Union Minister of State for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr. Jitendra Singh, inaugurated a Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition system at the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science (IACS) campus in Kolkata. This system was specifically developed for creating India’s first amorphous silicon solar cell, as stated by the Ministry of Science & Technology. Additionally, the minister also unveiled the institute’s new incubation center named RETINA (Research Entrepreneurship for Translation, Innovation and Navigation).
Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized that the indigenous advancement in solar-cell fabrication technology reflects India’s commitment to scientific self-reliance and innovation, aligning with the vision of “Atmanirbhar Bharat.” He praised Prof. Ashok Kumar Barua for pioneering amorphous silicon solar-cell development in India, marking a significant milestone in the country’s renewable energy journey.
Speaking about the launch of the RETINA incubation center, Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted the increasing integration of fundamental research with entrepreneurship, startup culture, and societal applications within India’s scientific institutions. He stressed the importance of translating laboratory discoveries into cost-effective and scalable technologies to address national priorities in healthcare, clean energy, advanced materials, and sustainable development.
The minister commended the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science (IACS) for its notable contributions in various fields such as quantum materials, nanotechnology, artificial intelligence, battery materials, cancer biology, and environmental technologies. He specifically mentioned the institute’s recent achievements in areas like Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy treatment research, toxic waste remediation, photodetectors, biosensors, and sustainable energy materials.
Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted the transformative phase that Indian scientific institutions are entering, in alignment with the national vision for Viksit Bharat 2047. He emphasized the collaboration between innovation, academia, industry, and startups to position India as one of the world’s leading knowledge economies. Furthermore, he praised IACS for its outreach programs targeting school students, women, and rural communities to foster scientific curiosity and enhance scientific engagement across society.
