pmTUC inaugrates pmIndia Innovation lab at Manipal University

The lab was inaugurated by Prof van Zyl, chancellor, Chemnitz University and Dr Komattil Ramnarayan, vice chancellor, Manipal University. 

Representatives of the German embassy, the consulate and from the industry and science were also present. The inauguration was followed by a small exhibition on current research fields of the pmTUC. Van Zyl said, “The opening of the lab in India helps to promote the excellence of our university at the international level. As a result, more and more international students come to Chemnitz University. The number of Indian students alone has multiplied in the past years." 

In a first step, the research activities in the new lab will concentrate on application-related tests on printed paper photovoltaics. The technology, developed by the working group of Prof Hübler, offers potentials to provide, for instance, energy in poorly developed areas. In cooperation with researchers of Manipal University and other Indian institutions, the efficiency of the technology will be analysed under real conditions and possible business models for the market will be developed.

Hübler further added, “India offers a broad variety of chances for the internationalisation of our research cooperation. By launching pmInnovation in cooperation with Manipal University another milestone has been reached. The cooperation provides interesting development opportunities for both sides.” Two researchers, Björn Engler and Deep Prakash from pmTUC were already in Manipal two months prior in order to deal with the necessary formalities and to conduct and evaluate first experiments on printed solar cells.

In the last decade, pmTUC has focused on printing electronic devices on paper. Photovoltaics, which refers to the electronic conversion of light into electricity, has been particularly considered as attractive. However, silicon electronics could not satisfy the expectations, despite extensive and costly research.

Apart from Manipal, pmTUC also pursues further research projects in India such as IIT Kanpur which operates in the field of printed solar cells. Manipal University, on the contrary, is the oldest private  university in India and has branches in other Indian cities, Malaysia and Dubai. The technical courses of Manipal University will provide a skilled platform for this laboratory.