Inventions, Innovations – Karnataka First

KARNATAKA: ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) : SAC/ISRO, Ahmedabad and AlphaMERS Ltd. Bengaluru Sign MOU

Remote Sensing and AI for marine plastic and oil pollution

Space Applications Centre (ISRO), Ahmedabad and AlphaMERS Ltd. Bengaluru signed an MOU on 4th July 2024 with the broad objective of bringing the resources of both the parties together, to develop and fine tune a robust model of Artificial Intelligence, to identify and profile marine pollution, including macro plastics and oil spills, using remote sensing, along the coastal waters of India.

(Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with Newsvoir. PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.)

source/content: ptinews.com (headline edited)

KARNATAKA: HEALTH & INNOVATION: Bengaluru Apollo Prostate Institute introduces new steam therapy for enlarged prostate

The Apollo Prostate Institute’s steam therapy, using 100-113°C steam, provides a less invasive option for prostate enlargement, especially beneficial for younger patients seeking to avoid medication side effects.

The Apollo Prostate Institute introduced a treatment module for prostate conditions, integrating all globally approved modalities. Among the advancements is steam or rezum therapy for treating enlarged prostates.

Prostate enlargement, or Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), affects many men over 50 in India, but symptoms are increasingly seen in younger adults as well. The prostate, located between the urinary bladder and passage, typically begins to enlarge after age 25 and can significantly impact urinary function by ages 45-50.

Dr T Manohar, Chief of Urology Services at Apollo Hospital, explained the treatment, which allows patients to choose their preferred method after understanding the benefits and drawbacks of each option. Steam or rezum therapy involves injecting steam (100-113 degree Celsius) into targeted areas of the prostate using a disposable device, a procedure lasting 10-15 minutes.

It is performed under mild sedation or local anaesthesia, with patients typically discharged the same day. Dr Manohar noted that this technique is particularly advantageous for young adults who experience side-effects from medications or wish to preserve sexual functions.

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)

KARNATAKA: ENGINEERING INNOVATION: Bengaluru’s Sci560 exhibition reveals city’s scientific evolution

The Sci560 exhibition at Science Gallery Bengaluru highlights the HAL HT-2 aircraft, a key symbol of the city’s military-industrial-academic synergy.

Bengaluru is much more than just a hub for IT giants and startups; it’s a city with a rich scientific heritage spanning over a century, shaping its identity as India’s premier science and technology city. Starting Saturday, Science Gallery Bengaluru is inviting the public to explore this legacy through its latest flagship exhibition, Sci560. Running until the end of the year, the exhibition takes visitors on a journey through the city’s transformation from a serene garden city to a bustling industrial, military, and IT powerhouse.

Jahnavi Phalkey, director of Science Gallery Bengaluru, explains that Sci560 explores the ‘long 20th century,’ beginning in the late 19th century and extending into the present. “We aim to unravel the various layers of Bengaluru’s evolution into the city it is today,” she says. This transformation is illustrated through a series of thoughtfully-curated exhibits, borrowed from the city’s premier scientific institutions.

A central theme of the exhibition is Bengaluru’s identity as a ‘military-industrial-academic complex,’ a concept that Phalkey finds particularly fitting. Drawing a parallel with Silicon Valley, she notes, “The history of Silicon Valley is often described as a ‘blue sky metropolis,’ reflecting both visionary thinking and the aerospace industry.

Many of these elements also apply to Bengaluru in its own unique way. The exhibition’s primary focus is to explore what makes Bengaluru a military-industrial-academic complex. Over the years, these elements have become deeply embedded in the city’s fabric.”

Bangalore Torpedo

Gayatri Manu, senior programme associate at Science Gallery Bengaluru, highlights how the exhibits showcase the city’s diverse scientific contributions. “One of the key exhibits is the HAL HT-2, the Hindustan Trainer 2 aircraft, which was India’s first domestically-designed and developed aircraft – a significant milestone achieved in 1951,” she says.

“The idea originated from a professor at IISc, the manufacturing was carried out in Bengaluru at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), one of the first major public sector undertakings post-Independence, and the aircraft served the Indian Air Force for nearly three decades. This story exemplifies how industry, military, and academia collaborated to advance scientific research in India, a crucial narrative we wanted to highlight.”

Another fascinating exhibit is the Bangalore Torpedo, developed in the early 20th century with origins in the weaponry devised during Tipu Sultan’s reign.

Throughout its duration, Sci560 will be accompanied by a variety of workshops, lectures, and live experiments, offering visitors opportunities to engage directly with the scientific concepts on display. These programmes are designed to be highly interactive, encouraging visitors not just to observe but also to participate in the scientific process.

(Sci560 opens on Aug 24 at Science Gallery Bengaluru, Bellary Rd and runs through Dec 31. For more info, visit bengaluru.sciencegallery.com)

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)

KARNATAKA : PATENTS – I.T : Bengaluru firm SISA Infosec secures Patent for Innovative Aadhaar Data Management Systems

After sustained efforts, the Bengaluru-based cybersecurity firm SISA Infosec has been awarded a government patent for a groundbreaking system designed to manage Aadhaar data, marking a significant advancement in data security and compliance technology.

The newly patented system, known as the SISA Radar Aadhaar Data Discovery Engine, aims to transform how organisations handle sensitive Aadhaar information, ensuring adherence to Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) standards.

Dharshan Shanthamurthy, CEO- cum- founder of SISA, expressing enthusiasm about the patent, said that the new technology will streamline the automated detection, masking, and secure management of Aadhaar data. This development, Shanthamurthy explained, represents a major leap forward in protecting Aadhaar data and fortifying organizational security protocols against potential breaches. “We are thrilled to introduce a technology that not only identifies but also manages sensitive Aadhaar data securely. The SISA Radar’s new system ensures that confidentiality breaches are a thing of the past,” Shanthamurthy said.

The innovative system aims to address the challenges of data management in sectors such as banking, finance, and tourism, offering a robust solution for compliance with UIDAI’s stringent security requirements. The SISA Radar system stands out for its unique features, which include automated detection of Aadhaar data, masking of sensitive information, and secure data storage. The technology facilitates these processes without requiring user intervention, thereby simplifying compliance with regulatory standards and reducing the risk of data breaches.

The system’s one-click solution for truncating or masking Aadhaar data is designed to minimize the time and effort required to secure information effectively. In a statement here, it has been claimed that the SISA’s new patent is expected to set a new benchmark for data management practices across various industries, providing a reliable and efficient tool for organisations to protect critical information. It said that the system’s capabilities not only ensure data security but also enhance overall operational efficiency for businesses handling Aadhaar data.

A senior functionary of SISA said that this development underscores a broader government strategy to collaborate with industry leaders in advancing data protection technologies and reinforces ongoing efforts to safeguard the personal information of Aadhaar number holders.

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)

Mangaluru: Supreme Bajaj launches world’s first CNG bike ‘Freedom 125’

Supreme Bajaj unveiled the world’s first CNG bike, the Freedom 125 NG04, under the theme ‘Freedom Ride the Change’ on Wednesday, August 14, at its showroom in Balmatta.

During the launch event, Col Nitte Sharath Bandhary, president of Mangaluru University College Alumni Association, expressed his admiration for the innovative vehicle, stating, “Riding two-wheelers has always been a pleasure for me. The Freedom 125 is special because it runs on both CNG and petrol, making it economical and environmentally friendly. I’m delighted that this dealership has thrived for 57 years, thanks to the exceptional leadership at Supreme Bajaj Motors. As they continue to grow, focusing on service will help expand their reputation across the state.”

Aroor Kishore Rao, director of Supreme Auto Dealers Pvt Ltd, emphasized the company’s commitment to customer satisfaction, remarking, “Bajaj vehicles are trusted nationwide for their innovation and service. My father founded this showroom, and it has grown over 57 years to include four dealerships across the state, with immense support from our customers. The Freedom 125 CNG bike can cover up to 300 kilometers on a single fill, and with around 30 CNG filling stations available, it’s set to become a game-changer.”

Aroor Arjun Rao, director of Supreme Auto Dealers Pvt Ltd, Sai Shankar, GM of GAIL Gas Ltd., Shiva Prasad (DGM), Guruprasad (DGM Service), Raghavendra Prasad (AGM 3 Wheeler), Shankar Bhat, Manager, and other dignitaries were also present at the event.

Key features of Bajaj Freedom 125 NG04:

World’s first CNG bike, featuring a 125cc air-cooled, single-cylinder engine compatible with both CNG and petrol.
Equipped with two tanks: a 2 kg CNG tank and a 2-litre petrol tank.
Available in three variants: NG04 Drum, NG04 Drum LED, and NG04 Disc LED.
First-in-Class Mono Linked type Suspension and a fully digital speedometer with Bluetooth connectivity.
Priced from Rs 95,000 for the base NG04 Drum variant to Rs 1,10,000 for the NG04 LED Disc variant.
Tested rigorously for customer safety, passing 11 additional safety tests.
Customers can enjoy up to 50% savings on rides and up to Rs 1.34 lakh in overall savings with the CNG bike.

“We have received over 120 bookings, and today, we are proud to deliver the first batch of these vehicles to our esteemed customers,” Aroor Arjun Rao announced.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

KARNATAKA: SPACE & SATELLITES: Pixxel opens new spacecraft manufacturing facility in Bengaluru

Pixxel has launched three of its satellites – Shakuntala, D2, and Anand – in collaboration with ISRO and Elon Musk’s SpaceX.

Bengaluru-based space data company Pixxel inaugurated its first spacecraft manufacturing facility in Bengaluru on Monday. The new facility holds significance as it targets to launch six satellites this year and 18 more by 2025, further advancing its mission of building a “health monitor” for the planet.

Spread across 30,000 square feet, the facility, at its full capacity, is equipped to handle more than 20 satellites simultaneously that can be turned around within a timeframe of six months, making possible a total of 40 large satellites per year.

The facility was inaugurated by S. Somanath, chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), who said, “Space sector is something very tough in terms of technology, market penetration, profitability… Coming into the sector and creating an impact is difficult, as it requires determination, resilience, and time. I congratulate Pixxel for having envisioned, created, and sustained the business for the last five years without losing momentum.”

Pixxel has launched three of its satellites – Shakuntala, D2, and Anand – in collaboration with ISRO and Elon Musk’s SpaceX. The Bengaluru startup further plans to launch Firefly, a constellation comprising six high-resolution hyperspectral satellites, in June. This would be followed by the so-called Honeybees constellation, another satellite constellation that will improve image resolution and the wavelength range of Pixxel’s satellites.

“The inauguration of the new facility marks a momentous milestone as Pixxel nears its fifth anniversary since inception. It will bolster our mission to build a health monitor for the planet. By increasing our capacity to build more satellites, we will deliver even more critical data to our customers faster so they can make informed decisions and address the needs of key industries such as agriculture, energy, forestry, and environmental monitoring,” said Awais Ahmed, CEO, Pixxel.

Additionally, Pixxel will also be rolling out its geospatial analytics platform, Aurora, by June 2024. The company’s satellites are used in the environment, agriculture, and mining sectors to detect oil spills, vegetation, and other geographical issues, respectively.

Pixxel has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Agriculture to provide hyperspectral imagery. Pixxel said 98 per cent of its customers are global, including clients such as British Petroleum, Google, and National Reconnaissance Office (NRO).

Talking about customers, Awais said that the total customer base is divided into three divisions as of now – 40 per cent agriculture, 30 per cent resource companies, and 30 per cent government. Pixxel expects 85 per cent of the revenue to be generated from its commercial side and the rest from the government’s side by 2025.

“We expect 15 per cent of the revenue to come from the government’s side in 2025… We expect this to go up to 40 per cent in 2026,” said Ahmed.

Backed by Google and Lightspeed, Pixxel started operations in 2019 and last raised $36 million in a funding round in June 2023.

source/content: business-standard.com (headline edited)

NATIONAL / KARNATAKA: SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY: IISc designs device to make infrared light visible, with diverse applications in defence and optical communications

Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have fabricated a device to increase or up-convert the frequency of short infrared light to the visible range. This up-conversion of light has diverse applications, especially in defence and optical communications, said IISc.

“The human eye can only see light at certain frequencies (called the visible spectrum), the lowest of which constitutes red light. Infrared light, which we can’t see, has an even lower frequency than red light. IISc researchers have now fabricated a device to increase or up-convert the frequency of short infrared light to the visible range,” IISc said.

2D material used

The institute added that in a first, the IISc team used a 2D material to design what they call a non-linear optical mirror stack to achieve this up-conversion, combined with widefield imaging capability. The stack consists of multilayered gallium selenide fixed to the top of a gold reflective surface, with a silicon dioxide layer sandwiched in between.

It said that traditional infrared imaging uses exotic low-energy bandgap semiconductors or micro-bolometer arrays, which usually pick up heat or absorption signatures from the object being studied.

However, existing infrared sensors are bulky and not very efficient. They are also export-restricted because of their utility in defence. There is, therefore, a critical need to develop indigenous and efficient devices.

The method used by the IISc team involves feeding an input infrared signal along with a pump beam onto the mirror stack. The nonlinear optical properties of the material constituting the stack result in a mixing of the frequencies, leading to an output beam of increased (up-converted) frequency, but with the rest of the properties intact. Using this method, they were able to up-convert infrared light of a wavelength of around 1,550 nm to 622 nm visible light. The output light wave can be detected using traditional silicon-based cameras.

Going forward, the researchers plan to extend their work to up-convert light of longer wavelengths. They are also trying to improve the efficiency of the device by exploring other stack geometries.

Worldwide interest

“There is a lot of interest worldwide in doing infrared imaging without using infrared sensors. Our work could be a game-changer for those applications,” said Varun Raghunathan, associate professor, Department of Electrical Communication Engineering.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

NATIONAL: WIND ENERGY: Karnataka ranks 02nd in All-India Wind Power Generation

The event highlighted significant advancements and achievements in the wind energy sector across the nation.

Karnataka secured second place in the all-India wind energy generation capacity commissioned for the year 2023 -24. The state stood second after Gujarat, while Tamil Nadu ranked third, a release said on Wednesday.

Karnataka was honoured by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) as part of Global Wind Day celebrations in Delhi on June 15, with the central theme of ‘Pawan-Urja: Powering the Future of India’. The event highlighted significant advancements and achievements in the wind energy sector across the nation.

As per data from the energy department, the commissioned capacity for wind power generation for financial year 2023- 24 is 724.66MW. Gujarat’s commissioned capacity is 1743.8MW, while Tamil Nadu’s is 586.37MW. KP Rudrappaiah, managing director, Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Limited (KREDL) received the award from Minister of State for Power and New and Renewable Energy Shripad Yesso Naik and MNRE secretary Bhupinder S Bhalla.

Reacting to this, Energy Minister KJ George said Karnataka’s significant strides in the wind energy sector reflect its dedication to renewable energy and its vision for a sustainable and prosperous future.

Gaurav Gupta, additional chief secretary, energy department, said the achievement reflects the commitment towards sustainable energy and efforts to harness wind power.

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)

NATIONAL: KARNATAKA: ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION: Meet IIT graduate Ravi Poovaiah who designed EVMs, became beacon of innovation

As India is bracing up to hold the seventh and last phase of polling in the ongoing 2024 general elections, the spotlight continues to shine on the electronic voting machines (EVMs), a pivotal tool in the democratic process. While the device itself is familiar to most, the minds behind its creation have remained largely anonymous—until now.

Leading the charge in designing the EVMs were Ravi Poovaiah and A G Rao, both products of the esteemed Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT). Among them, Ravi Poovaiah stands out as a luminary in the field. A distinguished faculty member at the Industrial Design Centre (IDC), IIT Bombay, Poovaiah’s journey is a testament to his interdisciplinary prowess.

Armed with degrees in Mechanical Engineering from IIT Madras and Product Design and Graphic Arts from the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) in the USA, Poovaiah brought a unique blend of technical expertise and creative insight to the table. His academic journey culminated in an MTech. degree from IIT Bombay, where he now holds the esteemed D L Shah Chair for Innovation.

But Poovaiah’s impact extends far beyond the academic realm. His advocacy for open-sourcing design and integrating design education into mainstream curriculum underscores his commitment to democratizing knowledge and innovation.

In the professional arena, Poovaiah’s collaborations with industry giants like Microsoft, Yahoo, and Google India speak volumes about his practical acumen and problem-solving abilities. His contributions to projects with Motorola India, Indian Oil Corporation, and Siemens India further cement his reputation as a leader in his field.

Through his leadership in the EVM project, Poovaiah has not only revolutionised electoral technology but also underscored the importance of multidisciplinary approaches in addressing complex societal challenges. As India stands on the finishing line to the 2024 general elections, Poovaiah’s legacy as the visionary behind the EVM serves as a beacon of innovation in the world’s largest democracy.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

KARNATAKA: Bengaluru gets new ‘Centre for Smart Protein and Sustainable Material Innovation’ in collaboration with IKP Knowledge Park and Good Food Institute (GFI)

According to industry experts, the highest profit in this sector can be derived from exporting alternative meat (Rs 8,652 crores) followed by dairy (Rs 1,889 crores) and eggs at Rs 632 crores.

With the right roadmap and investment from individuals and companies, the smart protein or alternative protein industry in the country is poised to grow 10x by 2040 and a total evaluation of four billion US dollars by 2030.

According to industry experts, the highest profit in this sector can be derived from exporting alternative meat (Rs 8,652 crores) followed by dairy (Rs 1,889 crores) and eggs at Rs 632 crores. However, currently with regulatory restrictions, a volatile market, a lack of research and development facilities and limited investment from venture capitalists, the 100+ smart protein startup ecosystem in the country needs a bigger push to scale its full potential.

The IKP Knowledge Park, science park and incubator, along with Good Food Institute (GFI) has launched the Centre for Smart Protein and Sustainable Material Innovation in the city. The centre will be dedicated to helping entrepreneurs create sustainable alternatives for food and materials by offering them early research and development support, mentorship, legal and regulatory assistance, and more.

Deepanwoita Chattopadhyay, Chairman and CEO, IKP said, “India has several challenges ahead of itself while it aims to become an economic power. As aspirations grow the need for protein intake is also important. Food and nutrition are paramount for a healthy country. Unfortunately, 80% of children in the country are nutrition deficient. It’s time for a protein revolution.”

The CEO added that the standard cultivation and production of protein is limited and climate-inefficient. “The ratio of what goes into production and the final protein product is barely touching 1:10 or 1:8. With incubation centres such as these more startups can collaborate and make India a bigger player.”

Leveraging the country’s large crop biodiversity and building sustainable value addition in pulses, millets and other crops can make India a big contributor to smart protein products. “We are home to one of the most talented competitive pools and skills such as entrepreneurship, engineering and scientific skills need to be recognised,” said Aiyanna Belliappa, Senior Innovation Specialist, GFI India.

The group echoed the sentiment that India is already home to the best biotechnology innovation, capitalizing on it is the way ahead.

With three modalities in the alternative protein – plant-based, fermentation and cultivated (grown from animal cells in labs) Sneha Singh, Acting Managing Director, GFI said, “Though India has some regulatory pathway for plant-based protein, the fermentation and cultivation need more support from the government, its progress is slow.”

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited0