The project by Pratik Kumar Singha and Sejal Jain, under the guidance of Dr. Suresh Nagesh titled Powering the world using Artificial Photosynthesis: A clean and sustainable Energy solution, made it to Top 10 projects at the Annual Conference of La Fondation, Dassault Systemes, India. The solution was selected from the projects funded by the foundation which were presented in the forum which included leaders and students all across the globe. The event marking the completion of two years by the foundation was held on Nov 20, 2020.

University research has a valuable long-term impact on students. In the research talk held for students recently, Dr. Gowri Srinivasa shared insights about how to approach the field of research. She answered common queries of students looking to dive into the field of research. She touched upon literature survey, trending topics and areas of a researcher’s personal interest. Dr. Gowri shared her experience about the research projects undertaken in association with Narayana Nethralaya. Participants got to know more about Google Scholar and the general structure of a research paper. The talk was organised by members of ACM PES University EC Campus Student Chapter on March 12, 2020.

Dr. Jessy Nair, Associate Professor, MBA Department received the award for Best Paper in Pedagogical Innovations for the paper titled Co-creation for continuous learning at MARKCON2020, Marketing Ecosystems and Innovations. The nomination was submitted in three parts: nomination details, innovation statement and annexures. The final round involved quizzing by the jury of Dr. Moutusy Maity, Professor-Marketing, IIM-Lucknow and Dr. Tapan Sarker, Griffith University, Australia. The International conference, open for faculty in marketing domain was held from 9-11 January, 2020 at IBA, Bangalore.

The Department of Civil Engineering conducted a detailed study and field work on Managing Traffic Congestion On High-density Corridor of Six-route stretch over a period of three months. The final report was handed over by Dr. Suryaprasad, Vice-Chancellor, PES University to Dr. Soumyalatha S. K., DCP -Traffic West Division, Bengaluru City. The report is a result of extensive analysis and evaluation by the consulting team of Dr Chandramouli S V, Technical Project Director; Prof J S Vishwas, Technical Project Expert and Coordinator; Prof Ramesh B V and Prof Basavaraj Dhannur, Project Site Incharge and Prof Ramachandra P, Financial and Treasury officer. 56 undergraduate students from PES University Central Campus were part of the project. The report covered road inventory survey, field data analysis, conclusions and recommendations for six-routes: Guruguntepalya-KempegowdaArch, RajajiNagar to Orion Mall, RajajiNagar-DhobhiGhat, Guruguntepalya- Sandal Soap Factory, Verabhadra Signal to Bendre Underpass, RajajiNagar-Sandal Soap Factory. The report on the social development project titled Managing Traffic Congestion On High-density Corridor (Six-route stretch) allocated by Traffic Police Department, Government of Karnataka was handed over on Jan 21, 2020 in an event on PES University campus.

Abhishek S and Rahul Krishna of 8th sem Mechanical Engineering, PES University, under the guidance of Dr. Jessy Nair, Associate Professor, Dept of MBA, presented a paper titled "Millennial State of Mind : Testing perceptual factors of aspirational luxury products among urban millennials in India" and won The best student research paper award at the International Conference On Marketing - MARKCON 2020 hosted by Indus Business Academy.

Dassault Systemes under their La Foundation India which funds specific fundamental research activities, is a prestigious award from Dassault Systemes offered to select few institutes across the country. PESU is one among 3 such institutes funded by the La Foundation this year and only one in Karnataka state. The project comes under the broad category of computational material science. In particular the work being done at PESU is titled “Powering the world by Artificial Photosynthesis - A clean and sustainable energy solution’’. Work will also involve using Dassault Systemes proprietary software BIOVIA being developed specifically for work related to computational material science and computational chemistry. PESU is proud to associate itself on such fundamental research activities with Dassault Systemes Foundation and thank La Foundation for the opportunity.

Prof. Guilhereme Almeida, Senior Director, Global Engagement office, University of California, Riverside, USA along with Mr. Ramani Ramarathinam, CEO, Fluid Tech Solutions Inc, visited PES University, Ring Road campus on 4th Dec, 2019. The visitors met Vice Chancellor Prof. K N B Murthy and discussed about the opportunities of collaboration between UC, Riverside and PES University. Later, an interaction session with Chairpersons and HoDs of all the departments were held in the presence of Dr. V Krishnamurthy, Registrar. Dr. Sudarshan T S B, Dean of Research extended a warm welcome to the visitors. Prof. Guilherme Almeida gave a brief introduction about UC, Riverside and discussed about various programs and domains in which both the universities can explore collaborative avenues. The Chairpersons and HoDs had a fruitful interaction and the session concluded with a positive note of understanding and to seek further direction to take this collaboration forward. Prof. Guilhereme Almeida, thanked PES University management and faculty members for the excellent hospitality.

Vibha Chetan and Rohan Sridhar received the ‘Best Student Presentation’ in student category at the International Conference on Future of Education 2018. They co-authored paper titled Evolution of education through gamification with Ganesh. Vibha and Rohan are students of design program at PES University. The conference inviting academia, scholars, researchers, industry experts and policy makers with broad and diverse research interests from around the world was held from June 26 to 27, 2018 in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Team Aranea from PES University works on novel de-orbiting mechanism for Micro and Nano satellites in low and medium altitude Earth orbits (LEOs & MEOs) in the project called Ultra-thin Wires Drag Enhancement System (UWDES). Ten members of the team attended the International Astronautical Congress (IAC)-2017 held at Adelaide, Australia from Sept 25th to 29th. IAC is the largest annual space tech conference attended by scientists, industry and academia worldwide. The team presented a paper on the UWDES concept, titled “Drag Enhancement for Spacecraft using Numerous Ultra-Thin Wires Arranged into Drag-Wire Webs of Various Configurations”. Earlier, the project reached the Top 10 Innovations of the IIGP 2.0 (India Innovation Growth Programme) 2017, University Challenge competition jointly organized by Dept. of Science and Technology (DST), Lockheed Martin (LM) and Tata Trusts. A grant of Rs. 10 lakhs was awarded for the project as part of Phase A of the competition. During IAC-2017, the team met and Dr. Robie Roy, Vice President, Technology Strategy & Innovation, Corporate Engineering, Technology and Operations, Lockheed Martin Corporation, USA to discuss the prospects of the UWDES project. Dr Robie Roy conveyed to Dr Sharan Asundi, mentor for the project and adjunct faculty at CORI, PES University, that he was deeply impressed by the team’s work. Prakash M. Sesha, Lockheed Martin Fellow considered the presentation by team Aranea as one of the best student led presentations during the down-select at IIT Bombay and looked forward to collaborating as the concepts develop into a demonstrable prototype.

The project submitted by Team Aranea in the category of Space Debris Mitigation has been recognized as one of the Top 30 innovations under the DST-Lockheed Martin-Tata Trusts’ India Innovation Growth Programme 2.0. The team devised a novel drag enhancement system for rapid de-orbiting of spacecraft (Nano/Micro-satellites) in Low Earth orbit (LEO). As part of the selection process into Top 10, the team was invited to present the innovation to subject matter experts. Five of the team members from the team took part in the presentation. Results are awaited. The team members include: Aishwarya Manjunath, Chaithra K, Vinod Ravi, Shrikanta Aradhya C S, Navyata Gattu, Shiva Kumar P, Yashaswi Gurumurthy, Swastik Nayak, Sahiti Vallamreddy, Suraj Singh, Vishwas N M, Raza M Khan, Sandhya G, Amruthavarshini S, Ananya Nair, Anushree C S, Naveen Balaji, Abdul Asif R, Pranay Singh Tomar, Sujan Kumar, Nakshatra Yalagach, Saurabh Surendran

PISAT was successfully placed into polar Sun Synchronous Orbit (SSO) orbit today by India’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, in its thirty-seventh flight (PSLV-C35). Prime Minister, Narendra Modi tweeted “I applaud the industrious and innovative students of PES University, Bengaluru for creating PISAT that was launched successfully today”. The launch vehicle, carrying multiple satellites including PISAT lifted off from Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh at 9:12 am. The team on the PES University campus is preparing to receive data from the satellite. PISAT was shipped to Sriharikota High Altitude Range (SHAR) rocket launch centre on 11th September 2016 in the presence of Director of ISRO Satellite Centre (ISAC), Dr. Mylswamy Annadurai, SSS PD Mr. Amareshwar Khened, and other officials. A team of 11 from PES University were present at SHAR for pre-launch activities of PISAT from 11th to 17th September. During the period PISAT was interfaced with ejection mechanism and integrated with the launch vehicle. Earlier, after stringent performance and quality tests by expert committee, the nanosatellite was formally handed over to ISRO at a function on the campus attended by top officials from the government and ISRO on April 20, 2016. The University takes pride in enabling students to get hands on experience and understand critical space technology and quality requirements. The joint initiative of ISRO and PES University and five other colleges proved to be a great opportunity for students to work on space research, analyze launch readiness and related activities. As a policy ISRO extends support to technical institutions and student missions. After extensive technical evaluation by ISRO scientists, PES University was given the responsibility of leading design, development, fabrication and testing of student nanosatellite, PISAT. Four other engineering colleges collaborated on the project. The University established Electro Static Discharge Room and Satellite Control Facility on campus. PISAT is a three axis stabilized imaging nanosatellite weighing about 5 Kg and generates 13 watts power with S-band RF communication. The major subsystems are: an imaging camera to provide earth imageries with 80 meter resolution, On Board Computer (OBC), Attitude Determination and Control System (ADCS), RF communication system with S Band frequency, telemetry, telecommand, thermal system, structure and Electrical Power System (EPS). The ground software was developed for on-ground orbit determination essential for mission operations. The University appreciates the commitment and diligence of the students and staff members who guided the students, Dr. V.K.Agrawal, Dr. V.Sambasiva Rao, Divya Rao A, Prof. Mahendra Nayak, Dr. S. Venugopalan, S. Nagabhushanam, and Shanmugham C N. The experience of working on a challenging assignment is sure to inspire the students to persevere and pursue excellence. The University will continue to actively support interdisciplinary projects that bring together students and staff from various streams to come up with solutions for real world problems.

PISAT, the nanosatellite designed and developed at PES University is all set to be launched. The journey to the launchpad at Sriharikota from the ISRO Satellite Centre in Bengaluru was flagged off by Mylswamy Annadurai, director of ISRO. The 35th Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) rocket will launch PISAT. Wishing the students, Mylswamy Annadurai said that it is a special day for ISRO satellite centre. While congratulating the students and their mentors, Chancellor, Dr. M R Doreswamy stated that the university is planning to develop more satellites to help address the problems of common man. A consortium of 250 students from 5 colleges under the guidance of PESU mentors in designed and developed the 3-axes stabilized imaging nano satellite. The custom made cuboidal structure of 5 kg carries an imaging camera as payload to capture the earth imagery of large areas at high resolution. The telecommand, telemetry and payload data transmission are carried out with S-Band RF Communication System. Sophisticated error detection and error correction coding techniques ensure reliable link performance. The active magnetic control system and advanced sun sensors are used for estimating attitude errors and magnetic torquer rods are used as actuators for attitude maintenance. High performance digital circuitry with sophisticated micro-controllers and interfaces enable smooth operation of the satellite. Modular software is embedded for attitude determination and control functions and payload operations. Body mounted solar cells generate 13W of power for charging the onboard battery with converters generating necessary supplies to various subsystems. PISAT is planned to be launched in a low earth polar sun synchronous orbit at an altitude of 680 km with a precise inclination. The mission operations are supported by an S-Band ground station commissioned at PES University campus. After stringent performance and quality tests by expert committee, the nanosatellite was formally handed over to ISRO at a function on the campus attended by top officials from the government and ISRO on April 20, 2016. Capable universities and institutions venture into space technology on-orbit with guidance and support from ISRO. PES University spearheaded the design, development, fabrication and testing functions for the nanosatellite.

The PISAT nanosatellite is ready for space launch in July 2016. PES University spearheaded the design, development, fabrication and testing functions for the nanosatellite. After stringent performance and quality tests by expert committee, the nanosatellite was formally handed over to ISRO at a function on the campus attended by top officials from the government and ISRO on April 20, 2016. Chief Guest Sri T B Jayachandra, Hon’ble Minister for Law, Parliamentary Affairs & Higher Education, Chairman, Karnataka State Higher Education Council, Govt. of Karnataka lauded the efforts of the University and said “It is heartening to note that ISRO is encouraging building up a strong scientific workforce in space technology by providing critical support to the technical institutions for motivating students towards space technology. ISRO provides guidance, critical components and free launch support to promote space technology among students. It is a pleasure for me to be in the midst of dedicated and motivated faculty who are nurturing the talented youth to be proud citizens of India and budding, aspiring students of PES University who have gathered here to celebrate the culmination of the meticulously executed events and rigorous pre-launch preparations for the student satellite PISAT”. Guest of honour Sri Amareshwar Khened Project Director, Small Satellite Systems (SSS) ISRO Satellite Centre (ISAC) spoke highly of the caliber of the students working on the project and said “ I congratulate all the PISAT team students and faculties who have successfully completed the milestones like vibration and Thermovac testing. It has been very useful to the students on order to get hands on experience”. The event was presided over by Dr. M R Doreswamy Ex-MLC and Chancellor, PES University who emphasized that “According to my knowledge this is the First University to launch a first student nano satellite with S-band Communication. We have spent nearly 1.25 crore for the satellite and ground station. It is a significant day in the history of PES Institutions”. Education for the real world. PES University is committed to developing highly skilled human resources with the ability to adapt to an intellectually and technologically challenging environment. The academic programs at PES University are designed to support the kind of progressive teaching and learning that the industry demands. Creating unique learning experiences for students. PES University’s is pleased and proud to share the story of PISAT nanosatellite, a testimony to the institution’s pursuit of academic excellence. The University takes pride in enabling over two hundred students get hands on experience and understand critical space technology and quality requirements. The joint initiative of ISRO, PES University and five other colleges proved to be a great opportunity for students to work in advanced facilities for space research, analyze launch readiness and related activities. PES University’s lead role. As a policy ISRO extends support to technical institutions and student missions. After extensive technical reviews by ISRO scientists, PES University was given the responsibility of leading design, development, fabrication and testing of nanosatellite PISAT. Four other engineering colleges collaborated on the project. The University established Electro Static Discharge Room and Satellite Control Facility on campus. Building nanosatellite with advanced features. PISAT is a three axis stabilized imaging nanosatellite weighing about 5 Kg and generates 13 watts power with S-band RF communication. The major subsystems are: an imaging camera to provide earth imageries with 80 meter resolution, On Board Computer (OBC), Attitude Determination and Control System (ADCS), RF communication system with S Band frequency, telemetry, telecommand, thermal system, structure and Electrical Power System (EPS). The ground software was developed for on ground orbit determination essential for mission operations. Clearing stringent performance and quality checks. The nanosatellite was subjected to critical design and stringent quality reviews at satellite center by a committee constituted by ISRO. Testing at the University’s research facility included card level testing, interface testing, integrated satellite level testing, calibrating camera and finalizing parameters. Testing at ISRO facility covered calibration of sun sensor and magnetometer, vibration test and thermovacuum test. The satisfactory performance of the prototype paved way for launch on C35 flight of Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle in July 2016. Nurturing excellence at PES University. The University appreciates the commitment and diligence of the staff members who worked on the project. The team included Dr. V.K.Agrawal, Dr. V.Sambasiva Rao, Ms. Divya Rao A, Prof. Mahendra Nayak, Dr. S. Venugopalan, Mr. S. Nagabhushanam, and Mr. Shanmugham C N. The experience of working on a challenging assignment is sure to inspire the students to persevere and pursue excellence. The University will continue to actively support interdisciplinary projects that bring together students and staff from various streams to come up with solutions for real world problems.

Come July, a nanosatellite that hundreds of students of PES University have worked on for over five years will be launched. PISAT — a close homonym to PESIT, but “actually named after the mathematical constant pi” — will be propelled into space by the Indian Space Research Organisation. The students are excited, while their mentors are busy ensuring that nothing goes wrong when the satellite is revolving around earth — at a distance between 680 and 720 km. The labs that house the electronic devices to control and orient the satellite are abuzz with activity, as the day for the payload to take off approaches. Guiding the students in this ambitious endeavour are Dr V K Agarwal, Dr V Sambasiva Rao — both formerly from ISRO — and Divya Rao A, assistant professor. All of them are working at Crucible of Research and Innovation (CoRI) at PES University. Dr Agarwal described PISAT as a near-earth satellite. “The main objective of the project is to teach students how a satellite works and what goes on before a satellite is ready for launch,” he told City Express. ISRO, he noted, was launching student satellites free of charge. “However, the expense incurred for the satellite design and ground station construction have exceeded 1.5 crore,” he added. Dr V Sambashiva Rao said new students are enrolled every year as PISAT would be an ongoing project. “SKR Engineering College, Veltech University, Chennai, Sona College of Technology, Salem, and Nehru College of Engineering, Thrissur, are also co-ordinating with us,” he said. Divya Rao said they had to work on three to four designs before the nanosatellite was finalised. “The design allows it to be very stable, a requirement for remote-sensing satellites,” she said. Dr Agarwal said PISAT would be the second student satellite from the state to be launched by ISRO.

Alok Shankar, Arvind Srikantan, Bhargav HS, Chiraag Sumanth, Ramesh Arvind from PES were in the team of 100 undergraduate students from India, who designed and implemented the research experiment ‘WISDOM OF CROWDS’. As a part of this research an online game to systematically investigate the wisdom of crowds effect was designed.