VP Radhakrishnan to inaugurate Advanced Instrumentation Lab at Panjab University
Synopsis
Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan's Friday visit to Panjab University is more than a ribbon-cutting — the simultaneous launch of an advanced instrumentation lab and a Tech Innovation Forum signals a concerted effort to position the century-old central university as a hub for research, startups, and industry collaboration at a time when India is racing to build deep-tech capacity.
Key Takeaways
Radhakrishnan will visit Panjab University, Chandigarh on Friday, 3 September .
He will inaugurate the Advanced Instrumentation Facility at SAIF/CIL , expanding the university's scientific research infrastructure.
The Panjab University Tech Innovation Forum will also be launched, aimed at boosting research, innovation, and the startup ecosystem.
Radhakrishnan recently called on students to pursue AI, robotics, semiconductors, quantum technology , and biotechnology at a Tamil Nadu event.
Nearly 1 lakh students have been educated through KVIT institutions, which Radhakrishnan praised for global academic linkages.
Vice President of India and Ex-officio Chancellor of Panjab University, C.P. Radhakrishnan, is set to visit the university's Chandigarh campus on Friday, 3 September to inaugurate a new state-of-the-art instrumentation facility, according to an official statement.
Key Developments
Radhakrishnan will formally inaugurate the Advanced Instrumentation Facility at the SAIF/CIL (Sophisticated Analytical Instrument Facility / Central Instrumentation Laboratories), a significant addition to the university's scientific research infrastructure. In the same visit, he will also launch the Panjab University Tech Innovation Forum, described by officials as a major step toward strengthening the institution's research, innovation, and startup ecosystem.
Why the Visit Matters
The dual inauguration signals a deliberate push by the Vice President's office to reinforce the Centre's emphasis on research-led higher education. Panjab University, one of India's oldest central universities, has been working to modernise its scientific facilities and deepen industry-academia ties. The new instrumentation lab is expected to expand access to advanced analytical tools for researchers across departments.
Radhakrishnan's Broader Education Vision
The Chandigarh visit follows a recent address by Radhakrishnan at the Kongu Vellalar Institute of Technology (KVIT) Trust's Arivukoodam Research Park in Perundurai, Erode, Tamil Nadu, where he urged students to move beyond basic education toward research-oriented learning. He called on young people to engage with emerging fields including AI, robotics, semiconductors, quantum technology, biotechnology, and digital technology, and to actively pursue research, innovation, and patents.
At the same event, Radhakrishnan highlighted that nearly 1 lakh people have received education through KVIT institutions, commending the institution's global linkages with countries including Germany, the US, France, and Japan. He also stressed the importance of yoga and meditation for mental clarity, quoting Swami Vivekananda: 'You become what you think.'
What's Next
With the Tech Innovation Forum launch, Panjab University is expected to formalise new pathways for student-led startups and collaborative research projects with industry partners. The forum could serve as a model for other central universities aiming to bridge the gap between academic research and commercial application.
Point of View
Or remain a ceremonial launch. India's university-based startup ecosystem has historically struggled with follow-through after high-profile inaugurations.
NationPress
5 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What will Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan inaugurate at Panjab University?
Radhakrishnan will inaugurate the Advanced Instrumentation Facility at SAIF/CIL (Sophisticated Analytical Instrument Facility / Central Instrumentation Laboratories) and the Panjab University Tech Innovation Forum during his visit to the Chandigarh campus on Friday, 3 September.
Why is Vice President Radhakrishnan visiting Panjab University?
As Ex-officio Chancellor of Panjab University, Radhakrishnan is visiting to formally launch two new initiatives — an advanced research instrumentation lab and a tech innovation forum — aimed at strengthening the university's research and startup ecosystem.
What is the Panjab University Tech Innovation Forum?
The Panjab University Tech Innovation Forum is a newly launched platform intended to foster research, innovation, and collaboration between the university and industry. Officials describe it as a major step forward in building the institution's startup ecosystem.
What did Radhakrishnan say about the future of education in India?
Radhakrishnan has urged students and institutions to move beyond basic education toward research-oriented learning, emphasising fields such as AI, robotics, semiconductors, quantum technology, and biotechnology. He has also stressed the importance of industry-academia collaboration as key to India's progress.
Who is C.P. Radhakrishnan?
C.P. Radhakrishnan is the Vice President of India and, by virtue of that office, serves as Ex-officio Chancellor of Panjab University. He has been a vocal advocate for transforming Indian educational institutions into global centres of research and innovation.
