BITS Pilani, an Institute of Eminence and one of India’s premier engineering institutions, continues to advance its mission of translating cutting-edge research into real-world impact through industry collaboration. The Technology Transfer Office at BITS Pilani has facilitated the transfer of two innovative water treatment technologies developed by Prof. Halan Prakash and his team from BITS Pilani, K K Birla Goa Campus to Conway Water Purifier Private Limited, a Coimbatore-based company specializing in advanced water purification systems.

The technologies transferred include:

1. “UVC LED System for Water Treatment.”
2. “A Water Disinfection System and Process for Restricting Regrowth of Microorganisms in Disinfected Water.”

Both technologies are outcomes of research project led by Prof. Halan Prakash from Department of Chemistry, BITS Pilani K.K. Birla Goa Campus, in a multi consortium project –“PANIWATER” jointly supported by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India and European Commission. The innovations focus on enhancing UVC LED (Ultraviolet-C Light Emitting Diode) based water disinfection and ensuring sustained microbial safety in treated water. By addressing critical challenges in water purification systems, the technologies aim to deliver safe and reliable drinking water to households. The initiative aligns with the goals of the Jal Jeevan Mission and contributes to Sustainable Development Goal 6, which promotes universal access to clean water and sanitation.

Conway Water Purifier Private Limited, established in 2017 and headquartered in Coimbatore, is engaged in the development and commercialization of innovative water purification technologies and solutions. The company has designed and developed more than 250 customized models of water purifiers, coolers, and dispensers, incorporating technologies such as RO, UV, and Ozone.

Prof. Suman Kundu, Director, BITS Pilani K.K. Birla Goa Campus, emphasized the Institute’s commitment to strengthening industry–academia collaboration. He stated, “At BITS Pilani, we are dedicated to translating our research into real-world applications through close collaboration with industry partners. It is important to bring industry and academia onto a common platform to jointly address indigenous challenges and develop technologies that are well suited to India’s needs.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Halan Prakash said, “Access to clean drinking water remains a major challenge in India and many other developing countries. Innovations in water purification technologies must align with national priorities such as the Jal Jeevan Mission and global goals like Sustainable Development Goal 6. The UVC-LED innovation developed by our team addresses the limitations of toxic mercury-based lamps that are commonly used in conventional water purification systems. By working with industry partners and engaging with government organizations and NGOs, this technology transfer will enable large-scale implementation for societal benefit and improve access to safe and clean drinking water.

Mr. S. Ravi Chandran, Managing Director, Conway Water Purifier Private Limited, said, “Conway Water Purifier Private Limited, as an industry partner, will scale up and commercialize the UVC-LED technology transferred from BITS Pilani. In my capacity as State Vice President of Laghu Udyog Bharati (LUB), Tamil Nadu, I believe that such partnerships will encourage more MSMEs to approach BITS Pilani for technology collaboration, with whom LUB has a MoU signed. This will not only help create new business opportunities for MSMEs but also enhance their competitiveness through access to innovative technologies.”

Prof. Deepak Chitkara, Coordinator, IPEC Division, BITS Pilani, said, “The Institute’s intellectual property portfolio is steadily growing, with over 663 patents filed, out of which 137 have been granted, and more than twenty intellectual properties have already been successfully transferred to industry. This reflects BITS Pilani’s strong focus on promoting innovation and translating research outcomes into technologies that can create real impact through industry collaboration.”

Mr. Rajneesh Kumar, Head, Technology Transfer Office, BITS Pilani, mentioned that “The BITS Pilani Technology Transfer Office has developed various models of industry engagement to facilitate effective technology transfer. We invite industry partners, MSMEs, and startups to collaborate with BITS Pilani and leverage our innovative technologies for business development and societal impact.”

The formal Technology Transfer Agreement exchange took place at BITS Pilani K.K. Birla Goa Campus, hosted by the Institute’s Technology Transfer Office under the Intellectual Property Enablement and Commercialization (IPEC) division, in collaboration with BITS-Technology Enabling Center and with the participation of faculty members, industry representatives, and institutional leadership.