Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh visited the Banaras Hindu University and reviewed the interdisciplinary facility “SATHI” established with support from the Department of Science and Technology (DST), describing it as an emerging national hub for advanced scientific research, innovation and industry support.
During his visit to the Sophisticated Analytical & Technical Help Institute (SATHI) at BHU, the minister inspected the facility’s infrastructure, analytical capabilities and high-end scientific equipment. He also interacted with scientists, faculty members and officials associated with the centre.
Dr Singh said the Department of Science and Technology is expanding scientific infrastructure and research support systems across universities and higher educational institutions to widen access to advanced technology, innovation and scientific facilities across the country.
He said initiatives such as SATHI, FIST and other institutional programmes are helping strengthen research ecosystems, promote innovation and encourage industry-academia collaboration, particularly for young researchers, MSMEs and start-ups.
The minister said several universities and colleges are also being linked through space-related laboratories and research programmes to encourage scientific learning and emerging technology capabilities among students and researchers.
Dr Singh appreciated the efforts of BHU Vice Chancellor Prof A.K. Chaturvedi and the university faculty, saying the institution had created a model for others to follow in the field of scientific research infrastructure.
Officials informed the minister that SATHI-BHU was established with financial support of nearly Rs 72 crore from DST as a national-level shared scientific infrastructure facility. The centre provides access to advanced instrumentation, analytical services and technical expertise for academia, research institutions, industries, MSMEs and start-ups.
The facility houses several advanced scientific systems, including Super Resolution Confocal Microscopy with Live Cell Imaging, high-resolution NMR spectroscopy systems, accurate mass spectrometry platforms, clean room facilities, electrochemical workstations, chromatography systems and isotope analysis equipment.
According to officials, the facility has served nearly 1,100 users, processed more than 30,000 samples and trained around 1,000 researchers and stakeholders since becoming operational. Around 60 short-term training programmes have also been organised for capacity building.
The minister said strengthening scientific infrastructure in universities is essential for achieving the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and making India globally competitive in emerging technologies and advanced research sectors.
He added that the government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi has consistently promoted institutional research capacity, indigenous innovation and technology-led growth through targeted scientific interventions and collaborative research platforms.
Dr Singh also appreciated SATHI-BHU for securing NABL accreditation and developing a sustainable analytical services model with active participation from industry and research sectors. Officials said the centre has contributed to high-impact research publications, patents and collaborations with national laboratories and industrial stakeholders.
