SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST), Kattankulathur, on May 6 inaugurated the Centre for Intelligent Marine and Energy Systems (CIMES), a Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), Government of India–recognized Centre of Excellence, marking a significant step in advancing India’s capabilities in marine technology, coastal research, and sustainable energy systems.
The Centre was inaugurated by Dr. M. Ravichandran, Secretary, MoES, in the presence of Dr. M. V. Ramana Murthy, Director & Scientist-G, National Centre for Coastal Research, along with senior academic and research leadership of SRMIST.
The launch of CIMES positions SRMIST at the forefront of interdisciplinary innovation, bringing together artificial intelligence, marine engineering, and energy systems to address some of the most pressing challenges in ocean science and climate resilience. The Centre is envisioned as a hub for cutting-edge research, technology development, and collaborative innovation aligned with national priorities such as the blue economy and sustainable development.
The inauguration ceremony featured a walkthrough of advanced research projects undertaken at the Centre. Key focus areas include Artificial Intelligence-driven analytics, Digital Twin technologies, autonomous underwater systems, and next-generation sustainable energy solutions tailored for marine and coastal environments. These initiatives aim to enable smarter ocean monitoring, efficient resource management, and scalable solutions for climate adaptation.
Distinguished guests at the event included Dr. Balaji Ramakrishnan, Director, NIOT; Dr. Sivathanu Pillai, Professor Chair; Dr. C. Muthamizhchelvan, Vice Chancellor, SRMIST; Dr. C. Neppolian, Dean (Research); Dr. K. Vijayakumar, Chair, School of Electrical Engineering; Dr. R. Sridhar, Head, Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering; and Dr. J. Preetha Roselyn, Professor and Centre Head, CIMES, among others.
The visiting dignitaries engaged with research teams, reviewed ongoing projects, and explored pathways for scaling innovations from lab to real-world deployment. The discussions highlighted the importance of strong collaboration between academia, government, and industry in accelerating technological advancements and strengthening India’s position in marine and energy research.
