Guwahati: The ADYPU Defence Research & Innovation Foundation (DRIF) of Ajeenkya DY Patil University (ADYPU) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati (IITG) to set up India’s first Blast and Impact Research Centre (BIRC).
This state-of-the-art facility is set to address critical challenges in the protection of 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, the BIRC will focus on developing, testing, and refining advanced technologies to withstand extreme blast and impact forces.
Whether for safeguarding military installations or protecting vital civilian infrastructure such as hospitals and government buildings, the centre will play a pivotal role in enhancing national security and resilience.
He also acknowledged the collaboration with IIT Guwahati, marking the first partnership of its kind between a private university and a leading IIT in the defense and innovation sector.
The BIRC will offer a comprehensive research platform with the following cutting-edge features:
The Impact and Blast Testing Facility will simulate and assess the structural resilience of materials and designs under extreme conditions.
The Shock Tube Facility will study material properties and develop systems capable of withstanding hypervelocity impacts.
The Human Safety Research, involving advanced avatars and real-time health monitoring systems, will assess injuries and optimize safety designs.
Dr. Ajeenkya, Chairman of ADYPU, said the BIRC will play a crucial role in advancing India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat vision by driving 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, bringing together the expertise of ADYPU, IIT Guwahati, and other key organizations like DRDO, BARC, and ISRO,” he said.
Prof. Dr. Ojha highlighted the centre’s upcoming groundbreaking research initiative SURAKSHA, a Smart Human Armor, designed to offer both protection and real-time health monitoring for military personnel.
This Ultra-Resilient Adaptive Kinematic Soft Armor integrates cutting-edge technology to resist both impact and blast forces while simultaneously monitoring critical health metrics such as brainwave activity, heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature.
Renowned for his transformative work in India’s defense and technological sectors, Prof. Ojha has played a key role in shaping the BIRC.
His vision is to establish India at the forefront of global research and development in blast and impact-resistant technologies, ensuring the safety of civilians and military personnel alike.
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Prof. Ojha’s expertise also extends to autonomous warfare in air and sea, working towards strengthening India’s defense capabilities across the tri-services.
This landmark initiative will not only bolster India’s defense capabilities but also set a global standard for the development of resilient infrastructure and human safety technologies.
