Northern Region S&T Cluster plans tie up with Japan

Chandigarh, February 24, 2024: PU-IIT Ropar-Regional Accelerator for Holistic Innovations (PI-RAHI) Foundation, a Northern Region S&T Cluster, sanctioned by the Principal Scientific Advisor, Govt. of India held meeting with representatives from National Institute of Advanced Science and Technology (AIST), Japan and HORIBA Co. Ltd, Japan to explore areas of mutual interest.

AIST was represented by Dr. Sunil Kaul, Chief Senior Scientist and Dr. Renu Wadhwa, Prime Senior Scientist. AIST is the largest public research organizations in Japan, focuses on the creation and practical realization of technologies useful to industry and society, and bridges the gap between innovative technological seeds and commercialization. The delegation highlighted the areas of mutual cooperation between the two organizations.

Dr. Mikiko Uchigashima, representing HORIBA Ltd., Japan, a leading global provider of scientific and analytical instrumentation. Dr. Uchigashima shared about the recent technology developed by HORIBA for rapid detection of pesticides in field along with mycotoxin detection kits, which could be useful for the Indian market. It was felt that rapid detection kits for pesticides could be very useful for monitoring pesticides in the food chain in the Northern Region, because of indiscriminate use. Dr. Yoshihiro Ohmiya, Prime Senior Scientist from AIST, Japan highlighted various areas wherein AIST, HORIBA and PI-RAHI have potential to collaborate such as medical devices, energy and environment & automotive. The plans to initiate joint capacity building programs such as short-term internships and courses were also discussed.

The meeting was also attended by Prof. Harsh Nayyar, Director, Research & Development Cell, Panjab University along with Prof. Rajat Sandhir, Principal Investigator and Ms. Neha Arora, Chief Operating Officer of the S&T Cluster.  The meeting also attended by Dr. Sumit Aggarwal, Scientist& Program Officer, Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR), New Delhi and Prof. Mohd. Akram and Prof. Suhel Parvez from Jamia Hamdard, Hamdard, who also extended their support in the joint programs between the Cluster and AIST & HORIBA.