BITS Pilani Unveils Centre for Research Excellence in National Security at Hyderabad Campus
The Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani Hyderabad has inaugurated a new Centre for Research Excellence in National Security (CRENS). This new centre is set to enhance India’s security capabilities through the development of indigenous technologies, focusing on joint research, skill development, and entrepreneurship.
CRENS aims to support the country’s goal of becoming self-reliant in the national security sector by collaborating with organizations such as DRDO, ISRO, DAE, tri-services, paramilitary forces, police, defense PSUs, and various industries. The initiative is expected to contribute significantly to India’s strategic and economic growth, ensuring a more secure and prosperous nation.
The inauguration ceremony was graced by Dr. G Satheesh Reddy, former Secretary of DD R&D, former Chairman of DRDO, and former Scientific Adviser to the Defence Minister, who served as the chief guest. Dr. Reddy emphasized the critical need for developing new technologies to address asymmetric warfare challenges, which are increasingly prevalent in today’s global security landscape. He also noted the strategic advantage of CRENS’s location at the Hyderabad campus, which facilitates collaboration with numerous important institutions in the region.
The strategic focus of CRENS is divided into three key verticals. The first vertical will offer hybrid courses, both online and offline, designed to enhance the skill sets of professionals in the national security domain. The second vertical is dedicated to research aimed at providing practical solutions for service personnel. The third vertical will foster innovation by encouraging startups in defense, space, and other strategic sectors vital to the nation’s needs.
Prof. V. Ramgopal Rao, Vice Chancellor of BITS Pilani, expressed pride in the new centre, stating, “National security research and innovation require significant emphasis. We are proud to have a dedicated centre here at BITS Pilani Hyderabad. By uniting key stakeholders in the national security domain, CRENS aims to advance research, support innovation, and develop the skills of professionals, making our country self-reliant in security science and technology”.
The launch of CRENS marks a significant step towards bolstering India's national security capabilities through advanced research and innovation.
