KCTU has approved Rs1.15 Crores Research Project to Sahyadri
06-Feb-2017
Karnataka Council for Technological Upgradation (KCTU) has approved a
research project proposal on ‘Development of prototype ethanol sensor
product based on PLD Grown BiFeO3 thin films’ during the sixth meeting
of State Level Committee for the sanction of financial assistance to R
& D centres held at Bengaluru on 17th January 2017. Prof. Richard
Pinto, Prof. Manjappa, Dr. Jayarama and Industry Partner Mr. Bhagavath,
iWave Systems Technologies Pvt Ltd, Bengaluru were present during the
meeting. The total fund approved by KCTU is Rs. 1.15 Crores (Order No.
KCTU/R&D/SCEM-Ma/2016-17 dated:03-02-2017) out of which Sahyadri
contribution is Rs. 65 Lakhs and KCTU contribution is Rs. 50 Lakhs. In
connection with this project, it is worth mentioning that Prof. Richard
Pinto has an Indian patent on growth of BiFeO3 films and its ethanol
sensing properties obtained in 2002-03 during his days at TIFR-IITB. The
Preliminary work has been done at IIT Bombay, Nano-Fabrication facility
(IITB-NF) under the Indian Nano Users Program (INUP).
This project was submitted by Dr. Umesh M. Bhushi, Principal, as Chief
Promoter, Dr. Jayarama A, Dr. Richard Pinto, Director-CENT, Dr. Niraj
Joshi, Dr. Rathish R Gatti, Dr. Navin Bappalige and Prof. S. Manjappa,
Director Research & Consultancy as Promoters from Sahyadri College
of Engineering & Management along with DTLabz, Sahyadri-edu DREAMERS
R&D Pvt. Ltd, Mangaluru and iWave Systems Technologies Pvt. Ltd.,
Bengaluru as beneficiary Industries. Four small scale industries namely
M/s HMV Industries, Chikmagalur, M/s G T Technologies, Vittal,
Mangalore, M/s Chirag Industries, Chikmagalur and M/s Indochem
Industries, Chikmagalur have agreed to manufacture the product after the
development of the prototype alcohol sensor product. The project aims
to develop a prototype product for room temperature alcohol (Ethanol)
detection with high selectivity and sensitivity, which has extensive
applications as a device in traffic management (drunken driving), food
fermentation, wine making and medical process etc.
Karnataka Council for Technological Upgradation (KCTU), functioning
since 1996 and registered under the Karnataka Societies Registration
Act, 1960, is a joint venture of Central Government, State Government
and Industry Associations. This is first of its kind in the country and
it has been set up to fulfil the long felt needs of technological inputs
to the SME's of Karnataka and to highlight on investment opportunities.
The Council functions under the Chairmanship of Commissioner for
Industrial Development and Director of Industries and Commerce, Govt. of
Karnataka.