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The Society for Applied Microwave Electronics Engineering & Research (SAMEER), a prominent R&D institute under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), has achieved a significant milestone in its digital, innovation and self-reliance ambitions by transferring its cutting-edge Microwave-Based Brix Measurement Technology to two private entities.
The Transfer of Technology (ToT) agreement was officially signed today with Shri S Krishnan, Secretary of MeitY, presiding over the event. He stressed that MeitY’s priority is to foster indigenous innovations that address sector-specific needs, reflecting the ministry’s broader commitment to enhancing ICT and agricultural sectors through advanced R&D initiatives.
The advanced technology, known as the Sugar Content Measurement (SCORE) system, represents a major innovation in the field of sugar production. Developed by SAMEER, this microwave-based system offers a rapid, non-destructive, and precise method for measuring sugar concentration (Brix) directly in sugar mills. By eliminating the need for manual sampling, the SCORE system significantly reduces production time and enhances efficiency in the production of sugar syrup.
This technological transfer aligns with the national vision encapsulated in “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan, Jai Vigyan, Jai Anusandhan”, which emphasises the importance of indigenous technologies in supporting various sectors, including agriculture and the sugar industry. Mr S Krishnan highlighted that this technology will help sugarcane farmers by improving the accuracy and efficiency of sugar syrup production.
Dr P. Hanumantha Rao, Director General of SAMEER, acknowledged the technology transfer as a milestone in SAMEER’s journey of applying microwave technology to the agricultural and food processing sectors. He noted that SAMEER’s efforts, funded by MeitY, have focused on advanced radio frequency (RF) and microwave research.
The newly transferred Microwave-Based Brix Measurement System, developed under the “Make in India” initiative, is expected to significantly boost production efficiency and accuracy in the sugar industry. This development marks a major step forward in SAMEER’s mission to provide innovative solutions for traditional industries.
The technology has been rigorously tested and validated at Shri Sant Tukaram Sugar Factory and the Vasant Dada Sugar Institute, both located in Pune. These trials have confirmed the system’s effectiveness and reliability, ensuring it meets the industry’s standards for precision and performance.
The Microwave-Based Brix Measurement System holds promise beyond the sugar industry, with potential applications in other food and beverage sectors such as dairy, breweries, and fruit juices. Accurate measurement of sugar content is crucial in today’s health-conscious market, where such information must be accurately reported on product labels. This technology provides an ideal solution for this need, ensuring reliable sugar content measurement across various industries.
OpenGov Asia reported that MeitY is committed to fostering innovation by leveraging cutting-edge technology to enhance agricultural practices and promote sustainability. The ministry aims to support advancements that improve efficiency and sustainability in farming, contributing to a greener and more productive agricultural sector.
The Indian Nanoelectronics Users Programme – Idea to Innovation (INUP-i2i) provides researchers at prestigious institutions like IISc and IITs with access to advanced facilities, enabling skill development and leading to numerous publications and patents. Technologies developed through this initiative have been licensed to startups and used in strategic collaborations, further advancing India’s electronics manufacturing ecosystem.
Key focus areas include advancing electronics beyond 10 nm technology, developing sensors for health, agriculture, and security, exploring organic electronics, advancing computational nanoelectronics, and establishing prototyping and incubation facilities.
SAMEER, operating under MeitY’s administration, continues to be a leader in microwave electronics and related technologies. The institute focuses on research, development, and commercialisation of innovative solutions, driving progress in multiple sectors. The transfer of this technology to the private sector is a testament to SAMEER’s commitment to advancing industrial practices and supporting sustainable agricultural practices in India.
