In recognition of his efforts and research contributions toward advancing sustainable practices for metal waste recycling, Dr. Jimmy Karloopia, Assistant Professor from the Production and Industrial Engineering Department at Punjab Engineering College (Deemed to be University), Chandigarh, was selected as a Young S&T Leader (below 45 years) by the Department of Science & Technology, Government of India, under the Ministry of Science and Technology, at the Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC 2025) held from 3rd to 5th November 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

The conclave was inaugurated by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, brought together over 3,000 participants from academia, industry, and government under 11 thematic areas showcasing India’s expanding innovation and R&D ecosystem. The event served as a key platform supporting the nation’s transition toward the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

Dr. Karloopia’s research focuses on the recycling of metals and alloys from automotive components and industrial waste, transforming scrap materials into high-performance composites with enhanced mechanical strength and durability. His work reduces nations dependency on importing raw materials, and contributes to sustainable and self-reliant manufacturing in the domain of Advanced Materials and Manufacturing.

During the event, Dr. Jitendra Singh, Hon’ble Minister of Science & Technology and the Ministry of Earth Sciences, appreciated the contributions and efforts of young researchers working in nationally relevant and transformative areas. He encouraged them to continue advancing strategic technologies that align with the mission of Viksit Bharat 2047 and strengthen India’s global leadership in science and innovation.

Distinguished dignitaries Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood (Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India), Prof. Abhay Karandikar (Secretary, DST), and Dr. Shivkumar Kalyanaraman (CEO, Anusandhan National Research Foundation) highlighted the growing synergy between academia, R&D institutions, and industry to foster innovation and knowledge-driven growth.

Prominent plenary speakers at ESTIC 2025 included Prof. Andre Geim (Nobel Laureate, University of Manchester), Prof. Masaru Tomita (Keio University, Japan), Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla (Indian Air Force & ISRO), Prof. Govindan Rangarajan (Director, IISc Bangalore), and Prof. B.S. Murty (Director, IIT Hyderabad), among many others who shared transformative insights on science, innovation, and national development.