National Institute of Science and Technology University is a pioneer institute in Research and
Development (R&D) activities in the State of Odisha. Right from its inception in the year 1996, NIST has
been involved in numerous R&D activities. NIST has received a huge amount fund (6.6 Crores) for Research
Project from different Govt funding agency (SERB/ DST/NBHM/CSIR/UGC/DRDO/ISRO etc.) during last 5 years.
The institute has set up modern laboratories and the supporting infrastructure for undergraduate and
post graduate and Ph. D. students. A research orientated education at this Institute can enhance
engineering science to development of new technology. NIST has successfully implemented Under Graduate
Research program and student RAs and Summer Interns have done commendable research work. Recently NIST
has been awarded the Energy Conservation Award - 2017 by the Govt. of Odisha and NIST Student Team has
won the First Prize in the CADENCE design contest.
NIST along with collaborating institutions like IIT, Delhi, NEERI,
Nagpur, CMET, Pune, University of Hyderabad, University of California, Michigan State University,
Stanford University, and NJIT, USA have bagged the Intel DST-IUSF Award for the project, ‘Integrated low
cost water sensor for real time river-water monitoring and decision-making” jointly funded by the
Department of Science and Technology, Govt. of India and Intel (Indo-US Science and Technology Forum).
Research activities are the backbone of any good Institute and the activities lead to innovation and
development of new technologies.
Research papers were published in International/ National reputed Journals by NIST faculty members during last 5 years
Crore in Research Funding Received by NIST Faculty over the Last 5 Years from Prestigious Government of India Agencies (SERB, DST, DRDO, ISI, NBHM, AICTE, ICSSR)
Patents by NIST faculty members during last 5 years
Research articles published by NIST students in Reputed Int/National Journals/Inter/Nation Conference Proceedings during last 5 years
Pioneering cutting-edge research and technological advancement through global collaboration and interdisciplinary innovation
The Global Innovation Center at NIST is a hub for creativity, entrepreneurship, and cutting-edge research. Designed to nurture breakthrough ideas, it offers world-class infrastructure and resources to students and faculty across disciplines. The center fosters a culture of innovation by encouraging collaboration, experimentation, and problem-solving. From developing prototypes to launching start-ups, it provides a dynamic environment where academic learning meets real-world application.
The NIST University's 5G and Future Communication Global Innovation Centre (GIC) aims to foster technological research and innovation in the areas of 5G/6G and future communication with global collaboration leading to productization and deployment in actual field in solving customer business issue and challenges. The key is applied research and solutions to customer problems in the communication domain using advanced and future-proof technology.
As we navigate an era defined by rapid technological changes and complex global challenges, the NIST University's "5G and Future Communication GIC" is dedicated to multiple dimensions of innovation like Private Wireless Network (PWN) using 5G/6G, Softwarisation of Networks leveraging Open Sources, Open Radio Access Networks (ORAN), Networking software and systems architecture, Network of networks, Cyber security for Communication and associate Future Services (ecommerce, Multi Access Edge Compute (MEC), AI, IoT, Cloud and distributed compute etc.).
This is a state-of-the-art research facility dedicated to the design, fabrication, and analysis of next-generation electronic and optoelectronic devices. Equipped with advanced tools such as RF sputtering, metallization units, solar simulators, device characterization systems, and scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), the lab supports cutting-edge research in semiconductor and materials science.
Key focus areas include:
The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is integrated into the work-life culture at NIST University. AI has been extensively used now at the University from content creation, AI chatbots, translation service, advertising, and marketing to social media branding. NIST University has private cloud infrastructure, hardware, and software tools in support of state-of-the-art laboratories for research and innovation in AI and ML.
The areas of focus are:
The Biotechnology Global Innovation Center (GIC) has a special focus on Marine Biotechnology to leverage the marine biodiversity of 414 km of Odisha coastal belt. In addition to state of art laboratories in Molecular Biotechnology, the Biotechnology GIC is expected to leverage diverse resources and expertise of various labs, research, and innovation at NIST University (e.g., Bio-Informatics, Sensor Technology, IoT, AI in the medical vertical).
The Biotechnology GIC is involved in:
The Center of Research Excellence (CRE) at NIST is a hub for advanced innovation, interdisciplinary research, and knowledge creation. It hosts cutting-edge labs across domains, enabling students and faculty to explore real-world challenges with research-driven solutions.
Established by the Department of Mechanical Engineering, the EV Lab supports India’s growing electric mobility sector. Featuring a custom-built 6-seater EV with a 1500W motor, fast charging, and advanced safety design, the lab provides hands-on exposure to green mobility innovations.
Focuses on sustainable technologies across solar, wind, bioenergy, hydro, and smart grids.
A collaborative lab across Mechanical, Electronics, and CSE, fostering innovation in robotics.
Multimedia Lab specializes in 3D modeling, environment creation, animation, game development, AR, VR, Photoshop, and video editing, bringing creativity and technology together. We design detailed 3D assets and immersive environments for games, animations, and simulations. Our animation and video editing expertise helps create compelling visual narratives. Using Unreal Engine and Unity, we develop interactive games with engaging mechanics. In AR and VR, we craft immersive experiences for education, training, and entertainment. Additionally, we utilize Photoshop for graphic design and concept art. With innovation at our core, we strive to deliver high-quality digital content across various platforms.
The Data Analytics Lab at NIST University is a hub for innovation in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. Designed to empower students with cutting-edge skills, the lab supports hands-on learning in data analysis, predictive modelling, deep learning, and AI-driven solutions. Equipped with modern tools and guided by expert faculty, the lab fosters research, real-world project development, and interdisciplinary collaboration-preparing students for the future of data-driven decision-making.
The Centre for Drone Applications is a dedicated research and development hub focused on the advancement of drone technology and its wide-ranging applications. It aims to drive innovation in unmanned aerial systems by exploring cutting-edge solutions across sectors such as Surveying, agriculture, surveillance, disaster management, environmental monitoring, and logistics. Through interdisciplinary research, prototyping, and real-world testing, the centre fosters technological progress and supports the integration of drones into various industry and societal domains.
At NIST, the Drone Lab serves as a hub for innovation in aerial technology and intelligent systems. Equipped with advanced drones, vision sensors, and computing tools, the lab enables students to explore real-time image processing, object tracking, autonomous navigation, and AI-powered vision applications.
This interdisciplinary space encourages hands-on learning, research, and experimentation-empowering students to design future-ready solutions in surveillance, agriculture, mapping, and more.
The Computer Vision Lab is a cutting-edge research facility dedicated to developing intelligent systems that can interpret and understand visual data. Positioned at the intersection of computer science and engineering, the lab focuses on creating advanced computer vision algorithms using techniques like image processing, object detection, 3D reconstruction, motion tracking, and semantic segmentation. Through deep learning and neural networks, the lab enables machines to replicate and enhance human visual perception. Equipped with high-speed cameras, depth sensors, and GPU clusters, the lab supports real-time visual computing for applications across healthcare, automation, surveillance, and augmented reality. From facial recognition to real-time object tracking, the lab's research contributes to innovations in AI-powered visual intelligence. It also promotes collaborative research involving students, faculty, and industry partners, translating academic insights into impactful real-world solutions.
Powered by Dell PowerEdge servers and GPU clusters, enabling advanced simulations, AI, CFD, and big data research.
The Internet of Things (IoT) Center for Research and Excellence (CRE) at NIST University serves as a dynamic hub for innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and advanced research in the rapidly evolving field of IoT. Focused on integrating smart technologies into real-world applications, the IoT CRE brings together faculty, students, and industry partners to explore solutions in areas such as smart cities, healthcare, agriculture, manufacturing, and environmental monitoring. With state-of-the-art laboratories, prototyping facilities, and data analytics capabilities, the center aims to drive impactful discoveries while providing hands-on learning experiences for students. By fostering a culture of research, entrepreneurship, and community engagement, the IoT CRE plays a pivotal role in preparing the next generation of tech leaders and transforming tomorrow’s connected world. Use Case: Water Quality Monitoring system using LoRa, 4G and ThingSpwak Cloud
Exploring cutting-edge research across diverse domains through specialized research groups
A NISTian research group refers to a well-knit thinking micro-community obsessed with a specialization. The underlying philosophy being ten thinking heads are better than one. We have the following groups:
The group at the Center for Nanoscience and Technology was founded by Late Prof. S.N.Sahu and this group is currently very active in the areas of nanocrystal semiconductors and metallic nanoparticles with a motivation for possible applications in solar cells for fuel production, chemical/biosensors, nano-electric devices and environmental application.
High Performance Computing involves using large computers to solve major scientific and engineering problems. The members of the HPC group at NIST investigate many aspects of High Performance Computing from innovations in core numerical algorithms, to system software and tools to enabling productive use of large-scale computation.
The objective of the Computer Vision group is to conduct research in Digital Image Processing, Computer Vision, Pattern Recognition, and related areas. The group engages many B.Tech and M.Tech students in research and algorithm development related to computer vision. It also provides hands-on experience to students in developing medical image analysis tools.
This group explores research challenges in wireless communication and networks. It focuses on anchor-free localization in underwater sensor networks, fault detection in wireless sensor networks, mobility patterns of sensor nodes, routing in vehicular networks, outlier detection, spectrum sensing, and handoff in cognitive radio sensor networks.
The group applies VLSI concepts for silicon implementation and trains students for the Cadence VLSI Certification Program (CVCP) with Cadence, India. It provides hands-on training in Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools for VLSI/ASIC design, engaging students in practical learning and skill development.
Space-faring nations actively explore outer space and planetary bodies in our solar system, both independently and collaboratively. Missions from low-Earth orbit to the Moon and beyond to various destinations across the solar system have been successfully conducted.
The group actively researches antennas and the characterization of microwave devices and circuits. It uses tools like Microwave Office, CST, and IE3D for studies. The group also has access to an Antenna Fabrication Unit, a Vector Network Analyzer (UWB band), and an Anechoic Chamber (X-band).
The primary research areas of this group are Semiconductor Device Physics, VLSI, Nanotechnology, Microelectronics, and Photovoltaics. The group primarily focuses on the fabrication and characterization of semiconductor devices and nanotechnology.
The research focuses on 2D electron density and mobility in GaN/AlGaN asymmetrically coupled quantum well heterostructures for MODFET device development. It also investigates the effects of external or gate electric fields on electron mobility in pseudomorphic GaAs/InGaAs quantum well FET structures.
Our research focuses on distributed, fault-tolerant, real-time embedded systems. Over 90 percent of existing computer systems are embedded, comprising both hardware and software components. The group’s primary research interests include distributed embedded systems and real-time applications.
Having moved beyond the age of automation, society is advancing toward robotization. Most complex and sophisticated tasks are performed using robots. Robotics applications span key fields such as defense, transportation, civil engineering, mechanical systems, agriculture, medicine, and astronomy.
This group focuses on various aspects of emerging technologies in power systems. The Phasor Measurement Unit (PMU), a measuring device, has already been deployed in many countries and is at the pilot stage in India to obtain accurate information about power system behavior.
This group focuses on Summability in sequence spaces, Cosmology, mathematical models for inventory control, and optimization problems. It is actively engaged in guiding and completing the Ph.D. research of several group members, contributing to advancements in these specialized areas.
This group focuses on designing and developing autonomous robots that solve complex problems using real-time artificial intelligence control techniques. Currently, the group’s objectives are centered on developing intelligent systems for a variety of applications.
This group focuses on developing new materials and modifying existing ones to enhance performance, address technical gaps in the literature, and meet societal and industrial needs. It is also actively engaged in advanced materials characterization techniques.
The group works on developing algorithms for the Euler equation, supersonic flow visualization, new refrigerants and absorbents, fluid flow analysis, and CFD. Its research focuses on energy efficiency and applications in fluid dynamics, aiming to advance both theoretical and practical aspects of the field.
Our research focuses on the development of bio-waste materials for industrial applications. We study the mechanical and tribological behavior of natural fiber composites and investigate the carbonization of natural fibers to enhance their mechanical and tribological performance, using the Taguchi approach for analysis.
The Renewable Energy group engages in research projects, short-term courses, and innovative product development. It conducts feasibility studies and implements projects for agencies, industries, and CSR programs in rural areas, focusing on the broader Food-Water-Energy nexus.
This group focuses on assessing and validating global code specifications, especially Indian, American, and British codes, by applying modern design methods like the Strut-and-Tie approach instead of conventional sectional force design, for the design and detailing of various structural members.
This group focuses on using geosynthetics to enhance soil stability and improve bearing capacity through waste materials. It also studies and ensures soil characteristics to support various construction activities, aiming for sustainable and efficient engineering solutions.
NIST regularly organizes workshops, seminars, conferences, and faculty development programs to foster academic excellence, research collaboration, and professional growth. These events feature distinguished experts and cover cutting-edge topics across various disciplines.
NIST gives strong emphasis on the sponsored research, collaborative research funded by the Government and Industry funding agencies. Institute has built up strong industrial interaction with various industry for collaboration in research work. The institute has set up modern laboratories and the supporting infrastructure.
To achieve enhanced industrial participation in the engineering education, the institute has taken initiative to start the industry collaboration training programs. The sponsored research has helped to create the infrastructure to strengthen the facilities in some of the emerging areas of technology.
The faculty of the institute maintains strong industrial links by undertaking consultancy assignments. This includes job of varied nature like troubleshooting, product and process development and design checks. Institute is doing collaborative research work with top Institute of India and Abroad like IITs, NIT, NEERI, Nagpur, CMET, Pune, University of Hyderabad, University of California, Michigan State University, Stanford University, and NJIT, USA.
MS from New Jersy Institute of Technology, USA.
of Research Projects Fund from Govt. of India received by NIST faculty during last 5 Years
of Consultancy fund from Industry received by NIST in last 5 Years
of fund received by NIST to conduct Workshop/Conference/Training/Sc. Camp/FDP programs in NIST during last 5 years
of International Travel to Grants received by NIST FACULTY MEMBERHS