Panjab University hosts ChemInnovate

Chandigarh, March 3, 2026: The Department of Chemistry, Panjab University, organised its annual Prof. Ram Chand Paul Symposium titled “ChemInnovate: Bridging Science, Startups, and Employability”, drawing about 250 delegates and over 25 speakers from leading institutions across India.

The two-day symposium was inaugurated by Panjab University Vice Chancellor Prof Renu Vig. Speakers from IIT Bombay, IIT Kanpur, IIT Ropar and University of Hyderabad participated. Discussions focused on scientific advancements, entrepreneurship, innovation ecosystems and improving employability among young researchers.
Addressing the gathering, Prof Vig said the University remains committed to linking research with societal needs and industry engagement. She said such forums strengthen collaboration between academia and emerging enterprises and reinforce the University’s role in innovation-led growth.
The symposium featured memorial lectures in the names of Prof O.P. Vig, Prof Bawa Kartar, Prof P.N. Vohra, Prof D.V.S. Jain and Prof D.S. Gill. A panel discussion with scientists, entrepreneurs and industry representatives examined pathways for translating laboratory research into viable technologies and startups.
A session was devoted to sustainable water treatment strategies in urban areas.
In parallel, the Department organised a workshop titled “Strengthening Reliable and Sustainable Water Treatment Strategies in Urban Areas of Haryana” under the project “Developing a Policy Framework for Reliable and Sustainable Water Treatment Strategies in Urban Areas of Haryana”. The project is led by Chemistry Chairperson Prof Ganga Ram Chaudhary with support from the State Support Mission, Haryana and NITI Aayog.
PU Director, Research and Development Cell, Prof Meenakshi Goyal, was the Chief Guest. Dr Manish Hooda, Director, National Semiconductor Mission, Government of India, Dr Neeru, Joint Director, Swarna Jayanti Haryana Institute for Fiscal Management, Sh Rahul Singla, Team Lead, State Support Mission, and Dr Amita Rani, Sector Expert, SJHIFM, were Guests of Honour.
The workshop began with the Prof D.S. Gill Memorial Lecture delivered by Prof Narinder Singh from IIT Ropar on materials for water purification and quality monitoring. Dr Hooda spoke on the role of water in semiconductor industries and stressed the need for strong recycling systems and regulatory preparedness to attract fabrication facilities. Dr Aviru Kumar Basu from INST Mohali delivered an invited lecture on nanoscale sensing and IoT-integrated flexible sensors for water treatment.
In her address, Dr Neeru said sustainable wastewater treatment must be integrated with sound policy design and financial planning. She said water management is both an environmental and governance priority for the state.
Experts during the panel discussion highlighted operational gaps in sewage treatment plants, high energy costs, infrastructure deficits and the need for groundwater monitoring in industrial districts. They also called for better use of CSR funds for environmental research and innovation.
The symposium concluded with oral and poster presentations by researchers.