IIEST Shibpur and TCS launch Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence
On 26 September 2026, the Indian Institute of Engineering Science and Technology (IIEST), Shibpur, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) to launch a Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence. The MoU, dated 22 September 2026, designates the on-campus High-Performance Computing Lab in the Electrical Engineering Department as the base for the AI Centre of Excellence, establishing a hub for AI research, education, and industry partnerships. The collaboration aims to accelerate innovation, develop skilled professionals, and strengthen academia-industry ties in advanced AI technologies. Officials said the Centre will host research programs, internships, and joint faculty projects, leveraging IIEST Shibpur's strengths and TCS's ecosystem.
MoU between IIEST Shibpur and TCS; Centre of Excellence in AI.
MoU date: 22 September 2026; location: on-campus HPC Lab.
Purpose: AI research, education, industry collaboration.
Outcomes: accelerate innovation and develop skilled professionals.
Future activities: research programs, internships, joint faculty projects.
The BioE3 initiative, standing for Biotechnology for Economy, Environment and Employment, has introduced a bio-based biodegradable plastic as part of its push to promote sustainable technological development. The program focuses on using biotechnology to support economic growth, environmental protection, and employment generation. BioE3 aims to strengthen India’s biotechnology ecosystem by encouraging innovation across sectors and facilitating translation of research into commercial products. The initiative also seeks to build capacity in bio‑based industries, promote research partnerships, and expand adoption of responsible and sustainable biotechnologies in agriculture, industry, and healthcare.
Acronym: BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment and Employment)
Strategy: Strengthen biotech ecosystem through collaboration
Impact: Supports sustainable innovation in multiple sectors
Sep 24, 2026
NIT Srinagar establishes India’s first campus-based astronomical observatory
National Institute of Technology Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir has established India's first campus-based astronomical observatory, named the NSOAA. The facility provides students and researchers with on-campus access to night-sky observations, spectroscopy, and data collection, supported by a dedicated telescope and data lab. NSOAA aims to promote observational astronomy, astrophysics research, and science outreach within the campus and nearby schools, while facilitating collaborations with national astronomy networks. The project reflects India's broader push to expand science education and research opportunities in northern regions and to inspire student participation in space science.
Institution: NIT Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir.
Facility: NSOAA (NIT Srinagar Observatory for Astronomy and Astrophysics).
Features: dedicated telescope, data lab, campus-based access.
Impact: enhanced training and regional science engagement.
Strategic relevance: ties to national space science initiatives.
Sep 21, 2026
QDENGA dengue vaccine to reach India’s private market by 2027
QDENGA, India’s first approved dengue vaccine, is expected to enter India’s private market in the first half of 2027. Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories will promote and distribute the vaccine under a new agreement with Takeda, the Japanese drugmaker. CDSCO granted marketing authorisation in July 2026. The vaccine targets individuals aged 4 to 60 years. Though not immediately available, regulatory processes and import clearances will determine the timing of availability. Dengue vaccination is seen as a critical tool for reducing disease burden in densely populated regions at high vector activity.
QDENGA approved by CDSCO in July 2026; private market entry planned for H1 2027.
Dr. Reddy’s to market and distribute under Takeda agreement.
Suitable for ages 4–60 years.
Regulatory processes determine actual rollout timeline.
Potential public health impact in dengue-endemic regions.
Sep 19, 2026
SEMICON India 2026 highlights silicon-to-systems ecosystem in New Delhi
SEMICON India 2026, titled Silicon to Systems: Building the Ecosystems, is being held in New Delhi from 17 to 19 September 2026 at Yashobhoomi. The fifth edition brings together stakeholders across the global semiconductor value chain, including manufacturers, designers, researchers, and policymakers. The event covers manufacturing, design, supply chains, advanced packaging, artificial intelligence, sustainability, and workforce development. It offers a platform to align India’s domestic ecosystem with international partners, showcase investment opportunities, and highlight Make in India efforts in microelectronics. Organizers include the government-supported ISTI network and partner industry bodies, with sessions on incentives, talent development, and cross-sector collaboration.