Projects

School: School of Advanced Engineering

Funding Agency: Department of Science & Technology – DST 

Objective: The project aims to enhance the fail-safe and efficient operation of Battery Management Systems (BMS) under fast charging and discharging conditions with improved thermal management. It addresses the critical challenge of accurately estimating the State of Charge (SOC) and State of Health (SOH) of battery packs. Additionally, the project focuses on developing a compact, indigenous Printed Circuit Board (PCB) for BMS applications aligned with the Indian e-mobility ecosystem under the Make in India initiative. It also seeks to provide R&D support and consultancy for related projects. 

Key Highlights:

• Installation of System RBT 32022 Battery Testing Unit (BTU) at UPES with dual-channel 50 kW regenerative capability.
• Supports testing of lead-acid and lithium-ion batteries across 8V–200V range and up to 300A.
• Regenerative system returns unused energy to the grid for enhanced efficiency.
• CAN Bus integration enables seamless communication with BMS, custom report generation, and precise control.
• Advanced testing features enable customised simulations of charging/discharging cycles and performance monitoring. 

Application and Impact: The DST-FIST sponsored lab at UPES is actively utilising this advanced testing system for projects that address critical gaps in BMS design and performance. Outcomes include better thermal regulation, enhanced accuracy in SOC and SOH estimation, and development of Make in India-compliant PCBs for Indian e-mobility needs. The system supports ongoing research, fosters innovation in battery technologies, and enables UPES to offer consultancy and R&D solutions to industries and institutions working in the electric mobility and energy storage domains. 

School: School of Advanced Engineering

Funding Agency: Department of Science & Technology – DST 

Objective:
The project aims to establish a dedicated center for "Designing Intelligent Materials for Advanced and Sustainable Applications" at UPES, focusing on interdisciplinary research in organocatalysis, drug design and development, smart materials, and waste-to-wealth technologies. The initiative seeks to strengthen scientific research, drive innovation in sustainable chemistry, and support the development of advanced materials with real-world industrial relevance. 

Key Highlights:

• Secured a Rs. 2 crore grant under the DST FIST scheme.
• Procurement of a Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Machine to enhance analytical capabilities.
• Facility to support interdisciplinary research in chemistry, materials science, and pharmaceutical sciences. 

Application and Impact: The establishment of the NMR facility will significantly benefit chemical and pharmaceutical industries across Uttarakhand and neighboring states by enabling advanced molecular structure analysis and research. It will accelerate innovations in drug discovery, organocatalysis, and sustainable material development. By strengthening UPES’s research infrastructure, the center will foster capacity-building, enhance researcher skillsets, and contribute to a highly competent regional workforce. Ultimately, the project will drive industrial R&D, promote academic-industry collaborations, and position UPES as a leading hub for advanced chemical and materials research. 

School: School of Health Sciences and Technology

Funding Agency: Indian Council of Medical Research

Researcher Name:  
Dr. Arun Kumar, Mahavir Cancer Sansthan and Research Centre, Patna, Bihar
Dr. Dhruv Kumar, UPES

Funding Agency: Indian Council of Medical Research

Objective: This project aims to assess the health impact of heavy metals—arsenic, lead, and mercury—on women and children in the Gangetic plain. It includes testing biological samples (blood, hair, nails, breast milk), evaluating reproductive hormones in women, and assessing neurotoxicity in children. The study also involves genomic analysis to identify health markers and uses Arc-GIS mapping for spatial assessment of contamination.

Key Highlights:  

• First regional study on arsenic-related health issues in the Gangetic plain.
• Focus on women's reproductive health and hormonal impact.
• Assessment of child neurotoxicity through mental health and enzyme analysis.
• Novel breast milk analysis for heavy metal presence.
• Comprehensive data generation to guide health interventions.
• Support for strategic public health measures in affected areas.

Application and Impact: This project represents a pioneering effort to understand and address the health crisis caused by arsenic contamination in the Gangetic plain, with a specific focus on Bihar. By evaluating reproductive and mental health in women and children, and detecting heavy metals in breast milk for the first time in this region, the study fills critical knowledge gaps. The comprehensive data generated will serve as a foundation for strategic control measures and public health interventions. Ultimately, this research will inform policy, enhance health outcomes, and contribute significantly to improving the safety and well-being of vulnerable populations affected by heavy metal exposure.

School: School of Advanced Engineering

Researcher Name: Dr. Prasanta Mandal, UPES 

Funding Agency: Science and Engineering Research Board-SERB

Objective: The project aims to develop a novel dual-beam pump-probe near-field Raman methodology for ultra-sensitive Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) detection. It involves the design, simulation, and fabrication of cost-effective hybrid plasmonic metasurfaces using soft or interference lithography. The separate excitation of surface plasmon resonance (SPR) using a dedicated pump beam is central to enhancing localised plasmonic near-fields, enabling more efficient Raman signal amplification. A key scientific goal is to understand the physical origin of SERS enhancement due to these near-fields and apply the technology in fields like food safety, healthcare, and forensic science.

Key Highlights:

• Development of dual-beam pump-probe Raman technique for near-field excitation and enhanced SERS detection.
• Fabrication of cost-effective hybrid plasmonic metasurfaces using soft/interference lithography.
• Focus on ultrasensitive SERS for applications in food and health safety.
• Novel approach avoids reliance on high laser power by decoupling SPR excitation from signal measurement.
• Platform aims to support low-cost and high-efficiency Raman probing.

Application and Impact: The project has significant implications for advanced molecular sensing technologies. The dual-beam pump-probe Raman setup, combined with hybrid plasmonic metasurfaces, can lead to highly sensitive, low-cost, and field-deployable SERS platforms. These can be used across diverse sectors including food safety, forensic analysis, defence, medical diagnostics, and biological research. By addressing the challenge of inefficient single-beam SERS systems, this work may pave the way for new innovations in Raman spectroscopy and yield high-impact scientific outputs such as publications and patents.

School: School of Advanced Engineering

Researcher Name: 
Dr. Sarathlal KV, UPES
Dr. Ajay Gupta, UPES

Funding Agency: Defence Research and Development Organisation - DRDO

Objectives: 
This project aims to explore and optimise polymer nanocomposites (PNCs) by enhancing their electrical conductivity while maintaining flexibility and stretchability. The study focuses on integrating carbon-based nanofillers into elastomer matrices and subjecting the PNCs to mechanical deformation and thermal conditions. Through real-time, non-destructive structural analysis using synchrotron-based SAXS and USAXS techniques, combined with conductivity and stress-strain measurements, the project seeks to establish a direct correlation between the internal structure and functional properties of these materials. The ultimate goal is to enable the development of next-generation flexible sensing technologies for applications in health monitoring, intelligent systems, and soft robotics.

Key Highlights:

• Development of cost-effective and efficient methods for preparing flexible, conductive polymer nanocomposites.
• Fabrication of an in-house high-precision polymer stretching device compatible with synchrotron beamlines.
• Use of synchrotron-based SAXS and USAXS techniques for real-time, non-destructive structural and transport studies.
• Collaboration with international and national synchrotron facilities (DESY, Germany; KEK, Japan; RRCAT, Indore).
• Formulation of an experimentally supported model linking nanofiller structures to transport properties in PNCs.

Application and Impact: The successful mapping of structure-to-property relationships in polymer nanocomposites will significantly advance the field of flexible electronics. By optimising fabrication processes to achieve low percolation thresholds, the project promotes the scalable and cost-effective production of conductive PNCs. These materials have wide-ranging applications in wearable strain sensors, biopotential monitoring devices, and human-machine interfaces—critical for sectors such as healthcare, robotics, and smart systems. The project paves the way for future innovations in soft, adaptive, and intelligent sensing technologies.

School: School of Advanced Engineering

Researcher Name:  
Dr. Bhawna Yadav Lamba, UPES
Dr. Archana Mishra, Viklap (NaiDishayen)
Dr. Sapna Jain, UPES 
Dr. Avanish Kumar Tiwari, Viklap (NaiDishayen)

Funding Agency: Department of Science & Technology-DST

Objective: This project, supported by WTI, DST, Government of India, aims to develop a sustainable and integrated process for sewage water treatment while producing bio-oil, biogas, and bio-manure. The process involves the use of algal biomass cultivated in open raceway ponds for pollutant removal, hydrothermal liquefaction for bio-oil production, and anaerobic digestion using continuous stirred tank reactors for biogas and bio-manure generation. The initiative promotes a zero-waste model aligned with Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan and addresses current and emerging water treatment challenges through an affordable, scientific solution demonstrated at TRL 6–7.

Key Highlights:  

• Two open raceway ponds (10,000 L each) installed for large-scale microalgae cultivation near the UPES STP unit.
• Bio-oil produced from wet microalgae using a 50 L hydrothermal liquefaction reactor.
• Anaerobic digestion of residual biomass, biochar, and kitchen waste via upgraded stirred tank reactors to generate biogas and bio-manure.
• Fully integrated, zero-waste process aligned with national cleanliness and sustainability goals.

Application and Impact: The integrated process has been successfully demonstrated at pilot scale under real-world conditions and is ready for broader deployment. With its scalability and affordability, the model can be implemented across residential campuses, public societies, agricultural farms, households, and municipal corporations. It offers a sustainable solution for sewage management and renewable energy production, contributing to environmental protection, resource recovery, and community-level self-sufficiency in waste-to-energy initiatives.

School: School of Computer Science

Researcher Name: 
Dr. Neelu Jyothi Ahuja, UPES
Dr. Kanchan Bahukhandi, UPES 
Dr. Bhawana Lamba, UPES 
Dr. Sapna Jain, UPES

Funding Agency: Department of Science & Technology-DST

Objective: This project aims to empower rural women through three integrated technology components: recycling of waste paper, cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs), and ICT-assisted art and craft design. The initiative focuses on environmental conservation, income generation, and skill development. By introducing eco-friendly, sustainable practices like woodless pencil production from recycled newspaper, cultivation of high-value MAPs, and use of ICT in craft innovation, the project supports economic independence, environmental awareness, and technological exposure among rural women. It further aims to build self-help groups (SHGs), strengthen local entrepreneurship, and ensure sustainability in livelihood practices through training, capacity-building, and market linkages.

Key Highlights:

• Developed woodless pencils from recycled newspaper, reducing tree cutting.
• Trained rural women in machine operation, production, and packaging.
• Promoted MAP cultivation (e.g., Aloe Vera, Tulsi, Chamomile) through polyhouses and nurseries.
• Formed Self Help Groups (SHGs) for MAP-based livelihoods.
• Conducted 8 training programs for 250 participants on MAP farming.
• Provided ICT and craft training to 140+ women (415 hours), covering design, entrepreneurship, and digital literacy.
• Produced eco-friendly products using bamboo, jute, ringaal, and date leaves.
• Registered cooperative society ‘Mera Kaushal Mera Vikas’ for sustainability.
• Collaborated with UBFDB, Yuvayana Tech, local shops, and NRLM for support and marketing.
• Delivered bulk orders and showcased products at events including Raj Bhawan and national exhibitions. 

Application and Impact: The project has positively impacted over 90 families by promoting eco-friendly, skill-based, and income-generating practices using locally available raw materials. Through a participatory and multi-agency approach, it has empowered rural women with technical skills, leadership capabilities, and financial independence. The women have transitioned into skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and farmers, contributing to household income and sustainable community development. Their involvement in MAP cultivation has led to better land utilisation, while ICT-enabled craft innovation has opened new market opportunities. The project has fostered environmental consciousness, improved living standards, and created a replicable model for rural empowerment through integrated technology-based interventions.

School: School of Advanced Engineering

Researcher Name: 
Dr. Ashish Mathur, UPES
Soodkhet Pojprapai, Suranaree University of Technology, Thailand
Julie Juliewatty Mohamed, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, Faculty of Bioengineering and Technology

Funding Agency: Science and Engineering Research Board-SERB

Objectives: The project aims to develop a point-of-care piezoelectric DNA nano-biosensor using quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) technology for the rapid and accurate detection of COVID-19. This biosensor leverages a DNA-based recognition system to identify viral presence, with the ultimate goal of creating a portable, efficient, and scalable diagnostic tool suitable for widespread clinical and field use.

Key Highlights:

• Developed the initial QCM-based DNA biosensor prototype for COVID-19 detection.
• Signed MoUs with SUT, Neanic Solutions Pvt. Ltd., and Suratech Inc. for future joint commercialisation.
• Strengthened Indo-ASEAN collaboration through research exchange visits between UPES and SUT.
• Facilitated academic exchanges: 1 PhD scholar visited UPES (Dec 2022); 2 postdocs visited SUT (June 2023); 1 PhD scholar visited SUT (Feb 2024).

Application and Impact: Once commercialised, the biosensor will provide a rapid, quantitative, and accurate COVID-19 diagnostic solution for both the Indian and global healthcare markets. It holds particular promise for early detection among high-risk and comorbid patients, enabling timely interventions and improved clinical outcomes. Additionally, its integration with other sensor arrays could allow for broader health monitoring and early identification of COVID-related complications, ultimately reducing strain on healthcare systems and saving lives.

School: School of Advanced Engineering

Researcher Name: Dr. Ashish Mathur, UPES
Dr. Akash Bihari Pati, AIIMS Bhubaneswar
Dr. Santosh Kumar Mahalik, AIIMS Bhubaneswar
Dr. Kanishka Das, AIIMS Bhubaneswar
Dr.Pritinanda Mishra, AIIMS Bhubaneswar

Funding Agency: Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council-BIRAC

Objective: The project aims to develop a miniaturised, nanotechnology-enabled device for rapid and efficient intra-operative colon mapping in patients with Hirschsprung Disease. By offering real-time assessment during surgery, the device is designed to replace time-consuming biopsy procedures, thereby improving surgical precision and patient outcomes.

Key Highlights:

• First-in-world prototype developed by UPES in collaboration with AIIMS Bhubaneswar.
• Successfully tested during clinical trials at AIIMS; currently at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6–7.
• Planning for multicentric clinical validation ahead of product commercialisation.

Application and Impact: The device delivers accurate intra-operative colon mapping within just one minute, significantly faster than traditional biopsy methods that take 2–3 hours. Successfully tested during 12 live surgeries, the innovation reduces procedural time, surgeon workload, and patient stress, particularly in paediatric cases. Its implementation promises to improve surgical outcomes, streamline workflows, and enhance the standard of care for Hirschsprung Disease globally.

School: School of Advanced Engineering

Researcher Name: 
Ratnesh K Pandey, UPES 
Prof. D K Avasthi, UPES

Funding Agency: Department of Atomic Energy - Board of Research in Nuclear Sciences (DAE-BRNS) 

Objective: This project aims to investigate radiation damage in tungsten carbide (WC) nanostructures using ion beams to simulate the extreme environments encountered in fusion reactors. By analysing the structural and mechanical changes induced by ion irradiation at the nanoscale, the study seeks to understand degradation mechanisms and develop strategies to enhance material resilience. The ultimate goal is to improve the durability and performance of materials used in fusion reactor components, contributing to the development of efficient and long-lasting fusion energy systems.

Key Highlights:

• Fusion Reactor Relevance: Focuses on tungsten carbide nanostructures as promising materials for withstanding radiation in fusion reactors.
• Ion Beam Simulation: Uses ion beams to replicate high-energy neutron irradiation for controlled and detailed analysis of material degradation.
• Nanoscale Focus: Targets nanostructures to leverage their unique properties and understand radiation effects at the microscopic level for enhanced resilience.

Application and Impact: This research supports the development of fusion reactors as a clean, sustainable energy source by improving the radiation resistance of key structural materials. By advancing material science and engineering, it contributes to technological innovation with broader applications beyond energy. The findings also enrich scientific knowledge in fields such as nuclear physics and fusion technology, promoting educational growth and stimulating continued research through academic and industrial collaboration.