BITS Pilani, Hyderabad campus inaugurates cutting-edge research facility

Cutting-edge wind tunnel facility at BITS Pilani Hyderabad campus drives research in aerospace, automotive, and structural engineering.

BITS Pilani, Hyderabad campus on Monday inaugurated the Nalini Kurra Wind Tunnel Facility, a cutting-edge research facility designed to propel advancements in aerospace, automotive, and structural engineering.

According to the officials, the facility has been completely designed internally and would help drive research and innovation in aerodynamics, renewable energy, and advanced engineering. It would also provide a platform for startups to test prototypes for drones, wind turbines, electric vehicles, and strengthen hands-on learning and interdisciplinary projects for students.

With industry collaborations and agencies like DRDO and ISRO, the facility will enhance India’s aerospace and defence capabilities, contributing to the nation’s innovation ecosystem, they said.

Vice-Chancellor V. Ramgopal Rao, emphasising the significance of the facility, said it is “a symbol of our relentless pursuit of research excellence” and a testament to commitment to creating infrastructure that fosters ground-breaking innovation. For Director Soumyo Mukherji too, the facility will be pivotal in the creation of innovative startups and in empowering students and faculty to address global challenges in sectors of aerospace, automotive, and renewable energy.

The state-of-the-art facility was set up through contributions of Goutham Kurra, co-founder of Wisq and Glint and an alumnus of BITS Pilani. “BITS Pilani has played a pivotal role in shaping my career. It is an honor to give back to the institution that helped me grow. I hope this facility accelerates research and inspires new heights of innovation in the field of aerospace and quantum physics,” Mr. Goutham said.