New Delhi: The National Research Development Corporation (NRDC) has transferred the technology for an Autonomous Underwater Profiling Drifter (AUPD), capable of measuring ocean parameters at depths of up to 2,000 metres, to Coratia Technologies Pvt. Ltd.
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The technology transfer agreement was signed and exchanged on October 21, 2026, at the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) campus in Chennai. The technology was developed by NIOT.
Prof. Balaji Ramakrishnan, Director of NIOT, and Debendra Pradhan, Chief Executive Officer of Coratia Technologies, signed and exchanged the tripartite technology transfer licence agreements.
Representing NRDC, Dr. B. K. Sahu, Head-Outreach, Dr. Bhavya Manjeera and Dr. Hareram participated in the event virtually. NIOT officials present at the event included Dr. Vijaya Ravichandran, Scientist-G and Deputy Director; Dr. Phani Kumar and Dr. Muthuvel Panayan, both Scientist-G and Group Directors; and K. Chithra, Scientist-F and Project Director, along with other scientists.
The AUPD is a free-drifting, buoyancy-controlled device designed to measure ocean temperature, salinity and depth. It can profile ocean conditions down to 2,000 metres and transmit data in real time via satellite.
Equipped with a conductivity, temperature and depth (CTD) sensor, the system is designed to improve understanding of ocean heat distribution and freshwater transport. The data can also support ocean forecasting models through data assimilation, helping researchers monitor climate variability and improve ocean-related assessments.
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The technology has applications in climate research and marine ecosystem management, while supporting advances in ocean technology and scientific infrastructure. Its potential contribution aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 7, 9, 13 and 14, covering clean energy, industry and innovation, climate action, and life below water, respectively.
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