; K.S. Rangasamy College of Technology, Tiruchengode; and Madurai Kamaraj University were honoured by the Council at the annual review of the IPR cells. Giving details, Dr. S. Vincent, Member-Secretary, TNSCST, said that between the last review and this, a total of 863 IPR applications were filed in the State which was an indicator that technology development process in the State was progressing well, and the ecosystem supported conversion of knowledge to process and product. Pointing at a specific case, Dr. Vincent said that one filing pertained to a semi-conductor integrated circuit (IC) layout design which was filed by Dr. E. Dhiravidachelvi, an IPR cell coordinator from Mohamed Sathak Engineering College, Kilakarai. It was a sub-module of a larger architecture of a chip being developed to detect retinal diseases like cataract, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy with funding from Ministry of Electronics and Information Technolgy. The State had done well in the sphere of technology transfer as well, with the Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (TANUVAS) transferring at least five products (vaccines, kits and sprays) for commercial production, he added. Five applications have also been filed at different IPR cells for Geographical Indication (GI) registration. They are the Vandavasi Korai Paai (mat woven with split culm of a grass) filed at the IPR cell in Mother Teresa Women's University, Kollimalai palappazham (jackfruit) and Kollimalai coffee at the K.S. Rangasamy College of Technology, Pollachi Thennai Naar (coconut coir) at the Nehru Group of Institutions and the Mugavai Kuliyadichan Sivappu Arisi (reddish brown rice variety) at the Mohamed Sathak Engineering College, Kilakarai. Dr. A. Raja, Deputy Controller of Patents and Designs, Patent Office, Chennai, said that there has been a significant improvement in the filing of IPR applications since last year.
The Hindu
04-07-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Pollachi's coir industry eyes global recognition with GI tag application
The Coimbatore District Coir and Allied Products Manufacturers Association, known by its acronym COCOMANS, in collaboration with the Patent Information Centre under the Tamil Nadu State Council for Science and Technology (TNSCST), is actively pursuing the recognition of a geographical indication (GI) tag for the Pollachi Coconut Coir. Coimbatore-based Nehru Group of Institutions has also played a role in facilitating the application process and ensuring the protection of the product. The 'Manchester of South India', known for its rich tradition in coir manufacturing, boasts over 500 registered manufacturers engaged in coir and related products. The coir sector in Pollachi functions primarily as a cottage industry, with many units involved in different stages of coir production, ranging from the processing of husks to the development of finished products. According to details shared by S. Vincent, Member Secretary of TNSCST: 'In Pollachi, the production of coir takes place in blocks, including Pollachi South, Pollachi North, Anamalai, and Kinathukadavu. Among these regions, Pollachi is particularly recognised for its extensive processing of coconut husks and manufacturing of coir products.' The primary raw material for coir production is the coconut husk. The Pollachi region supplies husks that are rich in fiber content, which is essential for producing high-quality coir products. Suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications, coir offers a rustic aesthetic and is an environmentally sustainable choice. Mature coconuts are chosen, as their husks offer superior fiber strength and durability. These husks are specifically selected for their ability to withstand harsh environmental conditions and provide long-lasting products. According to historical details shared in the filing, the British colonial period saw the establishment of the first mechanised coir-processing plants in the early 1800s, primarily in the coastal towns like Cuddalore, Tirunelveli, and Madurai. The British trade networks enabled Tamil Nadu to export coir products, especially ropes and mats, to various parts of the world, further cementing the region's position as a key producer in the global coir market. The establishment of the Coir Board of India in 1953 was a significant milestone for the coir industry, marking the formal recognition and promotion of coir production in Tamil Nadu. By the 1960s and 1970s, Tamil Nadu's coir industry had become one of the largest producers of coir products in India. The growth of towns like Coimbatore, which earned the title of 'Coir Capital of Tamil Nadu', played a central role in this expansion. By the mid 20th century, Pollachi had emerged as a major centre for coir fibre, yarn, mats, and coir-based products.
The Hindu
20-06-2025
- Science
- The Hindu
Nominations open for Tamil Nadu Scientist Award
The Tamilnadu State Council for Science and Technology has invited nominations for the Tamil Nadu Scientist Award from organisations for outstanding research work taken up by scientists. Applications are invited from disciplines including agricultural; biological; chemical; environmental; planetary; engineering and technology; home and social; mathematical; medical; physical and veterinary sciences. The award includes a cash component of Rs. 50,000 and a citation. Heads of research and educational institutions in the state may file nominations. The format for applications may be downloaded from the council website The last date to receive the completed application and nomination is 5 p.m. of August 4. Four copies of completed applications must be sent to The Member Secretary, Tamilnadu State Council for Science and Technology, DOTE Campus, Chennai- 600 025, said member-secretary S. Vincent.
The Hindu
15-06-2025
- Science
- The Hindu
GI tag sought for Kollimalai Coffee and Jackfruit
The Patent Information Centre of Tamil Nadu State Council for Science and Technology (TNSCST), Chennai has filed applications seeking Geographical Indication (GI) tag for Kollimalai Coffee and Kollimalai Palappazham. TNSCST is an autonomous organization under the Department of Higher Education, Government of Tamil Nadu. 'We have instituted IPR cells at 40 educational institutions across Tamil Nadu. And each of them have been allocated a product which has a potential to earn a GI tag. These institutions do the research work,' Member Secretary of TNSCST told The Hindu. For instance, College of Technology, Tiruchengode has taken initiatives to ensure the protection of the Kollihills Coffee on behalf of Kollimalai Collective Farming Farmer Producer Company Limited and Kollimalai Palangudiyinar Narumana Payirgal Mattrum Iyarkai Coffee Vivasayigal Sangam, he said. He further added: 'Last year, we shortlisted 40 products, and moving forward, we plan to file for a GI tag for ten products each year.' TNSCST has been instrumental in obtaining GI tags for Kodaikanal Malai Poondu, Dindigul Locks and Udangudi Panangkarupatti. C Samayamoorthy, Secretary, Higher Education Department noted that the state has been leading in GI tags and associating with educational institutions for GI tags is one of the important mandate of TNSCST. Kollimalai coffee is renowned for its unique aroma, flavor, and superior quality. The region's distinctive soil, high-altitude landscape, and traditional farming practices all play a key role in creating the coffee's exceptional taste. From approximately 2.5 to 5 kg of coffee cherries harvested from a single coffee tree, around 0.5 to 1 kg of green coffee beans can be obtained after processing. The coffee trees typically start producing flowers around the thrid year, with fruit maturing about 6 to 8 months after flowering. Harvesting is done once the cherries are ripe. These coffee trees reach their productive age between five to seven years, but they can remain productive for about 20 to 30 years with proper care. The application for Kollimalai Palappazham (Jackfruit) was filed by TNSCST along with Kollimalai Collective Farming Farmer Producer Company Limited. This jackfruit is cultivated organically at high altitudes in Kolli hills. Each jackfruit typically weighs between 2 to 20 kg, with well-developed bulbs averaging 9.5 to 15 grams in weight. The fruit is rich in fiber, carbohydrates, vitamins, and essential minerals, making it both a nutritious and culturally important food crop for local communities. Widely consumed in both raw and ripe forms, it is also processed into flour, sweets, and savory products, contributing to the livelihood of small-scale tribal farmers.
The Hindu
04-06-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
T.N. Scientists Awards for 2022 and 2023 announced
The Tamil Nadu State Council for Science and Technology has announced the awardees of the Tamil Nadu Scientist Award for 2022 and 2023. The award is given to scientists from various disciplines including agriculture, biology, chemical sciences; environmental sciences; engineering and technology; mathematics; medicine; physics; social sciences and veterinary sciences. The award includes a cash prize of Rs. 50,000 and a citation. Heads of the research and educational institutions in the state nominate candidates for the awards. The council has constituted an advisory committee of experts for the award in each discipline. TNSCST member secretary S. Vincent said as many as 73 nominations were received for 2022. For the year 2023, the council received 96 nominations. The advisory committee has selected 12 scientists, one from each discipline.
