Has DSIR Re-Certified TN Institute as a Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Re-certification as a SIRO enhances research capabilities.
- Sona College has filed 44 patents in three years.
- Ranked top in NPTEL among over 7,000 colleges.
- Collaboration with ISRO highlights its innovation.
- Supported by significant government funding.
New Delhi, June 29 (NationPress) The Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) has officially re-certified Sona College of Technology in Tamil Nadu, known for its contributions to ISRO’s Chandrayaan-3 and Gaganyaan missions, as a Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (SIRO), as announced this Sunday.
This SIRO certification allows institutions to engage in scientific and industrial research, promoting the development of indigenous technology, encouraging self-reliance, and reducing dependence on foreign resources.
“This marks the fourth SIRO re-certification for Sona College since 2016, underscoring its ongoing commitment to innovation with 36 active R&D centres, including SonaSPEED,” stated the institute.
In the three-year period starting from 2020, Sona College secured 44 patents from a total of 423 patent applications and has 324 published patents.
Additionally, the institution has gained major recognition for its academic and research excellence, achieving the top faculty performance ranking within the National Programme on Technology Enhanced Learning (NPTEL) among over 7,000 colleges during the January–May 2025 cycle.
NPTEL, India’s foremost technical e-learning platform, is co-managed by the IITs and IISc to enhance faculty development through online courses and certifications provided via the ‘SWAYAM’ platform.
“We take pride in our faculty who have elevated Sona to the pinnacle of national ranking in NPTEL. Their commitment ensures our students receive an education of the highest quality,” expressed Chocko Valliappa, Vice-Chairman of Sona College of Technology.
“Sona College’s dedication to academic excellence is grounded in faculty development through NPTEL and innovation-driven research across our 36 R&D centres, in alignment with national goals for self-reliance,” added Professor Dr. SRR Senthilkumar, Principal.
Last year, the Department of Science and Technology (DST) proposed a grant of Rs 5 crore for the Sona Incubation Foundation (SIF) project, with a 20 percent contribution from Sona College of Technology. The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) also endorsed Rs 2 crore as part of the ‘Startup India Seed Fund’ for the incubator.