CSIR and AIIMS New Delhi to Launch Pilot Project on Biomedical Waste Conversion

New Delhi: The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, are set to embark on a pioneering pilot project to study the “Conversion of Pathogenic Biomedical Waste to Value-Added Soil Additives.” The initiative was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during the inauguration of the ‘One Week One Theme’ campaign by Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh on Monday in New Delhi.

Dr. Jitendra Singh, Vice-President of CSIR, presided over the event, which saw the signing of 24 technology transfers, product launches, and MoUs with various industry partners for technology transfer. This new campaign, ‘One Week One Theme’ (OWOT), follows the success of the ‘One Week One Lab’ (OWOL) campaign conducted by CSIR laboratories in 2023.

“The OWOT campaign, running from June to December 2024, aims to showcase theme-based weeklong activities focusing on technology packages, innovative and indigenized products, processes, and devices across CSIR laboratories,” said Dr. Jitendra Singh during his address. “Our goal is to promote the achievements of CSIR and foster collaboration with industry partners to empower Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), Self-Help Groups (SHGs), agripreneurs, and startups.”

The pilot project between CSIR and AIIMS will focus on transforming hazardous biomedical waste into beneficial soil additives, presenting a significant advancement in sustainable waste management and environmental conservation. This initiative underscores the commitment of both institutions to address critical issues related to biomedical waste disposal and resource recovery.

The ‘One Week One Theme’ campaign will feature a series of events showcasing the technological capabilities and innovative projects of CSIR laboratories. Each week, a different theme will be highlighted, covering various sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, energy, and environmental sustainability. The campaign is designed to facilitate knowledge sharing, promote technology adoption, and strengthen partnerships between research institutions and industry stakeholders.