Defense R&D Minister and DRDO Chairman Samir V. Kamat emphasized the need for India to quickly create a collaborative ecosystem where academia focuses on early development while labs, start-ups and MSMEs drive product introductions to develop new technologies within three to five years instead of lengthy cycles.
Mr. Kamat Interacted with the management and faculty members of SRM University-AP during his campus visit to enhance research participation of emerging educational institutions in India towards national defense technology and research. He appreciated the ongoing research on Accelerated Materials Development using Integrated Computational Materials Engineering (ICME) led by Dean-Research of SRM University-APRanjit Thapa.
Mr. Kamat said that universities and private institutions are playing a significant role in boosting defense innovation and research. “Increasing university involvement is seen as critical to achieving national technological leadership and self-sufficiency,” he said. The DRDO Chairman advised SRM University-AP to work closely with scientists from DRDO’s specialized laboratories to advance its research initiatives.
SRM Group of Institutions Research Executive Director D. Narayana Rao presented a comprehensive overview of the university, highlighting the multidisciplinary programs and research-intensive curriculum.
Faculty members discussed current research activities in emerging areas of AI, quantum technologies and computing, and green hydrogen. Research on the development of a GPS-less quantum navigation system (QNS) and fabrication of quantum sensors led by Jatis Kumar Dash of the Department of Physics and colleagues was awarded.
SRM University-AP Pro-Chancellor P. Sathyanarayanan said the management’s vision was to transform the university into a world-class institution that excels in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, quantum technology, green hydrogen and health engineering, while actively contributing to the country’s defense research ecosystem.
Assistant Dean-Researcher Mahesh Kumar Ravva, Vice Dean-Technology Transfer Cell GS Vinodkumar and Associate Professors Pardha Saradhi Maram and Sujith Kalluri of SRM University-AP also participated in the interaction.
Published – 17 Feb 2026 21:05 IST