The Indian Institute of Petroleum and Energy (IIPE) in Visakhapatnam has welcomed a significant investment in its research capabilities with the inauguration of the SBIF XRD Analytical Lab. This state-of-the-art facility, funded by the SBI Foundation, marks a significant step forward for the institute and its commitment to research and innovation.
Sanjay Prakash, Managing Director of the SBI Foundation, graced the event as the chief guest. He highlighted the SBI group’s commitment to supporting innovation and research, emphasizing that this project is part of a broader strategy to deploy CSR funding in impactful areas. Prakash noted that the foundation has a history of similar partnerships with institutions like IIT Bombay and is currently pursuing projects with IISc Bengaluru and C-CAMP Bengaluru.
This partnership marks a first for the SBI Foundation in Andhra Pradesh, demonstrating its commitment to supporting research across the country. The lab, funded at a cost of approximately Rs 4 crore, will cover personnel salaries, maintenance, contingencies, and other operational expenses for three years.
The lab’s x-ray diffractometer, a sophisticated piece of equipment, can analyze a wide range of materials, including powders, thin films, rock samples, and crystalline substances. This capability will be invaluable for research in various fields, including chemistry, materials science, geology, and pharmaceuticals.
Prof. K. Krishnasri, highlighting the significance of the lab, stated, “The lab will be highly useful for research purposes in energy and petroleum sectors, besides its advantages in various other fields.”
The IIPE Director, Prof. Shalivahan, emphasized the rarity of such equipment in Indian educational institutions, underlining the significance of this investment. He spoke about the institute’s commitment to internationalization, collaborations with global and national educational institutions, and industry partnerships. He further shared details about the proposal for the project, which was developed in 2023 and has since been successfully implemented.
This new facility is a testament to the SBI Foundation’s dedication to fostering innovation and research in India. It will provide IIPE researchers with access to cutting-edge technology, enhancing their research capabilities and enabling groundbreaking discoveries in energy, petroleum, and other fields. The partnership signifies a commitment to building a brighter future through education and research.
