Indigenous solar-cell technology reflects spirit of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’: Dr Jitendra Singh

New Delhi, May 26 (IANS) Union MoS Science & Technology, Earth Sciences Dr. Jitendra Singh inaugurated an indigenously built Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition system at the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science (IACS) campus in Kolkata, an official statement said on Tuesday.

The system was developed for fabrication of India’s first amorphous silicon solar cell, the statement from the Ministry of Science & Technology said, adding that the minister also inaugurated the institute’s new incubation centre RETINA (Research Entrepreneurship for Translation, Innovation and Navigation).

The minister said the indigenous development of advanced solar-cell fabrication technology represented the spirit of scientific self-reliance and innovation that India is now accelerating under the vision of “Atmanirbhar Bharat”.

He also said that the system built by Prof. Ashok Kumar Barua had pioneered amorphous silicon solar-cell development in India and marked an important chapter in the country’s renewable-energy journey.

On the launch of the RETINA incubation centre, Dr. Jitendra Singh said India’s scientific institutions are now increasingly integrating fundamental research with entrepreneurship, startup culture and societal applications.

He highlighted the future of Indian science lies in converting laboratory discoveries into affordable and scalable technologies capable of addressing national priorities in healthcare, clean energy, advanced materials and sustainable development.

The minister appreciated IACS for its contributions in quantum materials, nanotechnology, artificial intelligence, battery materials, cancer biology and environmental technologies.

He referred to recent work carried out by scientists at IACS in areas such as Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy treatment research, toxic waste remediation, photodetectors, biosensors and sustainable energy materials.

Dr. Jitendra Singh said India’s scientific institutions are entering a transformative phase aligned with the national vision for Viksit Bharat 2047, where innovation, academia, industry and startups will work together to position India among the world’s leading knowledge economies.

He also appreciated the institute’s outreach initiatives for school students, women and rural communities aimed at nurturing scientific temperament and expanding scientific participation across society.

—IANS

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