12 December 2024 12:37 am Views - 46
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Dr. Thushara Perera
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Thilan Wijesinghe
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The Sri Lanka Institute of Nanotechnology (SLINTEC) witnessed a remarkable transformation, with four patents being commercialised, with an additional four innovations in the advanced stage of commercialisation.
Prior to 2023, the SLINTEC, over its 16-year history since its establishment in 2008, commercialised approximately seven patents and innovations, averaging fewer than two commercialisations per year. In addition, up to 2022, the SLINTEC faced significant challenges, including a notable loss of 80+ scientists over four years and financial constraints affecting operational sustainability.
According to SLINTEC Chairman Thilan Wijesinghe, the SLINTEC’s revenue in 2024 reached a record high and is poised to be eclipsed in 2025.
At present, the SLINTEC is the only research-based institution that does not rely on the government funding for the recurring expenses. An institution with 50 percent shareholding by the National Science Foundation and 50 percent by private sector companies such as MAS, LOLC, Brandix and Hayleys, the SLINTEC now serves as a model for public-private collaboration in advancing scientific innovation in Sri Lanka.
The organisation’s commitment to sustainability is demonstrated through research and development (R&D) focused on natural dyes – a strategy adopted to position the SLINTEC as a global leader in this area and to assist growth and innovation in Sri Lanka’s apparel industry. In this regard, two patents have already been commercialised, including coconut husk and palm oil waste-based natural dyes as well as a patent based on packaging material made using agricultural waste such as corn husk.
SLINTEC CEO Dr. Thushara Perera, formerly a Senior Scientist at Pfizer Inc., USA and Director Innovation Health Science and Technology at MAS, shared that the vision is to make the SLINTEC Sri Lanka’s most valuable science-based asset through structured commercialisation of R&D.
“We hope to drive the SLINTEC to become a hub for cutting-edge research and sustainability-driven innovation while forging impactful partnerships with industry, local and international universities and R&D establishments, covering a multititle of sectors such as minerals, agriculture and export manufacturing,” he said.