India Embraces Advanced Materials with Keynote at International Conference in Mumbai

Mumbai: Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh delivered a keynote address virtually at the “International Conferences & Exhibitions on MATERIALS ENGINEERING and TECHNOLOGY and the synergic HEAT TREAT (HTS)” taking place in Mumbai from September 4-6, 2024. The event, organized by ASM International’s India Chapter, has attracted over 300 participants from around the world, showcasing cutting-edge technologies, products, and services.

ASM International, a venerable institution with over a century of history, has been pivotal in advancing the Materials Science and Engineering community. The India Chapter, established in 1979, is recognized as one of the most active chapters globally.

In his address, Dr. Singh, who serves as the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, and several other departments, highlighted the transformative role of advanced materials in emerging technologies. He emphasized their potential to provide diverse solutions across critical sectors such as energy, healthcare, space, agriculture, and defense.

“Advanced materials, from nanostructured perovskites to macro-scale polymers, are revolutionizing industries with their unique properties and customization capabilities,” Dr. Singh noted. He underscored the importance of integrating computational modelling, Machine Learning, and Artificial Intelligence in materials research to accelerate the discovery of tailor-made materials with novel properties.

Dr. Singh praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership in fostering a robust demand for high-performance materials, attributing this surge to increased global R&D efforts and commercialization. “The market readiness of these materials will lead to their rapid adoption in industries such as renewable energy, automotive, aerospace, healthcare, and agriculture,” he said, pointing out the growing emphasis on clean energy and capacity expansions in energy storage, wind, and solar power generation.

The Minister also highlighted the Department of Science and Technology’s initiative on Advanced Materials, which aims to develop innovative solutions to tackle global challenges like climate change, environmental degradation, and unsustainable practices. He commended the establishment of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (NRF), a significant step towards fostering research and innovation across Indian institutions.

Dr. Singh announced a major funding initiative of ₹1 lakh crore for the FY 2024-25 budget, designed to boost private sector research and innovation in deep tech and emerging domains. The funding, provided through a 50-year interest-free loan, aims to support long-term commercial research and development.

“With Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, we are enhancing the R&D ecosystem in Science and Technology,” Dr. Singh concluded. “Our goal is to achieve the vision of Viksit Bharat, ensuring India remains at the forefront of scientific and technological advancements.”

The International Conferences & Exhibitions on MATERIALS ENGINEERING and TECHNOLOGY and HEAT TREAT (HTS) serve as a platform for showcasing advancements and fostering collaboration among global experts in the field of materials engineering.