Annual Report 2005-2006

Technology Development

Drugs and Pharmaceuticals Research Programme

The "Drugs and Pharmaceuticals Research Programme" (DPRP) was initiated by DST in 1994- 95 for promoting Industry- Institutional collaboration in drugs and pharmaceuticals sector. This Programme aims at enhancing capabilities of institutions and the Indian Drugs & Pharmaceuticals Industry towards development of New Drugs in all Systems of medicine. The specific objectives of this scheme are:

• To synergise the strengths of publicly funded R&D institutions and Indian Pharmaceutical Industry in developing drugs in areas of national relevance.
• To create an enabling infrastructure, mechanisms and linkages to facilitate new drug development.
• To stimulate skill development of human resources in R&D for drugs and pharmaceuticals.

Government has dissolved the Pharmaceuticals Research and Development Support Fund (PRDSF) Corpus of Rs 150 Crores which was earlier created for supporting the activities of DPRP since 24th January, 2006. Instead budgetary Plan allocation has been made to the tune of Rs 150 Crores per annum

Achievements

The Technology Development & Transfer Division continued its efforts for implementing the DPRP programme. A total number of 64 proposals have been considered for financial support during the year. 44 proposals have been recommended by the Expert Committee for funding. This includes Sixteen (16) Industry-Institutional collaborative research proposals, Fifteen (15) proposals for provision of Loan from Industries and Thirteen (13) proposals for setting up of National Facilities Following are the new collaborative R&D projects which have been funded during the year:

• Synthesis of new chemical entitles based on polyketide derived macrocyclic structures and their amide-linked analogues using sugar, amino acids and related building blocks and evaluation of their anti-microbial and other biological properties among Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad and Zydus Research Centre, Ahmedabad.
• Chemical standardization and biological evaluation. With a view to increase efficacy of herbal medicine among Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kokatta/Vihswa Bharati University, Shantiniketan and Dey's Medical Stores, Collate.
• Oral Penem anti bacterial agents for community acquired infections among National Chemical Laboratory, Pune and Ranbaxy Labs Ltd., Gurgaon.
• Development of an integrated bioprocess strategy for the production of interferon beta 1b among Jawahar Lal Nehru University, New Delhi and Indo Bioactive Labs (P) Ltd., Pune.
• Scientific evaluation of safety and efficacy profile of siddha formulation advocated in the prevention and management of coronary heart disease among Centre for Advanced Research in ISM (CARISM) Sastra Deemed University, Thanjavur and Orchids & Pharmaceuticals Ltd Chennai.
• New Antiarthritic compounds, synthesis and screening among Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT), Hyderabad and Zydus Research Centre, Ahmedabad.
• Scientific evaluation of Safety and efficacy profile of an Ayurvedic Herbal Formulation (R05) in the management of diabetes mellitus among Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute, Chennai and M/s Rumi Herbals Ltd, Chennai.
• Development of new anti-amoebic agents among Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi and Rex (USA) Remedies Pvt Ltd., Delhi.
• Developing an indigenous and cost-effective CD4 and CD8 count assay for HIV/ AIDS among Jawahar Lal Nehru Centre for Advances Scientific Research (JNCASR), Bangalore and M/s Microtest Innovations Pvt Ltd, Bangalore.
• Scientific evaluation of safety and efficacy profile of noble molecules from the marine herbals for drug development in the management of Malaria" among Manonmaniam Sundarnagar (MS) University, Abhishekapatti, Tirunelveli-627012. Land Pharma Fabricon Ltd, Othapatti, Karupayurani, Madurai -625020

National Facilities Supported

Four National Facilities sanctioned during the period are as follows:

• National facility for advanced proteomic and protein research for development of biomarkers, drugs and therapeutic proteins at IICB, Calcutta.
  o National facility for Regulatory Pharmacology and Toxicology at Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI), Luck now.
• Regulatory Toxicology: Development of GLP certified facility for toxicological screening of new chemical entities (NCOs) at National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Chandigarh
• PharmacoKinetic evaluation of some novel fixed dose combination drug formulations by LCMS / MS at Bioequivalence Study Centre, Jadavpur University, Calcutta

Proposals funded by Provision of Loan

For the first time under the programme, soft loan on simple interest of 3 per cent has been extended for Pharma Research & Development projects to industries. The projects and industries financially supported are as follows:

• Development of quality controlled plants based formulation in the treatment of Dementia and its validation with reference to its safety and efficacy by Dalmia Centre for R&D (DCRD) , Coimbatore.
• Formulation development, stability studies, pre-clinical and clinical studies of anticatract eye drops for applying the technology and innovation in effective prevention and treatment of catract to M/s Promed Exports Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi.
• Development of a tetravalent dengue vaccine by using combination of 30 deletion mutant and chemeric constructs of DEN-1, DEN2, DEN-3 and DEN-4 viruses against dengue virus infection by M/s Biological E. Ltd., Hyderabad.
• Development of a cost-effective viral load assay and it's commercial application in monitoring drug efficacy in HIV/AIDS by M/s Microtest Innovations Pvt.Ltd ; Bangalore

Interaction Meets, Conferences & Workshops

Grants have also been sanctioned for organizing several interaction meets between Academia and Industries involved in R&D and product development in Natural Products and Modern System of medicine. These are as follows:

• One day Brain storming session (BSS) on Pharma funding among pharma industries was held on 10th April 2005 at Hotal Kaktio, Hyderabad in collaboration with University of Hyderabad, Hyderbad, More than 125 representatives of leading pharma industries in the country and several institutions participated in the discussion. The BSS was presided by Prof V .S. Ramamurthy, Secretary, DST.
• DST participated in an exhibition in the event entitled"Bangalore - BIO-2005 from April 22 to April 24, 2005 at Bangalore. This important annual event was sponsored by Vision group on Biotechnology, in this exhibition various significant achievements made under the drugs and Pharmaceuticals Research Programme (DPRP) were displayed.
• A five days National Workshop on standardization of traditional Indian medicine for Global acceptance as per WHO guidelines was organized in collaboration with Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi from 25th to 29th May, 2005 at Sri Ramachandra Medical College and research Institute (Deemed University) Chennai. There were fifteen Industry participants and twenty institutional participants representing different states of the country, resource persons from various disciplines relevant to the topics of the workshop were identified across the country. Lectures on various topics like WHO guidelines, GMP, GLP, IPR etc. were held.
• Visits were made to USA and Canada alongwith CSIR delegation with the purpose of visiting three BSL - 4 Laboratories (Two in USA and One in Canada). Scientists of the Division also attended a one day seminar on "Emerging technologies towards the development of Vaccines as reflected from the current patent analysis" organised by India International center and by waterfalls Institute Delhi on 12th July, 2005.
• A two days workshop entitled "Essential Medicines, Adverse reactions and therapeutic Drug Monitoring" was held during 22nd and 23rd August 2005 at the scientific Convention Centre Lucknow. Nearly 100 scientists and some industries participated in this workshop.
• Members of Parliament Standing Committee on science and technology, environment and forest visited Serum institute India Pvt Ltd, Pune in September, 2005 and discussed the various aspects related to drugs & Pharmaceuticals Research Programme (DPRP) of DST during this visit besides examining the facilities available at Serum Institute India Pvt Ltd., Pune.
• Financial grants were provided by DST for conduction an international Conference on Clinical Research with theme entitled " India's Emergence as Hub for Clinical research"
• An International Exhibition entitled" HEALTH+ PHARMA- Bangalore with effect sept.23rd to 26th 2005 organised by PRASHIDHI Conventions , events and expositions , C/O Indian society Health Administrators (ISHA) K.R.Road Banashankri 2nd stage Bangalore- 560070.
• Supported ADMA 3rd National symposium and pre Symposium workshop organized by Ayurvedic Drug manufacturers associations (ADMA) on the theme " AGENDA 2010 - STEPS AHEAD ".
• National Seminar on " Veterinary pharmacology in post WTO era and 5th Annual conference of Indian Society of Veterinary Pharmacology and toxicology (ISVPT) during 24 to 26th November at Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal sciences University, Chennai.
• Participation in Bangalore BIO 2005 organized at Palace Grounds, Palace Office, Vasanthnagar, Bangalore from April 22 - 24, 2005.
• Industry institute interaction on "Nano enabled facility for drug discovery and delivery on November, 20005 at Hyderabad conducted by Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Lodhi Road, New Delhi.
• National Conference on "The changing role of Pharmacologists in Modern Medicine by Indian Pharmacological Society at Institute of Pharmacology Society at Institute of Pharmacology, Madras Medical College, Chennai.
• Industry Institute Interaction meet at the Third Workshop on Drug Discovery & Development in New Millennium conducted by NIPER, Mohali.
• Two days Brain Storming Session (BSS) on "Metal toxicity in preparations of Indian Systems on 3-4 March 2006 at Shriram Institute for Industrial Research, Delhi.
• Participation at DST in the 2nd Premium International Exhibition & Symposium on Natural products, Medicines and Therapies (Panacea 2006) organized at Nehru Centre, Mumbai from 3rd February - 5th February, 20006 by Seishido Communications Mumbai.

Department of Science and Technology (DST) has created an Inter-Sectoral Science and Technology Advisory Committee (IS-STAC) mechanism to coordinate with various socio-economic ministers/departments through Science and Technology Advisory Committee (STAC), in formulation of long term S&T plans and programs promotion of Science and Technology programs relevant to the concerned sector. Interactions have been made through participation in the STAC and Research Sub Committee meetings held during the year. Under the scheme, IS-STAC has launched Joint technology Projects (JTPs) to provide thrust to promotion of research in the areas concerning the Ministries/ Departments. The objectives of the scheme are as follows:

• To provide inter-disciplinary inputs in S&T Programs/Plans of socio-economic Ministries/ Departments.
• To identify inter-disciplinary R&D programs of common interest for multi-partnership funding through STAC sub groups/Task Forces meetings.
• To promote Joint Technology Projects by providing part funding to R&D projects in the emerging areas and considered important by the user ministry.
• To support Interaction Meets/ Workshops in the emerging areas of common interest
• Information exchange on work of STACs in different Ministries through STAC-Scan Plus newsletter and other publications.

Major Achievements

Specific support is provided by DST jointly with socio-economic Ministry/Department for activities, which can be demonstrated on industrial scale through research & development efforts and are conducive for strengthening of technological capabilities in the country. The joint technology projects have been supported with the participation of different ministries viz., Department of Atomic Energy, Ministry of Coal & Mines, Ministry of Steel, Ministry of Shipping, Ministry of Rural Development, Ministry of Power, Directorate of Geology & Mining, Govt. of Nagaland and ONGC. During the year, some of the highlights of the ongoing joint technology projects are as follows:

• Studies on Production of Alloyed Pig Iron using Chromite Overburden in Sukinda Mines in the State of Orrisa

The above joint technology project is jointly supported by Department of Science and Technology and Ministry of Mines and implementing by Metallurgical & Engineering Consultant (MECON), Ranchi. Based upon the actual plant trials runs results obtained from this project as well as the recommendations of the Joint Project Monitoring Committee and Standing Scientific Research Group a Techno Economic Feasibility Report (TEFR) on Establishment of a Commercial plant for Production of 140,000 tons per year Alloyed Pig Iron Using Chromite Overburden at Tomka Village, Orissa has been prepared by M/S MECON, Ranchi. On the basis of TEFR, proposed steel plant facilities and the final general lay out incorporating the estimates of capital cost and production cost, financial appraisal of the project has been evaluated. To quote some specific figures the total cost for putting up the commercial plant will be Rs.176.68 crore including foreign exchange component. Total annual production cost will be approximately Rs.195.30 crore at 100% capacity utilization. The internal rate of return (IRR) has been computed to be 207% (pre-tax) and 17.5% (post tax) respectively over 20 years of plant operation with a pay back period of 7.3 years. The break even capacity 50% and cash break even capacity will be 31% for an average over 10 years of operation.

Figure 6. 1: Chromite Overburden at SOSO Mining Site in Bhadrak District Orissa	Figure 6. 2: Production of Alloyed Pig Iron and IDCOLKalinga Iron Works Ltd. (IKIWL), Barbil, Orissa

To widely disseminate the results achieved a Workshop on Use of Alloyed Pig Iron in Mini Steel Plants and Foundries was organized on 30th September, 2005 by MECON, Ranchi. Large number of participants from industry, representatives from industry associations, entrepreneurs, Ministry of Steel and DST attended the Workshop. The work carried out under this project was well appreciated. Entrepreneurs were invited to come forward to set up the plant for waste utilization from mining industry with the help financial support from the Government.

• Underground Coal Gasification and its Utilization for Power Generation Studies in Lignite Deposits of Rajasthan (Phase-I)

The above joint technology project has been undertaken with financial support from Department of Science and Technology, Neyveli Lignite Corporation Ltd. and Ministry of Coal. Coal is valuable resource for energy producing about 70 % of India's electricity. Coal combustion however is leading to production of carbon dioxide, which is a greenhouse gas responsible for global warming. The Underground coal gasification produces gas that can be utilized for power generation. It is an environmentally friendly technology of coal utilization. Under the Phase I project following milestones have been identified in this project.

• To study and evaluate the exploration data of certain lignite blocks and selection of suitable lignite block for Underground Coal Gasification (UCG) studies.
• To undertake detailed exploration in selected lignite block and assess the deposit characteristics, quality and reserves and carry out specialized studies on lignite.
• To establish and carry out UCG pilot studies and evaluate the heat values and other characteristics of producer gas.

If the outcome of the Phase-I study is proved successful and the product gas is evaluated as suitable for power generation, the same will be utilized in the power generation Phase-II) in the appropriate capacity IGCCP Plant.

• Pilot Scale Smelting and pre-feasibility studies on nickel-chromium-cobalt bearing magnetite ores of Nagaland for economically viable plant

The above joint technology project is jointly supported by Department of Science and Technology, Ministry of Mines, Ministry of Steel , Directorate of Geology & Mining, and Govt. of Nagaland. National Metallurgical Laboratory (NML), Jamshedpur, is implementing the project. It aims to carry out Pilot Scale Smelting and pre-feasibility studies on nickel-chromium-cobalt bearing magnetite ores of Nagaland for an economically viable plant. The following milestones are proposed to be achieved out of this project.

• To conduct pilot scale smelting trials up to 5 - 6 tons/day of magnetite ore from Nagaland in the existing 500kVA submerged Arc furnace at NML, Jamshedpur based on the bench scale study parameters already optimized.
• To evaluate the properties of the alloy for its possible applications and use after refining
• Pre-feasibility studies for an economically viable plant.

• National Facility on Semi Solid Forming established at Indian Institute of Science (IISc.), Bangalore

The above joint technology project is supported jointly with Min. of Mines, DRDO (Ministry of Defense). This National Facility which has been established at Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore, the first of its in India is now ready to cater to the needs of the Industry in the emerging field of semi-solid forming using aluminum and its fabrication of auto components and other applications (Figure 6.3). Some of the companies which have visited this facility are M/S Sundaram Clayton, M/S TVS Motor Company, ALCOA-USA, Maini Group etc. A batch of scientists has already been trained on various machines and the money generated out of such training is being used for the maintenance of the facility. Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore will be going in for patenting of the processes, components etc. shortly.

The status of this joint technology was also discussed in the 34th meeting of the Standing Scientific Advisory Group (SSAG), Ministry of Mines held on 29th August, 2005 which was chaired by Secretary, Mines. The work carried out under this project was deeply appreciated by the members. In addition, most significant event out of this project was that a very high level team from Gas Turbine Research establishment (GTRE) (which is a Defense Laboratory under DRDO/Ministry of Defense) led by Dr. Ramachandra, the Outstanding Scientist and Director, GTRE and Dr. V. K. Aatre, former Scientific Adviser to Raksha Mantri & DG, DRDO visited the National Facility on 17th October, 2005 and detailed discussions were held which led to the understanding of development of several critical engine parts in aluminum and magnesium alloys required for the Kaveri Engine for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) project, one of the most vital and prestigious defense project being undertaken in the country.

Figure 6. 3: CAD Layout of National Semi-Solid Forming Facility at IISc; Bangalore

Helium Conservation Programme

• Pilot plant for extraction, enrichment and purification of Helium from Natural Gas

In a major initiative to jointly fund R&D with industry Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) and DST are supporting the above joint technology project. Helium is a valuable resource found in Hot Springs and Natural Gas. Based upon the expertise developed in past few years through support from DST and DAE along with DRDO in national R&D laboratories under Helium Conservation Programme and the experience of ONGC, it has been decided to set up a pilot plant for extraction, enrichment and purification of Helium from ONGC Natural Gas fields in Tamil Nadu. The plant is based on four stage Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) technology. A team of experts from DST, ONGC, SINP/VECC, Kolkata has visited the operating plant sites in the USA on same technology, to examine its efficacy in the Indian context. The plant design specifications, its capacity and the site where the said plant will be commissioned have been finalized. The plant in research mode is being set up by Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics (SINP).

Under the Helium conservation programme, parallel efforts have been proposed to develop a commercial scale plant for helium extraction using a combination of cryogenic and PSA technology at Indian Institute of Petroleum, Dehradun.

• Exploration of Helium from hot springs (Himachal Pradesh, Assam, Orissa) and Development of Infrastructure for Gas collection at Tantloi (Jharkhand) (Phase-II of National Helium Conservation Program)

This is another joint technology project supported by Department of Science and Technology and Department of Atomic Energy and implemented by Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, Kolkata under Helium Conservation Programme. For the first time a single research group has visited different geothermal areas in the country and carried out measurements in a Mobile Helium Laboratory, where the sampling were done on-line directly from the hot springs vents without interfacing with other systems. Accordingly the values projected in the completion report are expected to bear a greater fidelity as compared to data obtained in measurements where analyses are carried out at a later date in institutions/ laboratories on samples collected weeks or sometimes months earlier.

Under the project a Helium Monitoring Laboratory has been established at Bakreshwar (W. Bengal) and gas collection infrastructure has come up at Tantloi (Jharkhand) (Figure 6.4). The Mobile Helium Laboratory comprised of a Tata-407 vehicle, especially mounted with laboratory facilities such as temperature loggers, position monitors (GPRS), and various portable analytical equipment with power supply gears for the measurements of Rn222 activity and gamma exposure level, a Gas Chromatograph and quadrupole Mass Analyzer for the quantitative estimation of helium and associated gases released from the hot spring vents. Special geo-chemical-instrumentation was incorporated for determining the relative concentration of some of the characteristic chemical ions present in the thermal waters was investigated. A uniform standard procedure was adopted for all the measurements carried out in the different geo-thermal zones. Instrument readings were calibrated by evaluation with laboratory standards so as to obtain a uniform platform for all the measurements made across time scale in different locations.

Significantly S&T benefits have been accrued and a possibility of utilizing the variations in helium abundance in the bubble gases of some of the thermal springs investigated in geo-chemical signals for possible seismic surveillance has emerged. Besides this several research publications were brought out in Indian and International journals and two persons were trained.

• Monitoring of Geo-chemical Precursory signals for seismic events

Under Helium Conservation Programme continuous monitoring of Geo-chemical Precursory signals for seismic events have been initiated based on the encouraging results achieved in the earlier project. This project is funded by Department of Science and Technology and is being implementing by Variable Energy Cyclotron Center (VECC), Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, Kolkata and University of Kashmir. The expected outcome includes establishment of automated and continuous monitoring facilities at the hot spring sites at Bakreshwar (W. Bengal), Manikaran/(H.P.)/Tattapani (J&K) and Andaman & Nicobar for recording changes in the abundance of He, methane, and Rn in the bubble gases as well as to monitor changes in gamma dose rate. Spring temperatures will also be monitored. It is also proposed to establish internet connectivity of the spring site laboratories to VECC/SINP so that the recorded data can be downloaded for evaluation. The monitoring will be carried out on temporal correlation between the recorded abundance changes in gas constituents from the hot springs and seismic signals obtained from a collaborating seismic observatory and geo-chemical data with the seismic signals will be statistically correlated. This will help to study the feasibility of long term continuous monitoring at these three sites. The monitoring network is being strengthened through linking of all the three stations via VSAT (Figure 6.5).

Fig 6.4: VSAT Facility at Thermal Spring Helium Monitoring Lab, Bakreshwar, W.B.	Figure 6. 5: Thermal Spring Gas Holders for collection of Helium Gas at Tantloi, Jharkhand

Clean Coal Technology Initiative (CCTI)

As per recommendation of STAC sub-Group comprising of Coal, Power and Steel chaired by Shri R.K. Sachdev, then Advisor MOC, DST had commissioned a Study on Assessment of Pre-combustion Clean Coal Technology way back in 1995. In this study status prevailing to early nineties and was covered and priority areas were identified. Several CCT initiatives in the country were reported since the last study covering coal beneficiation, coke ovens, combustion technologies and that R&D from BHEL, NTPC, RRLs, Tatas, JVSL Vijayanagar, Sesa Goa etc. While there was satisfactory progress towards CCT developments for sustainable use of Indian coal, it was felt on Global Scale these have been far reaching developments, Kyoto Protocol has come in to force, National Clean Development Mechanism Authority has been set-up in the country and hence there is a need for a CCT development road map. With this in view, in depth Study on Clean Coal Technology Initiative has been taken up to address the issues in entire Coal-Energy Chain and introducing market based mechanisms by identifying CDM potential of such projects for accelerating the progress in technology development. Topics to be covered include Pre-Combustion Technologies, Coal Combustion Technologies, Environment Stability from Coal use, New Technologies. The concerned Ministries viz. Coal, Steel and Power, R&D Laboratories, Academic institutions and Confederation of Indian Industries are represented on the Task Force besides DST.

National Programme on Carbon Sequestration Research

Department of Science and Technology and Ministry of Power have been represented from India on the Carbon Sequestration Leadership Forum (CSLF). In this context, First Inter-sectoral Meet on CO2 Sequestration technology was organized on February 28, 2005 inaugurated by Secretary DST. The aim was to discuss and identify R&D areas in various sectors among participants from industry. Ministry of Power is the nodal agency for CSLF and it has been proposed to initiate collaborative research projects in the area of carbon capture, storage and disposal. In this context, National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) made a presentation on selected carbon capture projects proposed to be taken up with joint support from DST. Proposals on geological sequestration of CO2 in basalt rocks, saline aquifers and coal-mines are also under consideration.

During the year, DST participated in Indo-US Workshop on organized by National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI) Hyderabad and India-Australia Technical Workshop on Carbon Sequestration organized by NTPC in New Delhi. Projects on In depth study on identification of Deep Underground Aquifers and their suitability for Carbon Dioxide Sequestration has been initiated with the objective to develop the screening criteria for selecting saline aquifers and other sinks for geological sequestration of carbon dioxide. Risks involved and future research areas will also be identified.

New Initiatives and Other STAC Highlights

The following new joint technology projects have been initiated:

• Helium Isotopic (3He/4He) Ratio as Precursory signal to Earthquake- with Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, Kolkata.- The objectives of this project is the application of geo-chemical tracer and 3He/4He ratio techniques to problem of earthquake in India as a means of understanding the process by way of precursory signals. The study will reveal the implications of specific 3He/4He ratio signatures of the noble gases in tectonically active areas. It will also lead to the better understanding of Magmatic fluid transport mechanism in geo-thermal areas related to helium release. In addition this ratio also leads to the classification of probable genesis of helium sources.
• Installation of a Demonstration Plant for development of most economic route of pelletisation, smelting reduction and steel making technology using iron ore fines & slimes for production of steel- Continuous Induction Furnace (CONTIFUR) Process jointly with Ministry of Steel. The technology to be developed out of this project aims to utilize waste as well as non-coking thus conserving the resources.
• Action Programme for CO2 Sink Capacity Assessment for reduction of carbon intensity through technology up gradation and carbon sequestration through storage in coal bearing areas.

During the year IS-STAC secretariat participated in number of important meetings of Science & Technology Advisory Committees (STAC) in various economic Ministries. Joint Technology System Projects

Department of Science & Technology is implementing Joint Technology- Technology System Programme to develop viable technology systems. The objectives of the programme are:

• To support activities aimed at developing systems both in modern technologies and in traditional technologies.
• To support technology development and upgradation in the specific sectors such as glass industry etc.
• To promote application of advanced technologies for solution to socio- economic problems.
• To promote technology development in certain identified niche areas such as water purification, biodegradable polymers, application of surface engineering for rejuvenation of traditional crafts, molecular electronics etc.
  The focus of the programme is on R & D application and activities in various parts of the country including North Eastern Region.

Major Achievements

During the year, a number of activities in the niche areas of Technology Development and applications were undertaken. Area wise highlights are given below:

Water Purification

Under this area, the focus was primarily on developing technologies specifically for removal of arsenic, fluoride, salinity (Figure 6.6) and iron including Defluoridation of ground water by membrane technology; Low cost adsorbent and household model for removal of arsenic; Removal of arsenic using polymeric membranes; Pilot scale and field scale studies on removal of arsenic from drinking water including sludge management; and Ground water quality assessment and zonation for arsenic contamination in affected districts of West Bengal.

a. A project entitled "Pilot Scale and field scale studies on removal of arsenic from drinking water including sludge management" of IIT, Kharagpur was successfully completed during the year. A project entitled "Field studies on defluoridation of water by IISc method" was initiated during the year.

Figure 6. 6: Development of Two Stage Sea Water Desalination Unit (1000 litre per hr)	Figure 6. 7: Development of Straight Vegetable Oil Operated Village Electrification Plant (20 Kw)

• Alternate Fuels

The focus of activities under this programme is mainly on technology related applications and system integration in bio-fuels. Department has initially focused on potential and problems related to the application of Straight Vegetable Oils (SVOs). The projects supported in the area during the year are Requirement of R&D activities in the area of SVO and Bio-diesel for engine application; Scope and Limitations of Non-edible Vegetable Oil as a substitute fuel for Diesel engines- An Experimental Study; and Endurance Testing of Diesel Engine using Straight Vegetable Oils (SVOs) as Fuel.

• Information & Communication Technology (ICT) Systems

Under this area, the focus is on developing technologies, which promote application of information technologies for the benefit of general masses especially rural people. Following projects were supported in this area during the year:

• Feasibility Study on development of Super Smart Mobile ICT Corridor (SSMC) for medical applications.
• Design and Implementation of Set Top Box for Internet access on TV.

Integrated knowledge System on Soil Nutrient Management Through Image Processing of Chromatograms.

• Surface Engineering modification and rejuvenation of Traditional Crafts

The main objective of this program was to explore the possibility of application of advanced Surface Engineering technologies to improve value addition of traditional crafts and modernization of traditional techniques, tools and skills with a view to enhance export capabilities and performance of traditional and non-traditional items. During the year a project entitled "Development and setting up of a Proto-type Plasma System for Surface Modification of Angora Rabbit Fibre to improve Processing" was initiated.

• Structure Technology Systems

Under this activity, the focus is on development of multi-disciplinary, multi-institutional technology development projects in niche areas having relevance to the Indian needs and wide spread potential for successful replication (Fig. 6.8). During the year, the following projects were continued:

• Industrialized Building System for Affordable Quality Housing.
• Distress Diagnostic, performance evaluation and bridge management system for concrete bridges.
• Development of Semiactively controlled Structrures and Devices for Seismic Protection using Smart Materials.

Glass Technology Upgradation

Following projects were initiated during the year:

• Development of Technology of extended wear contact lens/daily wear contact lens.

Figure 6. 8: Rural Area Communication for developing Farmers' Advisory System

• Science & Technology based skill development of Glass workers
• Development of Eco-friendly 12-open pot furnace.

Development of foldable intraocular lens (Fig. 6.9).

Figure 6. 9: Development of Glass Melting Pot (Life enhanced to 55 days from 15 days)

During the year, the on-going projects supported are:

• Design and Development of precision aspheric lenses for indirect ophthalmoscope.
• Design and development of Night Driving filter.
• Development of metal containing polymers for optical applications.
• Design and development of Sikai Bhatti, Belan Bhatti and Pakai Bhatti for the bangle industry.
• Use of image intensification technology in retinal angiography system.

Engineered prototypes of an user friendly optical refractrometer based compact sensor for instant determination of adultration in petrol.

Figure 6. 10: Construction of gas fired Glass Melting Day Tank Furnace capable of melting 1000 Kg Soda Lime Glass at 1450°C

In order to facilitate commercialization of the technologies developed under this programme and also to identify technology gaps based on demands of the industry, a project was sanctioned to National Research and Development Corporation, New Delhi.

• Bio-molecular Electronics & Conducting Polymers

New projects supported in the area are:

• Conducting Polymer based Field Effect Transistor.
• Development of Polymer based Biomimetic Sensors.
• Studies on direct electron transfer between Redox Proteins and electrodes: Amperometeric sensing.
• Biosensor for in situ estimation of Superoxide Radical.
• Polymer Light Emitting Device (LED) Synthesis of Molecularly designed polymers Design and development of LED.
• Optimization of Bactteriorhodopsine (Br) protein production from Halo bacterium sp.

Following projects were completed during the year:

• Development of Immuno biosensors for detection of Pesticides & herbicides
• Development of Enzyme Electrodes for determination of Creatinine in Biological fluids.
• Waste utilization, recycling and Management

Under this programme, three areas (i.e. Electronic Waste, Hospital Waste, and Plastic Waste) were identified for inviting the project proposals during the year. In addition, certain Hazardous Waste with industry focus was also identified for technology development. A project entitled "Utilization of Rice Husk-An Agricultural Waste for the Development of Useful Silicon Based Monoxide Ceramics" was supported. A workshop to identify technology needs in the area was also organized at NEERI, Nagpur.

• Biodegradable/Bio-medical Polymers

These polymers, due to their outstanding characteristics, are finding increasing applications in household, transport, industrial and agricultural fields. They are also increasingly used as artificial organ and transplant in various biomedical applications. One of the solutions is to use biodegradable polymers based on microbial/agricultural/forest resources. Under this area a project entitled "Development and investigation on Bio-composites" was initiated.

• Vision Technology

The programme aims at developing preventive, diagnostic and curative technologies for eye-related (ophthalmic) diseases. The projects on "Study of Medicinal plants for the management of glaucoma", "To validate a diagnostic multiplex polymerase reaction assay for infectious posterior uveitis in Indian Population" and "Pharmacological and molecular biological approaches to prevent Posterior Capsular Opacification (PCO)" supported were regularly reviewed.

• Laser Applications

The main objectives of this programme are to promote development and implementation of application of Laser based techniques/devices/ instruments and to promote manufactures, servicing and maintenance of laser and laser related/based products. A project entitled "Development of Compact/ portable hybrid optical correlator for machine vision application (finger print identification)" was successfully completed.

• Gold Technology Upgradation Programme

DST sought to intervene in Gold Jewellery Sector through S & T inputs to provide fairer deal to the consumers, improve the lot of goldsmiths, research and develop new alloys surface engineering technique and improve work ethics. The main objective is to promote activities for improving methods, practices, tools/implements, equipment and working environment conditions of gold smiths.

A project entitled "Investigation on Metallurgical aspects of 14 & 18 carat gold alloys and recovery procedure of gold from workshop scrap" was reviewed at JSS Polytechnic for Physically Handicapped, Mysore. Efforts were made to create facilities for polytechnic education course in "Jewellery Design & Technologies". This is a three year course recognized by Karnataka Government and All Indian Council for Technical Education.

Other Activities

Support to project entitled "Indigenous development of Liquid Nitrogen Plant of 7-litre/hr capacity for various Cryogenic applications" and possibility of initiating two new programmes related to development of technologies in the area of Engineering Ceramics and Gyrotron for indigenous research requirements were considered. Instrumentation Development Programme

Instrumentation is one of the major areas of Science and Technology which makes a great impact on vital sectors of national activities such as education, scientific research, industry, agriculture, medicine and health etc. The Department of Science and Technology (DST) has been promoting the area of instrumentation through its Instrumentation Development Programme (IDP) with the objective of strengthening indigenous capability for research, design and development of instruments in the country leading to their indigenous development and production, continuous updating of the technology to keep pace with the technology improvements taking place globally, and innovation in the area of Instrumentation Programmes are evolved and projects are supported under IDP for research/design/ development and for innovations in different areas of instrumentations which are identified from time to time at various R&D organizations in the country.

During the 10th plan, The Department has initiated the Instrument Development programme in mission mode for capacity building & development of instruments in the country and a National Instrument Development Board (NIDB) was constituted for this purpose. Due to completion of the tenure of NIDB this year, National Instrumentation Development Board has been reconstituted. The following thrust areas have been identified by the Board.

• Analytical Instrumentation
• Sensors and allied instrumentation
• Medical Instrumentation and Healthcare Systems; and
• Industrial Instrumentation

As per the recommendation of NIDB, Four Steering Committees/Expert Groups have been again reconstituted in the areas of Analytical Instrumentation, Sensors & Allied Instrumentation, Medical Instrumentation and Healthcare system and industrial instrumentation. In order to further implement the policies and strategies laid down by NIDB under 10th Plan, following activities were carried out during the year to strengthen R&D in Instrument design and development, generation of new programmers and generation of human resources in priority areas.

New Programme/Project initiated

• Development of sensor and related instrumentation for online testing of sterility of food products at Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore.
• Development of Humidity sensor using Polyvinyl Alcohol thick film leading to its application in MEMS devices at Amity Institute of Nanotechnology, NOIDA.
• Design and Development of Arsenic Monitor at CECRI, Karaikudi
• Evaluation of the potential of some luminescent fungi and algae for the estimation of trace/heavy metals at Punjab University, Chandigarh.
• Development of Electronic Nose Instrument for Agro Products at Jadavpur, University, Kolkata.
• Development of online mango sorting system using x-ray imaging, CEERI, Chennai.
• Design and Development of a testing to ensure the processing propensity, SITRA, Coimbatore.
• Design and Development of instruments for predicting fabric tailorability, SASMIRA, Mumbai.
• Design and development of membrane type solute separation equipment for textile industry to reduce pollution a facilitate recycling of chemicals and to conserve water during wet processing, SASMIRA, Mumbai.
• Development of palposcope for medical diagnostic kit and telemedicine, IIT, Kharagpur.

Instruments/ Systems under development

• Amperiometric enzyme electrode system for determination of oxalate biological materials based on sorghum oxalate oxidase at MD University, Rohtak.
• To evaluation maneuverability of ripening in climacteric fruits (e.g. Lycopersicum esculentum L (tomato) and psidium guajava (guava) and production of favonoids through the use of signals, regulators and sensors at Department of Botany, Punjab University, Chandigarh.
• Isolation purification and immobilization of urease for technical development of urea biosensors at Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, School of Biotechnology, Kashmere Gate, Delhi.
• Development of Zeolite modified electrodes for environmental monitoring by Dr. R Saraswathi Reader and Head Department of Material Science, Madurai Kamaraj University, Madurai.
• Development of microgravimetric diagnostic kit for Hepatitis B at CSIO, Chandigarh.
• Development of biosensor with associated instrumentation for bacterial pathogen detection in water and food samples at CSIO, Chennai.
• Microelectrophoretic procedure for separation and analysis of biomolecules at Department of Experimental Medicine and Biotechnology, PGI, Chandigarh.
• Construction of illuminating bacterials for detection of toxin pollutants in the environment by Prof. R Tewari, Punjab University, Chandigarh.
• Design and development of electrochemical sensors at NCL, Pune.
• Development of Multizone optical fibre based perturbation sensing system at CSIO, Chandigarh.
• Development of humidity meters based on thick film ferroelectric lead magnesium niobate at Central Glass and Ceramic Research Institute, Jadavpur University, Kolkata
• Point to point termination processor at Institute of Management Studies (An engineering management institute), Jahanavi Centre, Ghaziabad.
• Digital Image processing based instruments for evaluation of textile material at IIT, Delhi
• Development of an instrument for non destructive assessment of blend proportion in textile fabrics at IIT Dellhi.
• Design and development of table top model of light fastness testing instrument at SASMIRA, Mumbai.
• Design and development of ultrasonic Transducers and generators for textile applications at SASMIRA Mumbai.
• Design and development of DIP based equipment for characterization of barrier resistant surgical gown at IIT, Delhi.
• Instrumentation and design of a frequency domain diffuse optical tomography Imager for non invasive vivo detection of breast cancer at IISc Bangalore.
• Development of digit ECG amplifier on Essential hardware for the automatic function tests (Heart Rate Variability), at AIIMS, New Delhi.
• Development clinical evaluation of artificial intelligence based biomedical instruments at SCTIMST, Thiruvananthpuram, AIIMS, New Delhi, BARC, Mumbai, MGM Medical College, Mumbai and SN Medical College, Agra.
• Design and development of PC based optical inspection system for PCB mounted with SMDs at CSIO, Chandigarh.
• Design and fabrication of layer by layer sequential adsorption system at IACS, Kolkata.
• Design and development of chlorophyll measurement system at CSIO, Chandigarh.

Workshops/training schools organized

• A national Training School on Polymeric Sensor successfully held at Hindustan College of S&T, Farah, Mathura during 25th July 2005 to 6th August 2005 to create the awareness about Instrument Development Programme in Northern region of the country.
• National Training school has been organized on Optical & Spectroscopic technique for sensors and their application in the frontier areas of S&T during 12-15 September 2005 at Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal to create the awareness about Instrument Development Programme in southern region of the country.
• DST-CII interactive meet on instrumentation industry held successfully at Hyderabad on 8th August 2005. The meet mainly discussed the partnership approach between industry, scientist, academicians and DST for the growth and development if Indian instrumentation industry and how to develop the specific technology at the Research Centre as per the requirement of users industry. The meet also deliberated various aspects relating to development of technology for specific instruments, involvement of scientific institutions funding by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) etc. The meet was attended by Scientists, Academicians, concerned government officials from the DST, instrumentation industry representatives etc.
• A National Training School on Biosensor and their application in food products successfully held at Central Food & Technological Research Institute, Mysore during 9th January 2006 to 21 January 2006 to create the awareness about Instrumentation Development Programme in southern region of the country.

In addition to the above, it has been planned to organize various training programmes/workshop in the identified areas in the series of this a workshop has been planned on Analytical/optical instruments will be held at CSIO, Chandigarh. National Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) Programme

Risk assessment of chemicals (industrial chemicals, pharmaceuticals, veterinary drugs, pesticides, cosmetic products, food products, feed additives, etc.) is a major concern of Governments and industries all over the world, since the use of these chemicals have a direct relationship with human, animal and environmental safety. Regulatory authorities, the world-over, are continuously engaged in determining the level of risks acceptable to the society and elaborate on scientific inputs and technical data to ensure that risks posed by these chemicals do not exceed the contemplated level of risks.

Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) is a quality system, which has been evolved by the member countries of Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), concerned with the organizational process and conditions under which non-clinical health and environmental safety studies on the above-said chemicals are planned, performed, monitored, recorded, reported and archived. This system helps to ensure the quality and integrity of safety data (on chemicals) produced by test facilities. The OECD Principles of GLP are internationally accepted.

National GLP Compliance Monitoring Authority was set up in April 2002 with the approval of the Cabinet to help Indian industries to obtain GLP certification for their test facilities, so that data generated by these test facilities is eventually acceptable in OECD countries. India, at present, only enjoys the status of a Provisional Member of the OECD for the purpose of GLP. The Indian GLP Programme has empanelled experts, with prescribed qualification, experience and training (as approved by the Technical Committee), for assessment of test facility as its GLP inspectors. The inspectors evaluate the technical competence of the applicant laboratory in all respects for its compliance to GLP.

A National Coordination Committee on OECD Test Guidelines Programme has been constituted and Head, GLP Programme has been nominated as National Coordinator for OECD's Test Guideline Programme. This committee comments on the new /revised OECD Test Guidelines to enable active participation of the country in carrying out research/ developing draft OECD guidelines. Head, GLP Programme has been appointed as National Coordinator for OECD's Test Guidelines Programme and he attends meetings of the OECD's Test Guidelines Programme. The Programme has also constituted a Legislation Committee, with participation from different Government Departments/ Ministries to prepare a draft Legislation on GLP in the country.

Major achievements of the Indian GLP programme

• GLP Programme's website www.indiaglp.gov.in has been launched and is being continuously updated.
• GLP-compliance Certification has been given to six test facilities/laboratories and seven are in pipeline.
• Draft legislation on GLP has been prepared.
• Training courses/workshops/symposiums:
• One three-day awareness conference "National Conference on GLP" in Lucknow.
• One one-day "Symposium on GLP" in Kolkata.
• Three one-day awareness workshops on "Good Laboratory Practice for GLP Certification" in association with Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) at Mumbai, Hyderabad and New Delhi.
  
• One Five-day Training Course for GLP Inspectors (second in its series) with the help of OECD experts to train 25 experts in the country as GLP Inspectors.
• One one-day "Continuing Education Course on GLP" in Lucknow.
• One Plenary lecture on Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) Compliance Monitoring Programme in India at Indian Pharmaceutical Congress Meeting in Hyderabad.

The Technology Development Board (TDB) was constituted under the provisions of the Technology Development Board Act, 1995. TDB administers a fund called Fund for Technology Development and Application. It provides financial assistance to industrial concerns and agencies attempting commercial application of indigenous technology or adapting imported technology for wider domestic applications. It also provides financial assistance to research and development institutions engaged in developing indigenous technology or adaptation of imported technology for commercial application. TDB has so far signed 156 agreements with the total project cost of Rs. 2491.40 crore. This includes TDB's commitment of Rs. 720.23 crores against which TDB had disbursed Rs. 526.41crores. TDB's support covers all sectors namely, Health & Medical, Engineering, Chemicals, Transport, Information Technology, Tele-communication, Agriculture and Energy & Waste Utilization spread over in 16 States / union Territories.

During 2005-06, TDB has signed 15 agreements with 15 commercial enterprises and educational / incubation centres for implementing 15 projects till 13th December, 2005. The total project cost is Rs. 192.51 crore including TDB's committed financial assistance of Rs. 58.79 crore.

Major Achievements

Treatment of distillery effluent

The Ugar Sugar Works Limited, Sangli has commissioned a multiple evaporator and spray dyer system for post biomethanated distillery effluent treatment at their existing 30KLD rectified spirit distillery plant. The technology for this treatment plant has been developed and provided by M/s SSP Limited, Faridabad. The technology involved concentrates the effluent to a low moisture content sludge for its use as fuel in boiler resulting in additional energy generation apart from controlling the pollution from distillery. The project is located at Ugarkhurd, Belgaum District.

Seed Support for STEP/TBI's

TDB has provided financial assistance to five Technology Business Incubators (TBI's) and Science & Technology Entrepreneurs Parks (STEP's) to incubate technological ideas on technologies under development to enable them to reach the market place. The STEP/TBI's are namely JSS Academy of Technology Education (JSSATE) Noida, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) Vellore, Tiruchirappalli Regional Engineering College (TREC)-STEP Tiruchirappalli, Society for Innovation of Entrepreneurship (SINE), Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mumbai and Centre for Innovation Incubation & Entrepreneurship (CIIE) / Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Ahmedabad. This would enable some of these innovative ideas/technologies to graduate to successful commercialization. Thus, the assistance is positioned to create techno-entrepreneurs apart from acting as a bridge between development & commercialization of the technologies.

Drinking Water purifiers based on membrane filtration technology

M/s Membrane Filters (India) Private Limited, Pune, has set up facilities for manufacturing drinking water purifiers based on membrane filtration technology. The technology has been developed by National Chemical Laboratory, Pune, a constituent unit of CSIR. The products have met the drinking water quality norms. Apart from urban market, the products are also being developed for rural areas.

Poly-herbal patented inventions

Natural Remedies Private Limited, Bangalore, has set up production facilities in Bangalore for the manufacture of polyherbal patented inventions and standardized herbal extracts for anti-allergic preparation coded as NRA2. The technology was developed by in-house R&D unit and the product has been patented in number of countries. The products are being marketed through strong business partners in USA, Japan, Scandinavian countries and Australia etc.

Power from Municipal Solid Waste

Handling municipal solid waste is a big problem in many major municipalities. Technology Information and Forecasting Assessment Council (TIFAC) in association with Andhra Pradesh Technology Development and Promotion Centre (APTDPC) has developed a technology for conversion of municipal solid waste into Refused Derived Fuel (RDF) and Electrical Power. Commercialization of conversion of municipal solid waste into power has been funded by Technology Development Board. The process first involves converting municipal garbage into fuel pellets / fluff and subsequently using this fuel to generate steam in specially designed boilers followed by power generation.

TDB has funded two projects (Telco International & Shriram Energy Hyderabad) for conversion of municipal solid waste into power (6.6 MW each) at Hyderabad & Vijaywada. The Technology has been proven at these levels such as MNES, State / Central Government, Municipal corporations etc. and the same is being replicated in several municipalities in the country taking the clue from above two companies and TIFAC/APTDPC. The project needs support from Government agencies for its commercial viability.

Gamma sterilization plant for medical/surgical products and spices

M/s A.V. Processors Limited, Mumbai set up an automatic continuous Gamma sterilization plant in Ambernath, Maharashtra, for sterilization of medical /surgical products and spices with Gamma rays using Cobalt 60 source. The project is based on a proven technology developed by Board of Radiation and Isotope Technology (BRIT). The fully automatic and computerised plant is capable of housing up to 1 million curies of Cobalt 60 and processing capacity of up to 2400 cubic meters per annum. The Gamma rays based sterilization plants have advantage relating to toxicology and environment compared to other technologies such as Ethylene oxide based process. The cobalt source will be supplied by BRIT. The plant would incorporate safety features as per AERB regulations.

Antigens and Proteins from native source

Yashraj Biotechnology Limited, Mumbai, has been supported to separate antigens and proteins from native source, i.e., liquid bio-medical waste such as ascetic/plural fluids. HbsAg +ve blood, fluids from cancer patients, Meconium (i.e. first stool of new born baby), cord blood etc. These antigens and proteins have diagnostic importance, which are used as standards or calibrators in diagnostic kits. The company focus lies on three products. CRP (C-reactive Protein), CEA (Carcino-Embryonic Antigen) and CA-125 (Ovarian Cancer Antigen) for world-wide market. The facilities, set up in Navi Mumbai, has an installed capacity of 120 grams per annum of CRP; 10 grams per annum of CEA, 4,80,000 Ku per annum of CA-125.

Software for medical diagnostic

M/s Karishma Software Limited, Secunderabad, has developed and implemented software for medical diagnostic such as CT scan, ECHO cardiography, ultrasound, ECG etc. in addition to routine diagnostic elements are transformed between a secondary care centre to a tertiary care centre. The project on healthcare information delivery system aimed healthcare information from secondary to primary centre through handheld devices with software for healthcare support systems for various mission oriented programs/NGOs etc.

Recombinant Human Platelet Derived Growth Factor

M/s Virchow Biotech Private Limited, Hyderabad, commercialized Recombinant Human Platelet Derived Growth Factor'. The product is a topical gel meant for the healing of lower extremity diabetic ulcers. The product is cloned from cDNA isolated from human umbilical endothelial cells which are commercially available. It is reported that the human trial conducted on patients have shown positive / encouraging results which have been submitted to Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) for approval.

Technology Day Awards

Mr. P. Chidambaram, Finance Minister of India, was the Chief Guest at the National Awards Function of the Technology Day 2005 held on 11th May 2005 at New Delhi. The Finance Minister gave away the National Award of Rs. 10 lakhs and a trophy each to M/s Banyan Networks, Broadband Division of Midas Communication Technologies Private Limited and Indian Institute of Technology, Madras. He also presented the SSI Units, Arjuna Natural Extracts Limited, Alwaye and M/s. Valeth Hightech Composites (P) Ltd., Chennai, Rs. 2 lakhs and a trophy each.

National Award was given to M/s. Banyan Networks, Broadband Division of Midas Communication Technologies Pvt. Ltd. and Indian Institute of Technology for the Broadband profile consists of a suite of products of diverse nature used for Broadband communication. These products are developed by a team of young engineers and the intellectual property is owned by Indian Institute of Technology- Madras, Chennai and Banyan Networks.

M/s. Arjuna Natural Extracts Limited, Alwaye was given the award for SSI unit, for the technology for extracting Omega 3 fatty acid from less unsaturated fatty acids available in the raw fish oil. The product belongs to the category of nutritional supplements /health foods/ neutraceutical. The product conforms to European Pharmacopoeia and is well received in India and abroad. Sardine oil is the raw material for the product. This small fish is mainly processed for fish meal and the oil is a by-product of the process and was earlier used only as a cheap surface coating material for country boats. On the Technology Day, M/s. MAK Controls and Systems (Private) Ltd.; M/s. Steel Strips Wheels Ltd.; M/s. Membrane Filters (India) Private Ltd. and M/s. Vishnu Fabrics (P) Ltd. released products developed by them.

M/s. Valeth Hightech Composites (P) Ltd., was given the award for SSI unit, for the successful commercialization of silica tile billets based on the process technology of Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Thiruvananthapuram. The product is of light weight having density of approximate 0.3 gm / cc containing amorphous high purity silica fibers. Its thermal conductivity is very low and has temperature resistance up to 1400 0C with an extremely good thermal shock resistance. These characteristics are key factors for advanced materials needful for present day space programs. This is a unique high technology product.

Interactive Meeting and Exhibitions

TDB organized a number of interactive meetings with industry associations, R&D organizations, academic institutions and entrepreneurs. TDB also participated in a number of exhibitions in India & Abroad.