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Chandigarh University (CU) has garnered widespread recognition in the country for its unwavering commitment to delivering high-quality education, fostering a vibrant research environment, and serving as a wellspring of innovation. Since its inception, the university has played a pivotal role in proffering solutions to a myriad of complex societal challenges.
What sets CU apart is the remarkable pace at which it has forged ahead in the realm of research and innovation, all within the span of a mere decade. This meteoric rise has catapulted the university to the upper echelons of higher education. Government and private agencies, both on a national and international scale, have consistently endorsed this upward trajectory through their rankings and ratings.
Each year, Chandigarh University not only accomplishes new milestones but also establishes fresh objectives, driven by its steadfast commitment to furnishing top-tier education and nurturing the intellects of young minds, thereby encouraging their active participation in the realms of research and innovation. Notably, in the recent 2021-2022 report released by the Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs, TradeMarks, and Geographical Indications (CGPDTM), Government of India, Chandigarh University emerged as the leader in terms of the highest number of patent applications among universities and academic institutions in the country. This accomplishment underscores the university's dedication to practical research and the establishment of an innovation ecosystem that disseminates knowledge to both the scientific community and the general public.
The progression of patent applications filed by Chandigarh University tells a compelling story. From a total of 147 patent applications in 2018, the number surged to 330 in 2019, followed by 468 in 2021 and an impressive 750 in 2022. In the current year, 2023, the university has already submitted 599 patent applications. In sum, Chandigarh University has thus far registered a cumulative total of 2613 patent applications, with over 72.79% of these patents already published.
The 2021-22 report highlights that Chandigarh University submitted 139 patents in Computer Science Engineering- IT and 84 patents in Manufacturing. During the same period, the university filed 81 patents in the field of Medical and Healthcare, 72 patents in Mechanical & Mechatronics, and 50 in Agriculture. Particularly noteworthy is the university's ranking of 3rd in the country for filing the most patents in the field of IT, contributing approximately 1.05% of the nation's research endeavors. Chandigarh University has also played a significant role in enhancing Punjab's standing in patent filings; in 2022, approximately 22% of the patent applications originating from Punjab were attributed to Chandigarh University. In the 2021-22 period, Punjab was among the top five states in terms of patent filings, amassing a total of 2197 applications.
Additionally, the university has attracted a substantial number of sponsored research projects from various agencies, achieving unprecedented levels of funding in recent years. Leveraging its expertise and innovative prowess, CU has successfully secured 65 sponsored projects worth over ₹35 crore for its faculty members. These projects predominantly focus on areas that demand urgent solutions and possess significant societal impact.
Chandigarh University has not only excelled in research but has also translated its research outcomes into tangible benefits for industries. This has fostered a robust synergy between academia and industry. To date, the university has executed 35 technology transfers, with several more in the pipeline.
As a research-intensive institution, Chandigarh University places a strong emphasis on cultivating an environment conducive to job creation. It stimulates and nurtures inquisitive minds to transform their ideas into viable businesses. The number of startups incubated at the university has reached an impressive count of 146.
Chandigarh University's cutting-edge research endeavors are dedicated to unraveling the mysteries of the universe and providing innovative solutions to complex national and global challenges. The university actively identifies and addresses key societal issues, working tirelessly to offer eco-friendly solutions. Numerous research publications and projects have been completed, with a wide range of ongoing initiatives aimed at resolving intricate regional issues.
One remarkable achievement is the development of a biofertilizer by a team of CU researchers, led by Dr. Sukhminderjit Kaur, an associate professor and research coordinator in the university's Department of Biotechnology. They have harnessed cheap agricultural waste, specifically rice bran, which is often discarded, to create a biofertilizer encapsulating phosphobacterium. This innovative fertilizer enhances plant growth by solubilizing phosphorus and serves as an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical fertilizers, contributing to the promotion of organic farming.
Dr. Kaur has also secured a patent for her work on a biofertilizer employing zinc-solubilizing bacteria and poultry waste as a carrier. This approach promises a cost-effective and environmentally friendly means to combat zinc deficiency in plants, improving soil fertility and the quality of harvested produce.
Furthermore, the university is actively engaged in tackling the long-standing issue of stubble burning, which has severe environmental and health consequences. Dr. Ranvijay Kumar, an assistant professor at UCRD, is spearheading a DST-sponsored project aimed at managing stubble and plastic waste through 3D printing techniques. This project focuses on developing mechanically sustainable functional feedstock filament using waste stubble and plastic, offering an affordable alternative to conventional 3D printing filament.
Dr. Kumar is also leading a SERB-sponsored project for the in-house development of PLA fibers reinforced PCL composite feedstock filaments. These filaments can be directly supplied to surgeons for manufacturing customized and flexible scaffolds. These scaffolds are designed to support cell growth, proliferation, migration, differentiation, nutrient supply, and tissue structure mimicry. This research contributes to medical advancements.
As the world grows increasingly competitive and research becomes more solution-oriented, Chandigarh University is aligning itself with frontier technologies. These encompass transformative technologies that promise to reshape industries and address pressing global challenges, including climate change. Such technologies include Artificial Intelligence (AI), Robotics, the Internet of Things (IoT), drones, and Virtual Reality (VR), among others.
The university's dedicated focus on excelling in frontier technologies extends to fields like Artificial Intelligence and EV (Electric Vehicle) technology, as it strives to promote sustainable development.
Chandigarh University's sustained ascent in the realms of academia and research is evident through its consistent performance in national and international rankings. This is a testament to its enduring commitment to providing education of global standards, underpinned by innovative pedagogical approaches, over the years.
A significant milestone was achieved by the university this year, as it secured the top rank among India's private universities in the prestigious QS World University Ranking for 2024. It stands as the sole representative from Punjab and Chandigarh among the world's top 1000 universities, occupying a place in the upper 26% of institutions globally. Prior to this achievement, CU made an impressive debut in the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Subject Rankings in 2023 and demonstrated substantial progress in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF).
