Student Innovation Contest 2014

” Ideas are the source of innovation and innovation is the vital spark of all human change , improvement and progress.” 

With this motto the institution has established Student Research Foundation (SRF) to initiate research and new product developments within the campus . Through SRF innovative ideas are given funds and technical guidance required to develop them into full fledged products and solutions.

Vision

To inspire and build engineering graduates who can effectively respond to social challenges, lead the movement for grass roots development and be the premier place for young innovators to meet , collaborate, learn and develop social innovations and research at their undergraduate studies.

Mission

To promote innovation , inspire research, educate and support new innovations and create environment where students can succeed.

This year’s Student Innovation Contest organised by SRF fetched good response with students across various departments participating in it. Student Journalist Council (SJC) spoke to various segments of students who where shortlisted for the final presentation about  their ideas and this is what they had to say.

Screening for Novel Anti-Microbial from Functional Foods 

Susan Immanuel, Shammer Banu. S- Industrial Biotechnology

What does the topic mean?

It means to search and find a new bacteria from functional foods that have the ability to produce an antimicrobial which will substitute the available antibiotics.

What are functional foods?

It means conventionally fermented foods like batter for idly and curd.

Have you isolated any such bacteria?

Isolation of such bacteria is still under process. Research has proved that lactic acid producing bacteria have such properties.

How do you think these anti microbial are advantageous over the conventional antibiotics?

A recent report of WHO says that there is a growing trend in the resistance offered by the bacteria towards the currently used antibiotics. The available antibiotics have bad side effects and allergic reaction. The antibiotics prepared from functional food are adaptable by our body because we are taking these foods for ages now. They are also found to be powerful against pathogens.

Do you think these anti microbial would be commercially successful?

As of now that cannot be predicted.

Automated seeding machine 

Senthil Kumar, Ponsankar, Balashanmuga Pradeep, Saravana Kumar- Production Engineering

What is an automated seeding machine?

It is a machine used to sow seeds 

What is the advantage of the this machine?

This machine reduces manual labour. It automates both the seeding and rice transplants. It is affordable for even small scale farmers . They can employ this machine and cut the expenses on labour wages.

How does the machine work?

It has got eight robotic hands to sow seeds. It has got wheels so it can be steered in the fields. It uses diesel or solar energy to function.

How did this idea strike?

A visit to an agricultural expo inspired us to create something on this line as it might come a long way in helping the farmers.

Smart Phone for the Extra Smart People

Venkat Raman.B, Saravana, Kumar.A, Gokulnath.R – Production Engineering and Electronics and Instrumentation Engineering

Smart phones for smart people?

These are smart phones for the visually challenged. These enable them to enjoy the facilities that the normal people do.

In what way is it useful?

It helps to read books using digital Braille. It has got suitable navigation systems. It allows for social networking, making these people equal participants in social life. It makes the visually challenged more independent.

What was the inspiration for the project?

A competition was conducted for the visually challenged. They had to navigate the vehicle using Braille maps. This competition was conducted to treat visually challenged equal to normal people. This helped us realize that we can also contribute something, to make these achieve their dreams.

Automation of Robot by GPS Integration     

Venkatesh.V, Muthamil T.A, Prasanth. P – Computer Science Engineering 

What does the title mean?

There are many robots available which are remote controlled. The project aims at providing intelligence to the robot by integrating a programmable camera which allows for its navigation with help of SLAM algorithm.

Where would such robots be useful?

These robots are very beneficial for spying. It can be used for military purposes.

In what way is this robot different from the others ?

These robots are automated so the user need not give instructions or control it using remote. It works by itself without getting step by step command from the user.

Screening of Novel Bacterial Source for producing low calorie sweeteners 

Karthika. B, Monika. M- Industrial Bio Technology

 Why do you go for a bacterial source?

 Sweeteners produced from bacterial sources are found to have health benefits and also the biological method to prepare these sweeteners are cost effective when compared to chemical methods.

What are the health benefits?

Low calorie sweeteners have low glycerin index. They are non metabolized sugars and hence act as a prebiotic promoting the overall health. It is an antioxidant and hence helps prevent cancer. It also finds application in pharmaceutical industries.

Glutameter- A pre-diagnostic method to detect Cancer

Swathi.S – Industrial Bio Technology

What is a glutameter?

It is a device used to determine the glutamine level in the blood.

How does it work?

The glutameter has test strips which has certain chemicals. When the test sample of blood is placed over the strip certain chemical reactions take place releasing hydrogen peroxide. The hydrogen peroxide is electrolyzed and the sensor uses electrodes to form the electric circuit. The electric current thus formed is amplified and the analog waves are converted to digital waves and viewed as output. The amount of glutamine for a normal person is 500- 900 micro mol /L. When there is a variation it indicates that the person is affected by some disease. It helps to detect cancer and HIV/ aids and reduced levels of glutamine.

In what way is it beneficial when compared to other methods to detect cancer?

Glutameter is small and compact and can be used at home itself. Cancer can be detected at earlier stages itself by periodically checking out the glutamine levels. It is easy to operate as well.

Can this glutameter be commercialized?

Of course it can be commercialized . The cost is estimated to be around 50000 rupees

Coir Match Box 

Amith. H, R.M Balakumaran,  S. Jeeva-  Production Engineering 

 About the project

Matchsticks are made using coconut fiber (coir) instead of wood.

In what way is it beneficial when compared to ordinary matches?

It is cost effective since cheaper raw materials are used. It is Eco-friendly.