Chennai: The AIC IGCAR FAST Foundation, the Atal Incubation Centre of the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR), Kalpakkam, has transferred two technologies to deep-tech startups and signed an incubation agreement for developing radiation-hardening solutions for space applications.

The event, titled "Translation of IGCAR Technologies: From Lab to Land...and to Space", was organised on July 24 to promote the commercialisation of indigenous technologies developed at IGCAR.

Former ISRO satellite scientist and Padma Shri awardee Mylswamy Annadurai, the chief guest, highlighted the need for stronger collaboration between India's growing deep-tech startup ecosystem and premier research institutions such as IGCAR, supported by specialised incubation centres.

Daniel Babu P, Head of the Technology Transfer and Collaboration Division at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), outlined the Department of Atomic Energy's technology transfer and incubation mechanisms.

During the event, IGCAR Director Sreekumar G Pillai and AIC FAST Director N Subramanian exchanged an incubation agreement with Bengaluru-based Big Bang Boom Solutions for a project on developing radiation-hardening strategies for GPU-based computing in space environments.

StartupTN also presented various schemes available to startups in Tamil Nadu that obtain technology transfer licences from research institutions.

IGCAR transferred licences for its lithium niobate (LiNbO3) crystal growth technology, relevant to the National Quantum Mission, to Raana Semiconductors Pvt Ltd, Hosur, and its patented deep-penetrating flux formulation for TIG welding to Chennai-based X10T.

The event also saw the launch of two products developed using IGCAR-licensed technologies -- an ultra-sensitive conductivity meter manufactured by Tech Science, Bengaluru, and a high-volume air sampler produced by First Source Impex, Bengaluru.

AIC FAST said the initiative is aimed at accelerating commercialisation of indigenous technologies, promoting high-impact deep-tech startups and supporting the goals of Atma Nirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat 2047.