ADYPU DRIF and IIT Guwahati collaborate to launch India’s first blast and impact research centre

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJanuary 28, 2025

In a groundbreaking collaboration, ADYPU Defence Research & Innovation Foundation (DRIF), established at Ajeenkya DY Patil University (ADYPU), Pune, and IIT Guwahati has unveiled India’s first Blast and Impact Research Centre (BIRC). This state-of-the-art facility aims to address critical challenges in protecting both military and civilian infrastructure, positioning India as a global leader in blast and impact-resistant technologies.

Under the expert guidance of Prof. Dr. Nishakant Ojha, a globally recognized scientist and strategic affairs expert, BIRC will develop, test, and refine advanced technologies to withstand extreme blast and impact forces. Whether safeguarding military installations or protecting vital civilian infrastructure such as hospitals and government buildings, this initiative marks a significant step towards national security and resilience.

Key Objectives of BIRC for developing Blast-Resistant Structures for military and civilian applications, Shock Tube and Impact Testing to enhance protective systems for critical infrastructure and Counter-Terrorism Solutions to safeguard national assets from high-impact threats.

Human Safety Research aimed at minimizing injuries and enhancing protection for both civilians and defence personnel.

Prof. Dr. Ojha expressed his gratitude to Dr. Ajeenkya, Chancellor of ADYPU and Chairman of ADYPU DRIF, along with Prof. Rohit Sinha (Dean of Research & Development at IIT Guwahati) and Prof. Hrishikesh Sharma, Faculty Coordinator from IIT Guwahati. He highlighted the historic significance of this collaboration, marking the first partnership of its kind between a private university and a leading IIT in the defence and innovation sector.

As Dr. Ajeenkya emphasized, the BIRC will play a pivotal role in India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat vision, fostering the development of indigenous protective technologies. The Centre will serve as a global hub for research, development, and innovation in impact resistance, blast protection, and human safety by leveraging expertise from ADYPU, IIT Guwahati, and other premier organizations such as DRDO, BARC, and ISRO.

Key stakeholders supporting BIRC are the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO), Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), Indian Armed Forces, Ministry of Transport and Highways, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and Revolutionizing Human Safety with SURAKSHA.

BIRC is set to launch SURAKSHA, a Smart Human Armor designed to offer protection and real-time health monitoring for military personnel. This Ultra-Resilient Adaptive Kinematic Soft Armor integrates advanced technology to resist both impact and blast forces while monitoring vital health metrics, such as Brainwave activity, Heart rate, Blood pressure amd Body temperature.

BIRC is at the forefront of CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiation, Nuclear) protected structures, utilizing advanced engineering to create resilient systems. The research incorporates high-tech material composites to enhance radiation shielding, structural durability, and sustainability, with a focus on cost-effective and eco-friendly designs.

Additionally, the Centre is pioneering the next generation of Nuclear Power Plants, specifically engineered to enhance resilience against missile and blast threats. This initiative reinforces national security in an era where external threats to critical infrastructure are a growing concern.