The CSIR-Central Glass & Ceramic Research Institute (CGCRI) in Kolkata has presented its research portfolio across five priority sectors as part of the government’s Viksit Bharat initiative to build a developed India. The institute, which completed 75 years of scientific work in 2025, demonstrated how materials science research can translate into commercial products and strategic technologies for the country.
Professor Bikramjit Basu, Director of CGCRI, outlined the institute’s approach of moving discoveries from laboratories into industries, regulatory approval and public use. The presentation was made during a media tour organised by the Press Information Bureau’s Hyderabad office to showcase government research institutions.
Key facts
- CGCRI established in 1950; now 75 years old
- Research across five sectors: healthcare, strategic and national security, industry and infrastructure, energy, water and sustainability
- Hip-joint replacement ceramic femoral heads transferred to Indian industry partner and commercialised
- Spinal implant materials and thulium fibre laser system for kidney stone treatment developed
- Ceramic radomes, chalcogenide glass and optical glass developed for defence and space applications
- Paper-based ceramic separator called PEPARETOR developed for batteries and supercapacitors
- Green hydrogen production technology using solid oxide electrolyser under development
Healthcare innovations
CGCRI has developed materials for several medical applications. The institute created zirconia-toughened alumina ceramics for hip-joint replacement femoral heads. This technology has already been licensed to an Indian company and the product is available in the market. The institute has also worked on advanced materials for spinal implants to improve patient outcomes in spine surgery.
For kidney stone treatment, CGCRI designed a thulium fibre laser system that enables precise fragmentation of stones without excessive damage to surrounding tissue. The institute has additionally created a non-invasive breath analyser to help identify diabetes-related metabolic changes. It has also developed electrospun fibre materials for use in sanitary hygiene products, combining innovation with practical everyday applications.
Defence and space applications
The institute collaborates with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on strategic technologies. CGCRI has produced ceramic radomes—protective covers for radar and communication systems—designed to withstand high-temperature conditions without signal loss.
For thermal imaging systems used in defence applications, the institute manufactures chalcogenide glass, a specialised optical material. It has also developed laser glass for high-energy applications and high-quality optical glass for space missions. The institute has met stringent optical homogeneity standards required for space-grade glass, meaning the material has consistent properties throughout to ensure satellite and spacecraft equipment functions reliably.
Energy and storage technologies
CGCRI is developing solid oxide electrolyser technology that can split water molecules using high temperatures to produce green hydrogen, which burns without carbon emissions and is considered a clean fuel for the future. The institute is also creating advanced ceramic materials for rechargeable battery systems.
A notable development is PEPARETOR, a paper-based ceramic separator for lithium-ion, sodium-ion and supercapacitor batteries. Unlike conventional polymer separators, this material is cheaper to produce and resists flame, making it safer for battery applications. Such alternatives could reduce manufacturing costs and improve battery safety in electric vehicles and portable electronics.
Technology transfer and collaboration
CGCRI emphasises moving research from the laboratory stage to industrial production. The institute works with large industries, micro and small enterprises, startups, government research organisations and regulatory bodies to refine technologies, obtain approvals and support commercialisation. This approach ensures innovations address actual market needs and national priorities.
The institute also runs skills development and outreach programmes to build scientific interest among students and develop technical capacity in related fields.
What this means for you
These developments affect multiple groups. Patients may benefit from improved medical devices for joint and spine surgery, and new diagnostic tools. Defence and space sectors gain access to indigenous advanced materials, reducing dependence on imports. Energy and battery sectors can adopt locally developed technologies that may lower costs. Students interested in materials science and engineering have opportunities through CGCRI’s skill programmes. Small and medium enterprises can partner with the institute to develop and manufacture these technologies.