Manipal, May 29, 2024 - The Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT), proudly inaugurated the state-of-the-art Advanced Microwave and Antenna Lab today. This academic and research facility is poised to become a hub for cutting-edge research and innovation in microwave and antenna technologies.

The inaugural function was graced by esteemed dignitaries and key stakeholders from MAHE and the industry. The Chief Guest for the event, Lt Gen (Dr.) M D Venkatesh, Vice Chancellor of MAHE, Manipal, officially opened the lab. The event also featured Guests of Honour, including Dr. Narayana Sabahit, Pro-Vice Chancellor of MAHE, and Dr. P. Giridhar Kini, Registrar of MAHE. The function was presided over by Dr. Somashekara Bhat, Joint Director of MIT, Manipal.

The ceremony commenced with the inauguration of the Advanced Microwave and Antenna Lab (ECE Lab-12, AB5, Ground Floor), followed by a formal inaugural function at the ECE seminar hall, AB-5, MIT, Manipal. The Advanced Microwave and Antenna Lab focuses on several key design areas, including planar antennas for cellular and wireless applications, including MIMO antennas, metamaterial antennas, 5G and beyond 5G antennas, filters, power dividers, and couplers, RF energy harvesting antennas, biomedical antennas and nanoantennas, RF MEMS switches and phase shifters, radar antennas and phased arrays, RF and microwave amplifier design, and radar absorption materials. The lab features major testing facilities such as an anechoic chamber (800 MHz to 40 GHz) and a vector network analyser (300 KHz to 9 GHz). It is equipped to measure RF test parameters, including S-parameters, gain, axial ratio, cross-polarization, 2D E/H radiation pattern, and 3D radiation pattern.

Lt Gen (Dr.) M D Venkatesh, Vice Chancellor, MAHE, stated, "This new laboratory signifies a significant advancement for our institution. It is designed to become a hub for cutting-edge research, providing students and researchers with advanced tools and an optimal environment." Dr. Narayana Sabhahit, Pro-Vice Chancellor, MAHE, added, "This facility is a leading center for scientific exploration and will contribute significantly to both academic excellence and industry partnerships. We anticipate strong connections with various research institutions and organisations." Dr. P. Giridhar Kini, Registrar, MAHE, emphasised, "The Advanced Microwave and Antenna Lab will offer students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience develop critical thinking and practical skills essential for their future careers." Cdr. (Retd.) Dr. Anil K Rana expressed his best wishes for the success of the lab’s inaugural function, emphasizing its potential to make significant contributions to the communication field. Dr. Rana also conveyed his confidence that the lab will serve as a beacon of research excellence and innovation. He recognised the hard work and dedication of everyone associated in building this state-of-the-art lab facility. Dr. Somashekara Bhat, Joint Director, MIT, remarked, "Looking ahead, the prospects for this laboratory are incredibly promising. We expect many exciting developments, new projects, and collaborations on the horizon. This lab will also provide consultancy services to academia and the corporate world, generating revenue by offering measurement facilities for industry performance assessments."

The event was also attended by Dr. Geetha Maiya, Director of Student Affairs, MAHE, Dr. U C Niranjan, Director of Research and Training, Manipal Dot Net Pvt Ltd., officials from Entuple Technologies Pvt. Ltd., Bangalore, Associate and Assistant Directors, MIT, Heads of various Departments, MIT, department faculties, research scholars, and staff from the ECE department, MIT, Manipal.

The Advanced Microwave and Antenna Lab aims to establish itself as a Centre of Excellence, providing unparalleled research opportunities for students and researchers from MAHE constituent institutes and nearby colleges. It is set to play a pivotal role in advancing microwave and antenna technologies, contributing to both academic and industry advancements.