DST-Backed SATHI Facility at BHU Emerges as National Research and Innovation Hub

Varanasi: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology Dr Jitendra Singh on Sunday said the Union government is expanding advanced scientific infrastructure and research support systems across universities and higher educational institutions to democratise access to cutting-edge technology, innovation, and scientific research capabilities in India.

The Minister made the remarks during his visit to the Sophisticated Analytical & Technical Help Institute (SATHI) facility established at Banaras Hindu University (BHU) with support from the Department of Science and Technology (DST).

Jitendra Singh inspected the interdisciplinary research facility and reviewed its infrastructure, analytical capabilities, operational achievements, and future expansion roadmap. He also interacted with scientists, faculty members, and officials associated with the centre.

Describing SATHI-BHU as a major national-level scientific infrastructure platform, the Minister said such initiatives are strengthening India’s ecosystem for research, innovation, start-ups, and industry-academia collaboration, particularly benefiting young researchers, MSMEs, and emerging enterprises.

The Minister complimented BHU Vice Chancellor AK Chaturvedi and the university faculty for developing the facility into a successful model for interdisciplinary scientific collaboration and research support.

Jitendra Singh said programmes such as SATHI, FIST, and ARRF-linked institutional support mechanisms are helping create wider access to advanced scientific instrumentation and innovation ecosystems across universities and research institutions nationwide.

He further noted that several universities and colleges are being connected through space laboratories, scientific research initiatives, and emerging technology programmes aimed at promoting innovation-driven learning and scientific temper among students and researchers.

Established with DST support of nearly ₹72 crore, SATHI-BHU functions as a national shared scientific infrastructure platform providing access to advanced analytical equipment, technical expertise, and research services for academia, industries, start-ups, and research institutions. The facility operates under a Section 8 company model within the university ecosystem.

Officials informed the Minister that the facility houses several advanced scientific systems including super-resolution confocal microscopy with live cell imaging, advanced NMR spectroscopy platforms, high-resolution accurate mass spectrometry systems, clean room facilities, electrochemical workstations, chromatography systems, and isotope analysis equipment.

These facilities are supporting research in life sciences, healthcare, semiconductors, biotechnology, food sciences, pharmaceuticals, environmental sciences, and advanced materials.

According to officials, SATHI-BHU has served nearly 1,100 users from academia, research institutions, and industry, processed over 30,000 scientific samples, and trained around 1,000 researchers and stakeholders since becoming operational. Nearly 60 short-term training programmes have also been conducted for capacity building and technical sensitisation.

The Minister appreciated the facility’s achievement of NABL accreditation and its development of a sustainable analytical services model with strong industry participation and collaborative engagement with national laboratories and research organisations.

Jitendra Singh said strengthening scientific infrastructure in universities remains critical for achieving the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and enhancing India’s competitiveness in advanced technologies and emerging research domains.