Are there research labs and innovation centers in Ams Veltech?

Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr. Sagunthala R&D Institute of Science and Technology, located in Avadi, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, is a premier private deemed university renowned for its emphasis on research and innovation. Established in 1997, Vel Tech has cultivated a robust ecosystem for cutting-edge research, supported by state-of-the-art facilities and strategic industry collaborations. With a vision to address global challenges through innovative solutions, the university hosts numerous research labs and innovation centers that cater to diverse fields, including engineering, technology, science, and interdisciplinary domains.

This guide offers a comprehensive overview of the research labs and innovation centers at Vel Tech, including their objectives, facilities, key projects, and the impact they have on students, faculty, and industry partners. It draws on official university resources and related information.

Overview of Vel Tech’s Research Ecosystem

Vel Tech’s commitment to research is evident in its vibrant Research and Innovation (R&I) ecosystem, which integrates grants, consultancy, intellectual property, and academic publications. The university has completed over 60 funded projects and secured 100 R&D projects worth ₹70 crore from agencies such as DST, DBT, DAE, and DRDO, alongside international collaborations with countries including Korea, France, Canada, and Taiwan.

Vel Tech houses more than 20 cutting-edge research centers valued at ₹12 crore and a Knowledge Resource Centre (KRC) with over 200 innovation-driven proof-of-concepts, serving as a pipeline for the Vel Tech Technology Business Incubator (TBI). The university’s research efforts are further enhanced by its adoption of the Conceive-Design-Implement-Operate (CDIO) framework, making it the first Indian institution to implement this innovative pedagogical approach.

Key Research Labs at Vel Tech

Vel Tech’s research labs are equipped with advanced technology and are designed to foster interdisciplinary research, industry collaboration, and practical training. Below are some of the prominent research labs, based on available information:

AICTE-IDEA Laboratory
- Purpose: The AICTE-IDEA (Idea Development, Evaluation, and Application) Laboratory aims to enhance students’ creativity, problem-solving, and entrepreneurial skills by providing resources to transform ideas into prototypes. It supports the “Make in India” initiative by fostering innovation in manufacturing sectors.
- Facilities: Equipped with 3D printers, laser cutters, electronics kits, and other tools to support hands-on project development. The lab, funded with ₹90 lakh (₹60 lakh for equipment and ₹30 lakh for events), is accessible to students, faculty, school teachers, polytechnic colleges, and nearby industries.
- Objectives: Develop 21st-century skills like critical thinking, collaboration, and communication; provide hands-on experience with cutting-edge technologies; and encourage entrepreneurial projects in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Management (STEMM).
- Impact: Students work individually or collaboratively on multidisciplinary projects, gaining practical experience in innovation-driven entrepreneurship.
Vehicle Control System Lab (in association with WABCO)
- Purpose: Focuses on research and development in vehicle control systems, particularly for automotive applications.
- Facilities: Advanced equipment for testing and developing vehicle control technologies, supported by industry partner WABCO.
- Key Projects: Research on autonomous vehicle systems and advanced vehicle safety technologies.
- Impact: Provides students and researchers with industry-standard facilities to work on real-world automotive challenges, enhancing employability and innovation.
Engine Testing Facility (in association with ARAI, TAFE, Greaves Cotton, and Ashok Leyland)
- Purpose: Dedicated to testing and developing internal combustion engines and related technologies.
- Facilities: High-speed bearing test facility funded by GTRE (₹188 lakh), enabling advanced engine performance testing.
- Key Projects: Development of efficient and sustainable engine technologies for automotive and industrial applications.
- Impact: Supports collaborative research with leading automotive industries, offering students hands-on experience in engine design and testing.
3D Printing Facility (in association with Stratasys & Altem Technologies)
- Purpose: Focuses on additive manufacturing and rapid prototyping for engineering and design applications.
- Facilities: State-of-the-art 3D printing equipment for creating prototypes in various materials.
- Key Projects: Development of innovative designs for aerospace, automotive, and medical applications.
- Impact: Enables students and researchers to explore advanced manufacturing techniques, fostering innovation in product development.
AI Supercomputing Facility (in association with Locuz and NVIDIA)
- Purpose: Supports research in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data science.
- Facilities: Features the NVIDIA DGX-1 AI Supercomputer, making Vel Tech the first Indian Technology Business Incubator to host such a system.
- Key Projects: AI-driven solutions for healthcare, cybersecurity, and autonomous systems.
- Impact: Provides cutting-edge computational resources for faculty and students to tackle complex AI research challenges.
High-Speed Bearing Test Facility
- Purpose: Conducts advanced testing for high-speed bearings used in aerospace and industrial applications.
- Facilities: Funded by GTRE (₹188 lakh), equipped with specialized testing rigs.
- Key Projects: Development of durable and efficient bearing systems for high-performance machinery.
- Impact: Enhances research capabilities in mechanical engineering and supports industry-relevant projects.
Research Centers for Emerging Technologies
- Purpose: Specialized centers focusing on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, renewable energy, and healthcare technology.
- Facilities: Well-equipped labs with advanced software and hardware for interdisciplinary research.
- Key Projects: Projects include AI-driven diagnostics, renewable energy systems, and cybersecurity solutions.
- Impact: Encourages faculty and students to publish high-impact research and file patents, contributing to Vel Tech’s intellectual property portfolio.
Additional Research Labs
- Vel Tech boasts over 80 laboratories across its campus, with 17 more planned for collaborative research. These labs support disciplines such as computer science, electronics, mechanical engineering, and biotechnology. Notable examples include labs for nanocomposites, renewable energy, and autonomous vehicles, established in collaboration with organizations such as GTRE, DRDO, ARAI, IBM, Dassault Systems, and National Instruments.

Innovation Centers at Vel Tech

Vel Tech’s innovation centers are designed to bridge academia and industry, fostering entrepreneurship and transforming ideas into marketable products. The following are the key innovation centers:

Vel Tech Technology Business Incubator (TBI)
- Purpose: Established in 2010, the TBI promotes innovation and entrepreneurship by supporting startups and early-stage innovators. It is recognized as one of six Centers of Excellence under the NIDHI-CoE scheme by the Department of Science and Technology, with funding of ₹23 crore.
- Facilities: Provides workspace, seed funding, mentoring, and training. The TBI has supported 340 startups and provided ₹18.81 crore in seed funds to 171 entrepreneurs. It also supports the NIDHI PRAYAS scheme, offering up to ₹10 lakh per innovator for prototype development.
- Key Achievements: Recognized by Startup India with a seed fund of ₹9.8 crore. The TBI has facilitated the commercialization of innovative ideas, including a novel sericin-based edible antimicrobial film for food coating, developed in collaboration with the NRSC in Hyderabad.
- Impact: Empowers students and faculty to develop business ideas, file patents, and collaborate with industry partners, fostering a culture of entrepreneurship.
Knowledge Resource Centre (KRC)
- Purpose: Serves as a hub for innovation-driven proof-of-concepts, supporting the TBI’s pipeline for startup development.
- Facilities: Houses over 200 proof-of-concepts across various domains, providing resources for prototyping and testing.
- Key Projects: Supports projects in areas like autonomous vehicles, renewable energy, and biotechnology.
- Impact: Acts as a catalyst for transforming research ideas into tangible innovations, enhancing Vel Tech’s innovation ecosystem.
Centers of Excellence (CoE)
- Purpose: Established in collaboration with industry partners like GTRE, DRDO, ARAI, IBM, Dassault Systems, and National Instruments, these centers focus on advanced research in areas such as autonomous vehicles, additive manufacturing, and AI.
- Facilities: Include state-of-the-art labs with industry-standard equipment, such as the Vehicle Control System Lab, Engine Testing Facility, and AI Supercomputing Facility.
- Key Projects: Collaborative research with industries on projects like autonomous vehicle platforms and high-speed bearing systems.
- Impact: Provides students and faculty with access to cutting-edge facilities, fostering industry-relevant research and skill development.

Research and Innovation Activities

Vel Tech’s research labs and innovation centers support a wide range of activities, including:

Funded Projects: Over 60 completed projects and 100 ongoing R&D projects worth ₹70 crore, supported by national and international agencies. Examples include a remotely operated platform for waterbody surveys, developed in collaboration with the NRSC, Hyderabad.
Patent Filing: The university encourages filing patents and licenses for innovative technologies, increasing its intellectual property portfolio.
Industry Collaborations: Vel Tech has signed over 178 MoUs with industries and 222 functional MoUs with organizations for academic and research activities, including joint degree programs, internships, and consultancy.
Events and Competitions: The university hosts various events, including the VISAI International Project Competition, Smart India Hackathon, and Open Innovation Challenge, to promote innovation and problem-solving.
Publications: Faculty and students are encouraged to publish in top-tier international journals, contributing to Vel Tech’s high citation index and h-index.

Benefits for Stakeholders

Students: Gain hands-on experience with advanced technologies, participate in internships with reputed industries, and develop entrepreneurial skills through the TBI and IDEA Lab. Approximately 15% of graduates pursue higher studies at international universities, while others secure placements in top companies such as TCS, Cognizant, and Zoho.
Faculty: Access state-of-the-art facilities, collaborate with industry experts, and engage in funded research projects, enhancing their academic and professional growth.
Industry Partners: Benefit from collaborative research, access to innovative solutions, and a pipeline of skilled graduates.
Society: Research outcomes, including antimicrobial food coatings and water quality assessment platforms, address real-world challenges, thereby contributing to both societal and economic development.

Accessing Research Labs and Innovation Centers

For Students: Labs and centers are accessible through coursework, projects, and extracurricular activities, such as hackathons and project competitions. Students can apply for TBI incubation programs via the Vel Tech TBI website (veltechtbi.com).
For Faculty: Faculty can propose research projects, collaborate with industry partners, or apply for grants through the Dean of Research Studies.
For External Stakeholders: The AICTE-IDEA Lab is open to school teachers, polytechnic colleges, and nearby industries for collaborative projects and training. Contact the university at info@veltech.edu.in for access details.
Application Process: Research program admissions, including Ph.D. programs, are conducted online twice a year (in the summer and winter sessions). Visit veltech.edu.in for application details.

Best Practices for Engaging with Labs and Centers

Stay Updated: Check the university website or contact the Dean of Research Studies for announcements about new labs, funding opportunities, and events.
Collaborate Actively: Participate in interdisciplinary projects and industry-sponsored initiatives to maximize learning and impact.
Leverage Resources: Utilize the KRC and TBI for support with prototyping and commercialization.
Engage in Events: Join hackathons, project competitions, and workshops like VISAI to showcase innovations and network with industry experts.
Seek Mentorship: Work closely with faculty and industry mentors to refine research ideas and align them with market needs.

Challenges and Considerations

Resource Limitations: Some students have reported that specific labs may lack the latest software or require maintenance, which can impact research efficiency.
Accessibility: While the IDEA Lab is open to external stakeholders, access for non-Vel Tech users may require formal agreements or permissions.
High Expectations: The university’s strict attendance policies and rigorous research standards may be challenging for some students. To address these challenges, Vel Tech continually upgrades its facilities and expands its industry partnerships to ensure a robust research environment.

Conclusion

Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr. Sagunthala R&D Institute of Science and Technology stands as a beacon of research and innovation in India, boasting over 80 laboratories and multiple innovation centers, including the Vel Tech TBI, AICTE-IDEA Lab, and Centers of Excellence. These facilities, supported by industry collaborations and substantial funding, enable groundbreaking research in areas like AI, autonomous vehicles, renewable energy, and biotechnology. By providing students and faculty with state-of-the-art resources, fostering entrepreneurship, and addressing societal challenges, Vel Tech’s research ecosystem makes a significant contribution to academic excellence and global progress.