CSIR-National Physical Laboratory (CSIR-NPL), India’s premier measurement standards laboratory in the country, celebrated its 80th Foundation Day on 5 January 2026, marking decades of excellence in strengthening the scientific and technological ecosystem in the country through precision measurements, standards development and industrial support.

These include the National Primary Standard Facility for Solar Cell Calibration, which is the fifth such facility in the world after the USA, Germany, China and Japan. It is a unique facility in the country and is the world’s best in providing the lowest uncertainty in the measurement of solar cell current (uncertainty ±0.35%). This facility would ensure the self-reliance and shorten the turnaround time of solar cell calibration. It enhances the investor confidence in the country’s rapidly expanding solar PV sector. This national facility has been jointly developed by NPL India and PTB, Germany, with financial support from the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Government of India, to improve PV quality infrastructure in the country.

Another facility, the National Environmental Standard Laboratory for product certification of air monitoring equipment, is the third in the world after the UK and Germany and the first one in Asia. These facilities will enhance India’s capabilities in quality assurance of environmental monitoring systems and enable indigenous manufacturers to demonstrate the quality of indigenous equipment and overcome trade barriers in a cost-effective way. This is like the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives. This National Environmental Standard Laboratory has been established in NPL with financial support from the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Government of India.

Addressing the gathering, the Hon’ble Minister highlighted the role of scientific institutions in realising Atmanirbhar Bharat by strengthening science industry linkages and translating laboratory research into market-ready technologies. He emphasised that precision measurement and standardisation form the foundation of innovation, competitiveness and sustainable national growth.

During the programme, several technology transfers to industry and exchange of MoUs were carried out, reinforcing CSIR-NPL’s commitment to accelerating the commercialisation of indigenous technologies. Key highlights included the transfer of Thermal Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD) technology for graphene deposition to industry and collaborative MoUs for photovoltaic noise barrier systems, production of phytochemical, essential oil and petroleum Bharatiya Nirdeshak Dravya (BND), and initiatives promoting inclusive education for Divyangjan.

The event also witnessed the launch of the SAMARTH application, distribution of solar cell calibration certificates to industry, issuance of letters of confirmation for air monitoring systems, and the release of multiple BNDs by CSIR laboratories, further strengthening the national measurement and reference standards framework.

Earlier, Dr (Mrs) N Kalaiselvi, Director General, CSIR and Secretary, DSIR, highlighted CSIR’s role in supporting national priorities through mission-oriented research, strong industry partnerships and a robust standards infrastructure. Secretary, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, also addressed the gathering and highlighted the importance of such facilities and the need to work together to meet the goals set as part of various national initiatives. He especially encouraged the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) and CSIR-NPL to work together. 

Prof. Venu Gopal Achanta, Director CSIR-NPL, felicitated the distinguished guests during the Foundation Day ceremony, acknowledging their contributions to strengthening India’s science, technology and innovation ecosystem. He highlighted the contributions of CSIR-NPL, ongoing projects and future activities.

The Foundation Day programme concluded with the vote of thanks by Dr SR Dhakate, Chief Scientist and the National Anthem, reaffirming the institute’s legacy as the custodian of India’s measurement standards and its vision to support emerging technologies and national development.