Guwahati: IT and Electronics Secretary Inaugurates SWASTHA Project at IIT Centre for Nanotechnology
In a significant development that promises to revolutionize the landscape of healthcare technology, S Krishnan, Secretary of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), inaugurated the SWASTHA project at the Centre for Nanotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati. The ceremony, which took place on Friday, also witnessed the unveiling of state-of-the-art ISO 5 and 6 cleanroom facilities, unprecedented in India’s northeastern region.
The Smart Wearable Advanced NanoSensing Technologies in Healthcare ASICs (SWASTHA) project is an ambitious endeavor aimed at transforming healthcare delivery through cutting-edge nanoelectronic theranostic devices. By focusing on the development of high-quality products and prototypes in the domains of micro/nanoelectronics and nanomaterials, the project targets critical areas such as healthcare and energy applications. IIT Guwahati’s team is committed to fostering innovation, scientific collaboration, and technological advance as the cornerstone of this initiative.
During the opening ceremony, Krishnan emphasized the significance of these developments for the North-Eastern region of India, stating, “The successful establishment of the cleanroom facilities and the implementation of the SWASTHA Centre for Excellence represent a landmark event. With these world-class high-end facilities now accessible, the region’s youth are empowered to chase their scientific and technological aspirations without constraints.”
The newly inaugurated ISO 5 and 6 cleanroom facilities are the first in the North-East to offer an environment for micro/nanoelectronic fabrication. The facilities are not only set to elevate research and development for the industrial sector but also to support the Indian Nanoelectronics Users Programme (INUP). Krishnan celebrated this achievement, highlighting its potential to set new benchmarks for scientific endeavors not just in the North-East, but across India.
In line with achieving a high technology readiness level (TRL), the SWASTHA project and the accompanying facilities have been meticulously designed. Their goals encompass deep-tech invention and innovation, startup incubation, entrepreneurship development, and fostering long-term sustainability. Additionally, the initiative is structured to facilitate capacity building, revenue generation, and extensive collaboration with national and international experts, benefitting both academia and industry professionals alike.
Furthermore, Krishnan lauded IIT Guwahati’s steadfast dedication to the Government of India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) and Make in India campaigns. Through these efforts, the institute aims to cultivate a multidisciplinary research and development ecosystem conducive to commercialization. This initiative not only reinforces India’s commitment to technological independence but also stimulates local innovation, thereby contributing significantly to the nation’s progress in the fields of science and technology.
With the inauguration of the SWASTHA project and the state-of-the-art facilities at IIT Guwahati, a new horizon in healthcare innovation and technology beckons. These developments mark a significant milestone in India’s journey towards becoming a global leader in nanotechnology and healthcare solutions, promising a brighter, healthier future for all.
