The Atal Incubation Centre of Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (AIC IGCAR FAST Foundation) has stepped up efforts to commercialise indigenous technologies by facilitating technology transfers, startup incubation and industry partnerships, reinforcing the role of deeptech innovation in India’s march towards self-reliance.
At an event themed “Translation of IGCAR Technologies: From Lab to Land…and to Space”, held at Kalpakkam, the incubation centre brought together scientists, entrepreneurs, policymakers and startup founders to showcase how advanced technologies developed at IGCAR are being translated into commercial products and strategic applications.
Bridging research and entrepreneurship
The event highlighted the growing collaboration between India’s premier research institutions and the country’s emerging deeptech startup ecosystem.
Padma Shri Dr. Mylswamy Annadurai, former Director of U.R. Rao Satellite Centre, ISRO, who was the chief guest, stressed the need for stronger synergy between advanced research laboratories and technology-driven startups.
He said incubation centres such as AIC FAST can play a critical role in converting cutting-edge research into commercially viable products and strategic technologies for sectors ranging from industry to space.
Daniel Babu P., Head of Technology Transfer and Collaboration Division at Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), outlined the Department of Atomic Energy’s technology transfer and incubation mechanisms designed to help startups commercialise innovations developed by national laboratories.
Startup incubation for space technology
A key highlight of the event was the signing of an incubation agreement with Big Bang Boom Solutions for developing radiation hardening strategies for GPU-based computing in space environments.
The agreement was exchanged by Sreekumar G. Pillai, Director, IGCAR, and Dr. N. Subramanian, Director, AIC FAST, with the deeptech company, which is mentored by Dr. Annadurai.
The project is expected to contribute to the development of reliable computing systems capable of operating in harsh space environments.
Technology transfers to startups
IGCAR also handed over technology transfer licences for two indigenous technologies to deeptech startups.
Raana Semiconductors Pvt. Ltd., Hosur, received the licence for lithium niobate (LiNbO₃) crystal growth technology, a key technology with applications under India’s National Quantum Mission.
X10T, Chennai, obtained the licence for IGCAR’s patented deep penetrating flux formulation for TIG welding, a technology with potential industrial applications in advanced manufacturing and fabrication.
Representatives from StartupTN also briefed entrepreneurs on various state government schemes available to startups that secure technology transfer licences from leading research institutions.
Commercial products unveiled
The event also witnessed the launch of two scientific products developed using technologies licensed by IGCAR.
These include an ultra-sensitive conductivity meter, manufactured by Tech Science, Bengaluru, and a high-volume air sampler, produced by First Source Impex, Bengaluru.
The product launches demonstrate how technologies originating in government research laboratories are being successfully commercialised through industry partnerships.
Supporting Atmanirbhar Bharat
AIC FAST said its objective is to accelerate the commercialisation of strategic technologies, nurture high-impact deeptech startups and strengthen India’s innovation ecosystem.
By connecting scientific research with entrepreneurship, the initiative seeks to support the national vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat while contributing to the long-term goal of Viksit Bharat 2047 through indigenous technology development and commercialisation.