NTPC, NETRA and CSIR Scientist Receive Awards for Technological Innovations

India’s push towards meeting its increasing energy demands while ensuring long-term sustainability received a boost with the presentation of the first DV Kapur Foundation Energy Innovation Awards. The awards recognised outstanding technological innovations that contribute to clean energy transition, efficiency, and indigenous research. It was held on 12 December 2025 at SCOPE Complex, New Delhi, and brought to the fore the crucial role innovation can play in shaping India’s future energy landscape.

DV Kapur Foundation Energy Innovation Awards 2025

• The awards were organised by the D V Kapur Foundation, an institution committed to promoting research, development, and indigenous technological solutions in the energy sector.
• The initiative aims to encourage innovators especially young researchers to address India’s evolving energy challenges.
• Prof Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India, felicitated the awardees.

Award Categories and Winners

Category 1 – Young Innovators (under 38 years)

• Winner: Dr Achu Chandran, Principal Scientist, CSIR-NIIST
• Innovation: Nano Electricity Generator
• Prize: Citation, trophy, and Rs 1 lakh

Category 2 – Individuals/Organizations for Technological Innovation

• Winner: NTPC’s R&D wing, NETRA
• Innovation: Green Use of Coal Technologies
• Prize: Citation, trophy, and Rs 10 lakh
• Recipient: Shri Shaswattam, ED (NETRA), along with his team

Significance

• The awards promote research and innovation in the energy sector, particularly in clean energy transition and sustainable technologies.
• Recognises contributions of scientists and R&D organizations addressing India’s growing energy demands.

Key Takeaways

• DV Kapur Foundation Energy Innovation Awards were held on 12 December 2025 in New Delhi.
• Prof Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India, felicitated the winners.
• Category 1 (Young Innovators): Dr Achu Chandran (CSIR-NIIST) for Nano Electricity Generator research.
• Category 2 (Organisation): NTPC NETRA for Green Use of Coal Technologies.
• NETRA is the R&D wing of NTPC Ltd.
• Awards support India’s goals of clean energy transition, deep-tech innovation, and Viksit Bharat.