Innovations from scientific institutions under Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment big draw at R&D Summit

A lotus-based and caffeine-free herbal drink, smart solutions for urban transportation, and a bottled fragrance that promises the earthy scent of the first rain were among the highlights of an exhibition showcasing innovations from different scientific and research institutions here on Thursday.

The exhibition, held as part of the Research and Development Summit 2025 organised by the Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE), featured over 70 innovations and research outcomes from 12 institutions under the KSCSTE.

The herbal drink ‘Aqua Flora-Infuse’ developed by researchers at the Malabar Botanical Garden and Institute for Plant Sciences has been described as a combination the goodness of Nelumbo nucifera (lotus) and the natural colour of Clitoria ternatea (the flower Shankupushpam). “The main ingredient is lotus,” Manjula K.M., who developed the product with Hareesh V.S., said.

Another big draw was the ‘Tropical Soil Scent,’ an innovation from the Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute, Palode, which has sought to capture and bottle petrichor — the distinctive fragrance that arises when the first rain hits the dry earth.

The KSCSTE has described this product, which was first showcased at the Global Science Fest held at Thonnakkal in 2024, as a “significant step in sustainable fragrance innovation.” “It harnesses the richness of plant-based chemistry and modern analytical techniques to recreate a beloved olfactory sensation,” a compendium of R&D outcomes from KSCSTE institutions released on Thursday observed.

Aqua Flora-Infuse on display at the R&D Summit held in Thiruvananthapuram on Thursday:
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Special arrangement

Other big draws included the Automated Time-Integrated Rainwater Sampler and a Residential Grey Water Treatment Unit developed by researchers at the Centre for Water Resources Development and Management (CWRDM), wellness solutions from the Centre of Excellence in Nutraceuticals, a probiotic chocolate with prebiotic fibres developed by the Centre for Excellence in Microbiome.

The R&D summit, held at Hotel Hyatt Regency, marked both a celebration and a launchpad, showcasing audited, outcome-driven innovations, K.P. Sudheer, Executive Vice President, KSCSTE, said, addressing the summit on Thursday. “With over 80 technologies and patents in areas such as health and agriculture, we are witnessing the real-world impact of lab-to-field innovations which are being showcased here today,” Dr. Sudheer said.