NEW DELHI: Vice President of India and Ex-officio Chancellor of Panjab University C. P. Radhakrishnan inaugurated the Advanced Instrumentation Facility at the Sophisticated Analytical Instrument Facility/Central Instrumentation Laboratories (SAIF/CIL) and the Panjab University Tech Innovation Forum (PU-TIF) during his visit to the university on Friday.

The two initiatives are aimed at strengthening Panjab University's research, innovation and startup ecosystem. The Advanced Instrumentation Facility will provide researchers with access to sophisticated scientific equipment, helping them conduct advanced research across areas such as materials science, environmental studies, biotechnology and other scientific disciplines.

The Vice President highlighted the importance of transforming educational institutions into centres of knowledge, research and innovation. He stressed that universities, industries, incubators, investors and researchers need to work together to convert ideas and scientific discoveries into practical solutions that can benefit society.

The Panjab University Tech Innovation Forum is designed to provide greater support for technology development, entrepreneurship and startup incubation. The forum is expected to create opportunities for students and researchers to develop their ideas, collaborate with industry and potentially turn innovative projects into commercially viable ventures.

The Advanced Instrumentation Facility includes modern scientific instruments such as an Atomic Force Microscope, Raman Spectrometer, DNA Sequencer, Flow Cytometer and FTIR Spectrometer. These facilities are expected to expand the university's capacity for high-quality and applied research.

Radhakrishnan also spoke about the importance of Panjab University's long-standing contribution to education and nation-building. Established in 1882, the university has produced professionals and leaders in several fields and continues to play an important role in higher education and research.

During his interaction with students, the Vice President also urged young people to stay away from substance abuse and contribute to the government's vision of a Nasha Mukt Bharat. He encouraged students to make responsible choices and inspire their peers, families and communities to adopt a drug-free lifestyle.

The programme was attended by Punjab Governor and Chandigarh Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria, Haryana Governor Ashim Kumar Ghosh, Lok Sabha MP Manish Tiwari, Panjab University Vice-Chancellor Professor Meenakshi Goyal and other dignitaries.

The inauguration marks an important step in strengthening Panjab University's scientific infrastructure and innovation ecosystem. The new facilities are expected to give students and researchers better opportunities to pursue advanced research, develop new technologies and contribute to India's broader goals of innovation, entrepreneurship and self-reliance.