Somaiya Vidyavihar University (SVU), established in 2019, is Mumbai’s first self-financed private university, accredited ‘A’ Grade by NAAC and recognised by the UGC. Guided by its motto Dnyandev Tu Kaivalyam— Knowledge Alone Liberates — SVU has built a research ecosystem where academic depth and industry relevance go hand in hand. Central to this vision are its Centres of Excellence, specialised laboratories, and innovation hubs spread across its campus.
Shimadzu-Somaiya Centre of Excellence in Analytical and Measurement Sciences
Established within the Somaiya Institute for Research and Consultancy (SIRAC) on 30thOctober 2023, this laboratory was jointly set up in collaboration with Shimadzu, Japan. It houses seven advanced analytical instruments, including GC-FID/TCD, GC-MS/MS, ICP-MS, FT-IR, UV-Vis, DSC, and DTG, which are operated and maintained by qualified scientists at SIRAC. These facilities provide advanced analytical capabilities and support research, testing, characterization, and consultancy services across chemical, pharmaceutical, biological, environmental, geological, and materials science disciplines for academia and industry.
Centre of Excellence in Analytical Pyrolysis (CoE-AnPy)
The CoE-AnPy was inaugurated in partnership with Frontier Laboratories Ltd., Japan — a facility dedicated to advancing polymer science research, interdisciplinary learning, and industry engagement in India. Equipped with Pyrolysis Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (Py-GC/MS) instruments including a multi-shot pyrolyser and cryogenic mill, the centre enables high-throughput polymer analysis, structural characterisation, and study of degradation mechanisms. The focus areas include microplastics, waste plastics management, and sustainable polymer research.
Polyurethane Processing & Application Lab
Research at Polyurethane Processing and Application Labcovers product innovation, end-of-life management, recycling, and sustainability across the polyurethane value chain. The lab is equipped with instruments such as hot air ovens, ball resilience and Bennewart flex testers, abrasion and compression set testers, Universal Testing Machine (UTM) and foam cutting machines. A dedicated diploma programme blends classroom instruction with hands-on lab training, open to both full-time students and working professionals.
Somaiya Centre for Integrated Science Education and Research (SciSER)
Somaiya Centre for Integrated Science Education and Research (SciSER) Offers a unique BS-MS dual degree program that focuses on conceptual understanding, critical thinking, and innovation, encouraging logical decision-making and research.
Center for Sustainable Climate Action, Development, and Engagement (CASCADE) CASCADE Addresses food, water, energy & climate challenges through holistic approaches, fostering sustainable habitats through community engagement.
Centre for Computational Studies and Simulations (C2S2)
C2S2 positions computational simulations as important bridges for solving intricate problems across domains of science, engineering, finance, and business. These ‘in silico’ experiments allow researchers and students to model complex real-world scenarios before conducting physical experiments, making the centre a critical resource across departments.
RiiDL — Research Innovation Incubation Design Laboratory
RiiDL was set up in 2010 on the Somaiya Vidyavihar campus to drive innovation and entrepreneurship. In 2014, it was affiliated with the Centre for Bits and Atoms at MIT, USA, as a FabLab node, and in 2016 became a Technology Business Incubator supported by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India. Since inception, RiiDL has incubated more than 70 startups, with focus sectors including healthcare, agritech, embedded electronics, and AI/ML.
Industry-Integrated Labs
Beyond its formal Centres of Excellence, SVU’s campus hosts over 100 labs with active industrial collaborations — including an Apple iOS Lab, CISCO Lab, Texas Instruments Centre, IoT Innovation Centre, Wind Tunnel for Aerospace, SCARA Robot Lab, AR-VR Lab, FAB Lab, and Biotechnology and Polymer Science Labs.
Somaiya Vidyavihar University’s growing network of Centres of Excellence reflects a deliberate strategy: to place students and researchers at the intersection of academic inquiry and real-world problem-solving. Whether it is analysing polymer degradation, simulating engineering systems, or launching a startup, SVU’s infrastructure ensures that knowledge does not stop at the classroom door. For a university barely half a decade old, its research ambitions speak volumes.
(No Times Now Journalists are involved in creation of this article.)