Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan to Visit Panjab University on September 4
Chandigarh, August 28, 2026: Vice-President of India and Chancellor of Panjab University, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, will visit Panjab University on September 4 to inaugurate upgraded advanced instrumentation facilities at the Sophisticated Analytical Instrumentation Facility/Central Instrumentation Laboratory (SAIF/CIL) and the PU Technology Innovation Forum (PU TIF), formerly known as BioNEST.
The Vice-President will also address students, faculty members and staff at the University Auditorium on the Sector-14 campus.
Upgraded Research Facilities at SAIF/CIL
During his maiden visit to Panjab University as Chancellor, the Vice-President will inaugurate upgraded facilities at SAIF/CIL aimed at strengthening the university's research and analytical capabilities.
The facilities will support research across life sciences, chemical sciences, physical sciences, engineering and related fields, providing researchers with access to advanced analytical infrastructure for academic, scientific and industry-oriented work.
SAIF/CIL is among India's widely used analytical facilities. According to the university, it analyses more than 30,000 samples annually and serves over 7,000 users every year.
The facility caters not only to researchers at Panjab University but also to institutions and industries from across the country.
PU Technology Innovation Forum to Be Inaugurated
The Vice-President will also inaugurate the PU Technology Innovation Forum (PU TIF), formerly BioNEST.
The platform provides support across the pre-incubation, incubation and post-incubation stages. More than 85 start-ups, innovators and incubatees have been supported through the initiative, while five products have been commercialised.
PU TIF has also supported innovators through programmes and funding mechanisms, including BIG and BIG-like grants, the SEED Fund and other initiatives.
Preparations Reviewed by Vice-Chancellor
PU Vice-Chancellor Professor Meenakshi Goyal chaired a meeting on Friday to review preparations for the Vice-President's visit.
PU Registrar Professor YP Verma, Director of the Research and Development Cell Professor Savita Gupta, Finance and Development Officer Vikram Nayyar, Controller of Examinations Professor Jagat Bhushan, senior officers and faculty members attended the meeting.
Professor Goyal said the university was delighted to welcome the Vice-President and Chancellor to the campus. She said the focus on research, innovation and technology would provide a significant boost to students and young researchers.
She added that the visit would further strengthen the university's efforts towards contributing to the national vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.
Senior Dignitaries Expected to Attend
Punjab Governor and Administrator, Chandigarh, Shri Gulab Chand Kataria, Haryana Governor Professor Ashim Kumar Ghosh, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini and Chandigarh MP Shri Manish Tewari are also expected to attend the programme.
