Somaiya Vidyavihar University, Frontier Labs Launch Centre of Excellence in Analytical Pyrolysis

Somaiya Vidyavihar University has partnered with Frontier Labs to establish a Centre of Excellence in Analytical Pyrolysis, aimed at advancing research and innovation in the field.
Somaiya Vidyavihar University (SVU) has inaugurated the Centre of Excellence in Analytical Pyrolysis (CoE-AnPy), a cutting-edge facility established in collaboration with Frontier Laboratories Ltd., Japan. The centre is designed to advance polymer science research, foster interdisciplinary learning, and strengthen industry engagement in India. The Centre will focus on addressing critical scientific and societal challenges related to natural and synthetic polymers, including sustainability, microplastics, and waste plastics management. It was inaugurated by Samir Somaiya, Chancellor of SVU, and Dr. Atsushi Watanabe Ichi, President of Frontier Laboratories Ltd., Japan.
The inauguration ceremony was graced by Dr Karthikeyan Sathrugnan, Regional Technical Marketing Manager, Frontier Laboratories Ltd, Singapore; Anusha Kadimisetti, Technical Marketing Manager, Frontier Laboratories Ltd, India; Lt. General H. S. Kahlon, Secretary, Somaiya Vidyavihar; Prof V N Rajasekharan Pillai, Vice Chancellor, SVU; Dr Nandkumar Gilke, Registrar, SVU; Prof S. Sivaram, Professor of Eminence, SVU, Somaiya Vidyavihar University and Frontier Laboratories Ltd, Japan, signed an MoU to formalise this collaboration.
Centre of Excellence in Analytical Pyrolysis
The centre is equipped with Frontier Laboratories’ advanced Pyrolysis Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (Py-GC/MS) instruments, including a multi-shot pyrolyser, selective sampler, cryogenic mill, and microjet cryotrap. These facilities will enable high-throughput polymer analysis, structural characterisation, and the study of degradation mechanisms with minimal sample preparation.
As part of the collaboration, researchers at Somaiya Vidyavihar University will undergo hands-on training led by experts from Frontier Laboratories and Shimadzu India Private Ltd. The programme includes a week-long session at IIT Madras and three days of on-site instruction, ensuring that students and faculty are well-prepared to utilise the advanced instrumentation for both research and teaching. Beyond access to state-of-the-art equipment, the partnership emphasises deep technical expertise and knowledge transfer from Frontier Laboratories.
Prof. V.N. Rajasekharan Pillai, Vice-Chancellor, Somaiya Vidyavihar University, said, "The Centre of Excellence in Analytical Pyrolysis is a key part of our vision to build world-class research facilities and foster international collaborations. With Frontier Laboratories, our students and faculty can now explore cutting-edge polymer research and tackle challenges like microplastics, while also strengthening industry and academic partnerships"
It is tough to compare which institute is easier to get admission into for BA courses among Somaiya Vidyavihar University and MIithibai College. Both of the institutes are privately owned and have similar reputations in Mumbai. However, if we compare the admission process, SVU Mumbai accepts the scores of the entrance examination CUET and SVU ET for admission to BA courses and Mithibai College offers admission on the basis of merit.
Candidates can choose any of the institutions according to their preferences. If candidates have secured good scores in their higher senior secondary or equivalent, they can get admission to Mithibai by merit on the basis of their achieved scores in Class 12.
On the other hand, if candidates have not secured satisfactory scores in their Class 12, they can perform well in the entrance examination i.e., CUET/ SVU ET to enrol in the BA course at Somaiya Vidyavihar University.
The total tuition fee for BCom courses at Somaiya Vidyavihar University ranges from INR 3.8 Lacs to INR 5 lakh. On the other hand, the total tuition fee for BCom courses at Mithibai College ranges from INR 37,600 - INR 1.6 lakh. Hence, it clearly can be seen that Mithibai College is more affordable than Somaiya Vidyaviahr University for BCom courses. However, the fee structure can be only one component that candidates consider while comparing institutes but several factors can be taken into account while choosing the best college, such as placement packages, seats, ranking of that particular institute, affiliation, accreditation, etc.
The fee amount mentioned is sourced from the official website/sanctioning body and is subject to change. Therefore, it is indicative.
Dr. Atsushi Watanabe, Ichi, President, Frontier Laboratories Ltd, Japan, added, "Pyrolysis techniques have existed since the early days of polymer science in the 1950s and 60s, but their potential has often been overlooked in favour of other analytical methods like Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). Today, with growing environmental challenges such as microplastics and plastic waste, pyrolysis stands out as a powerful tool to address these real-world problems. We hope that this Centre of Excellence will not only advance polymer research in India but also contribute solutions to global environmental challenges."
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The total tuition fee for BA courses at Somaiya Vidyavihar University ranges from INR 1.2 Lacs to INR 6 lakh. On the other hand, the total tuition fee for BA courses at Jai Hind College ranges from INR 28,000 to INR 1.3 lakh. Hence, it clearly can be seen that Jai Hind College is more affordable than Somaiya Vidyavihar University for BA courses.
However, the fee structure can be only one component that candidates consider while comparing institutes but several factors can be taken into account while choosing the best college, such as placement packages, seats, ranking of that particular institute, affiliation, accreditation, etc.
Note: The fee amount mentioned is sourced from the official website/sanctioning body and is subject to change. Therefore, it is indicative.