September 4, 2025: AIC π‑Hub celebrated its 2nd Anniversary

AIC RRCAT PI‑HUB FOUNDATION (AIC π‑Hub) – a deeptech incubation centre under the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) and hosted at Raja Ramanna Centre for Advanced Technology (RRCAT), Indore – celebrated its second anniversary of incorporation as “AIC π‑Hub Day” on September 4, 2025. The main event was held at the Homi Bhabha Auditorium, Convention Centre, RRCAT. Shri S. A. Bhardwaj, Former Chairman of the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board, was the Chief Guest of this function.

The program commenced with an opening remark by Shri Unmesh D. Malshe, Chairman, AIC π‑Hub and Director, RRCAT. Reflecting on the challenges faced by deeptech startups and industrial entities, he encouraged the AIC π‑Hub team to work closely with them for successful acceptance of advanced technology products. Highlighting expectations from technology development teams, he emphasized the importance of integrating aesthetics and ergonomics alongside core technological advancement.

Dr. C. P. Paul, Head, AIC π‑Hub, presented a brief account of activities carried out during the past year. He noted that over five thousand students were reached through awareness programs, ten technologies were transferred, four products were launched by licensees/incubatee, and partnership agreements were signed with six reputed incubators and organizations.

During the Lab-to-Land ceremony, four technology translation agreements were signed with industrial partners. These include: V. N. Engineers, Vadodara – for special-purpose sealing technology for ultra-high vacuum components;  BMEC Imaging Systems Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru – for a Single Stage 30 K Class Cryocooler with Helium Compressor;  Prakalp Technocrafts Pvt. Ltd., Indore – for a low-cost laser powder bed fusion-based metal 3D printer;  Unnati 5D Manufacturing Systems Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai – for a laser powder bed fusion-based metal 3D printer. In addition, Unnati 5D Manufacturing Systems Pvt. Ltd. launched a metal 3D printer based on Laser Directed Energy Deposition technology, co-developed with AIC π‑Hub. A partnership agreement was also signed with AIC RNTU, Bhopal to jointly promote the startup ecosystem in Central India.

A magazine titled “π‑Samvardhan” was unveiled during the event, featuring ten popular articles on technology translation activities. The magazine includes descriptions of developments such as SHIVAY, laser-based 3D printers, and FBG-based sensor technology, written in a style accessible to the general public.

In his keynote address, the Chief Guest Shri S. A. Bhardwaj remarked: “The vision of Atma Nirbhar Bharat is deeply rooted in the foundations laid by Dr. Homi Jehangir Bhabha, who nurtured India’s scientific self-reliance from the very inception of our atomic energy program. The achievements of AIC π‑Hub are not only an extension of RRCAT’s research excellence but also open new opportunities for startups and industries. These innovations will strengthen India’s self-reliance and global competitiveness.”

The program concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Dr. Anurag S. D. Rai, CEO, AIC π‑Hub, who expressed gratitude to RRCAT groups, scientists, startups, academic partners, media, and student teams. He reaffirmed that AIC π‑Hub will continue to accelerate India’s mission of Lab-to-Land innovation.    

Prior to the event, Shri S. A. Bhardwaj inaugurated the newly prepared rental space designed to provide handholding support to incubatee at AIC π‑Hub.