Coimbatore being an engineering hub for entrepreneurs, nanotechnology provides a wide scope for new product development in a new domain. In the backdrop of this, PSG Institute of Advanced Studies (PSGIAS) is an institution under the PSG Sons’ & Charities in Coimbatore came into being in 2006. Ever since this educational institution was established, it carries out research in advanced areas of Science and Technology like Nanoscience and Nanotechnology. PSG Institute of Advanced studies (PSGIAS) in association with PSG-STEP provides following facilities and support to setup business ventures in Nanotechnology by offering Research environment, testing equipment, working space, library for references, rapid prototyping facilities, machining and other support facilities, mentoring support and seed fund support and access to research funds.
A press release from this educational institution stated that PSGIAS concentrates on four major thrust areas in nanotechnology viz. Smart textiles, Healthcare, Renewable energy and Plastic electronics. Current areas of Research at PSGIAS includes Sensors for industrial and biological applications, Tissue engineering, Nano-Bio materials for drug delivery applications, Flexible printed electronics, Fuel cells and high energy batteries, Development of third generation solar cells, Development of bulk nano composites, Surface modifications using plasma enhanced coatings with nanomaterials, Functional and smart textiles, Water purification / Effluent treatment using nanotechnology.
PSGIAS has state-of-art equipments for characterization, new product development and testing in the nano domain. The major equipments are HRTEM (High resolution Transmission Electron Microscope), AFM (Atomic Force Microscope), UV-Vis Spectro-photometer, PECVD (Physical Vapor Deposition System), CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition System), The facility also has a clean room of class 1000, and class 10000 which enables research in a clean environment required for products in nanotechnology.
The institute has currently 30 Ph.D scholars on its rolls and has around 25 funded projects. The faculty consists of an interdisciplinary group of material scientists, chemists, physicists, and mechanical, textile and electronics engineers. All budding entrepreneurs are invited to make use of the opportunity in nanotechnology domain by making use of the facilities and support at PSGIAS.