About the Speaker: Professor Virendra Kumar Vijay, an IREDA chair professor at the Centre for Rural Development and Technology at IIT Delhi, is a highly acclaimed scientist renowned for his expertise in rural technologies, biogas technology, and biofuels. He has been running a car on CBG (compressed Biogas ) since 2011 and has crossed 115000 km run on CBG.IIT Delhi is operating a 25 CUM/day biogas plant in the Gramodaya Parishar of IIT Delhi on kitchen waste obtained from 200 houses of professors and feeding it in the biogas plant. The gas generated is purified using IIT Delhi patented technology and filled in biogas Car every day. The CBG technology is licensed by IIT Delhi to many industries and Goshalas.

He played a significant role in establishing the Unnat Bharat Abhiyan (UBA), a nationwide program that aims to transform higher education and villages for Atmnirbhar Bharat by leveraging knowledge institutions to help build the architecture of an inclusive India with experiential learning in students and teachers of Higher Educational Institutions and bridging the gap between higher education institutes and rural India for collaborative village development.

As the national coordinator of UBA, Professor Vijay spearheads efforts to make academic and research environments more inclusive and socially relevant. The program covers various sectors, including organic agriculture, water management, rural energy systems, rural crafts and industries, sanitation, healthcare, housing, e-governance, and more. With over 3471 participating institutes and approximately ~17,000 adopted villages, UBA has made a significant developmental impact, with plans to extend its reach to all institutes and all lakh villages in the next five years.

Professor Vijay has made remarkable contributions to biogas purification and vehicular technology in India. He designed and developed small-scale biogas purification, Bio-CNG, and bottling technology, licensed to industries, cow shelters, and entrepreneurs. His research on engine performance and emissions using bio-CNG from waste led to the biomethane standard. Recognition of bio-CNG in the National Bio-Fuels Policy showcases efforts to reduce imports, boost the rural economy, and protect the environment. His mobile unit for biogas purification enables easy transport and storage, enhancing commercialization and creating rural employment. As the founder of the Biogas Forum India, Professor Vijay promotes biogas and bio-fertilizers. With numerous publications and lectures, he has significantly advanced sustainable energy practices in India.