CSIR-AMPRI Transfers Indigenous SODAR Technology to Industry on 46th Foundation Day

In a significant milestone for India’s indigenous atmospheric science and environmental monitoring ecosystem, the Advanced Materials and Processes Research Institute (AMPRI), Bhopal — a premier constituent laboratory of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) — transferred its indigenously developed SODAR (Sound Detection and Ranging) technology to M/s Meteoxperts Solutions Pvt. Ltd., Noida, during the institute’s 46th Foundation Day celebrations held from May 12–14, 2026.

The technology transfer ceremony took place in the distinguished presence of Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, Director General, CSIR and Secretary, Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR), Government of India, underscoring the national importance of indigenous atmospheric monitoring systems in advancing India’s climate resilience, environmental intelligence and technological self-reliance agenda.

The Director of Meteoxperts Solutions Pvt. Ltd., Mr. Siddharth Gupta, along with senior scientists, researchers, industry representatives and officials from CSIR-AMPRI, attended the landmark event.

Indigenous SODAR System to Enhance India’s Environmental and Weather Monitoring Infrastructure

The transfer of the SODAR technology represents a major advancement in India’s efforts to strengthen homegrown atmospheric sensing and remote monitoring capabilities.

SODAR (Sound Detection and Ranging) systems are advanced acoustic remote sensing technologies used for monitoring atmospheric turbulence, wind profiles, boundary layer dynamics and air quality conditions. These systems play a crucial role in:

• Weather forecasting

• Climate variability studies

• Air pollution monitoring

• Wind energy assessment

• Disaster risk reduction

• Aviation meteorology

• Environmental impact assessment

• Urban climate monitoring

Experts note that SODAR systems are increasingly becoming critical tools worldwide as nations confront growing climate volatility, extreme weather events and rising urban pollution challenges.

The successful transfer of the technology from laboratory research to industrial deployment is expected to accelerate commercialization of indigenous atmospheric monitoring solutions while reducing dependence on imported systems.

CSIR-AMPRI Highlights Scientific Innovation and Societal Relevance

Delivering the welcome address during the Foundation Day celebrations, Dr. Thallada Bhaskar, Director, CSIR-AMPRI, highlighted the institute’s expanding portfolio of advanced scientific technologies and emphasized the strategic importance of the SODAR system in addressing contemporary environmental and climatic challenges.

He stated that the technology has immense relevance for scientific research as well as societal applications, particularly in improving understanding of atmospheric processes and supporting more accurate weather and climate analysis.

Dr. Bhaskar stressed that advanced atmospheric monitoring technologies are becoming increasingly important in tackling issues linked to:

• Climate change

• Extreme weather events

• Urban air pollution

• Environmental sustainability

• Disaster preparedness

• Climate adaptation strategies

He further noted that indigenous technologies such as SODAR can significantly contribute to strengthening India’s scientific infrastructure while enabling cost-effective solutions tailored to local environmental conditions.

CSIR DG Calls Science and Innovation Key Drivers of ‘Developed India’ Vision

Addressing the gathering, Dr. N. Kalaiselvi reaffirmed the critical role of science, innovation and technology-driven development in India’s journey toward becoming a developed nation.

She emphasized that the transfer of the indigenous SODAR technology reflects CSIR’s long-standing commitment to advancing self-reliant scientific innovation under the vision of “Atmanirbhar Bharat.”

“The transfer of indigenous SODAR technology developed by CSIR-AMPRI reflects the commitment of CSIR towards strengthening indigenous atmospheric monitoring technologies and accelerating industry-oriented innovations for environmental monitoring and air quality management,” Dr. Kalaiselvi stated during her address.

She underlined that scientific institutions must increasingly focus on translating laboratory research into deployable technologies capable of generating societal, industrial and environmental impact.

Major Push for Industry-Oriented Environmental Technologies

The technology transfer also signals a broader shift toward commercialization and industry integration of publicly funded scientific research in India.

Experts believe indigenous atmospheric sensing technologies could play a transformative role in several sectors, including:

• Smart cities

• Renewable energy projects

• Environmental compliance systems

• Industrial pollution monitoring

• Urban planning

• Climate adaptation programmes

• National weather services

With increasing global focus on climate resilience and environmental governance, India’s capability to develop and deploy indigenous monitoring systems is being viewed as strategically important for both economic and scientific reasons.

Industry observers note that domestic manufacturing and deployment of technologies such as SODAR can help India reduce technology import dependence while building specialized expertise in atmospheric instrumentation.

Scientist Dr. Kirti Soni Recognized for Indigenous Innovation

Dr. Kalaiselvi congratulated Dr. Kirti Soni, Scientist F at CSIR-AMPRI and Principal Investigator of the SODAR project, for successfully developing the indigenous system and translating advanced research into practical technology solutions with societal and industrial relevance.

The recognition highlights the growing importance of Indian scientific talent in building next-generation environmental technologies aligned with national priorities.

Researchers associated with the project stated that indigenous atmospheric technologies can offer greater customization, affordability and adaptability for Indian climatic and environmental conditions compared to imported alternatives.

CSIR-AMPRI Strengthens Position in Advanced Scientific Research

The 46th Foundation Day celebrations also served as a showcase of CSIR-AMPRI’s expanding contributions in advanced materials, environmental engineering, atmospheric science and industrial research.

Founded as one of CSIR’s premier research laboratories, the Bhopal-based institute has increasingly focused on interdisciplinary technologies addressing national challenges in sustainability, infrastructure, materials science and environmental management.

The successful transfer of SODAR technology is expected to further strengthen CSIR-AMPRI’s role as a key contributor to India’s emerging climate-tech and environmental innovation ecosystem.

Indigenous Atmospheric Technologies Gain Strategic Importance

As climate risks intensify globally and environmental monitoring becomes central to policy planning and disaster preparedness, experts believe technologies such as SODAR will become increasingly critical for governments, industries and research agencies.

The commercialization of indigenous atmospheric sensing systems also aligns with India’s broader national goals of:

• Scientific self-reliance

• Technology commercialization

• Climate resilience

• Environmental sustainability

• Advanced manufacturing

• Innovation-led economic growth

With the transfer of the SODAR technology to industry, CSIR-AMPRI has taken a major step toward bridging cutting-edge atmospheric science with real-world applications, reinforcing India’s growing capabilities in high-impact scientific innovation.

The programme concluded with a formal vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Mohd. Akram Khan, Scientist G, followed by the singing of Vande Mataram and the National Anthem.