The Centre for Innovation, Incubation & Entrepreneurship and Institution’s Innovation Council of PSG College of Arts & Science organized CAS Innovators Annual Research Symposium 2026 recently.
The event was conducted under the Ministry of Education’s Innovation Cell initiative with the symposium aiming to promote a vibrant research culture among students and scholars with focus falling on industry-oriented research.
The program featured eminent academicians and research leaders delivering special addresses. It also witnessed participation of over 150 research scholars, who presented their innovative projects before expert evaluators.
Out of the presented projects, the top 9 innovative ideas were recognized based on their potential for commercialization and societal impact. The researchers behind the projects received cash prizes.
It was announced that select projects will also receive support for Intellectual Property (IP) filing through the CII&E of PSGCAS.
C. Anandharamakrishnan, Director, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research -National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology, Thiruvananthapuram, (CSIR – NIIST) highlighted the transition from Research & Development (R&D) to Research, Development & Innovation (RDI), emphasizing real-world applications of scientific research.
He showcased impactful innovations such as converting agricultural waste like rice husk into sustainable packaging materials and developing plant-based leather alternatives from banana, pineapple, and cactus fibers. He also stressed the importance of biomedical waste management technologies in safeguarding public health.
