Ramesh Pokhriyal launches NanoSniffer, a microsensor based explosive trace detector

Vibha Sharma
Tribune News Service
New Delhi, April 9

India has developed the world's first micro-sensor based explosive trace detector (ETD), using a micro-electromechanical system (MEMS), called NanoSniffer— the world’s first Microsensor-based Explosive Trace Detector (ETD)”—was launched by Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ on Friday.

NanoSniffer provides trace detection of the nano-gram quantity of explosives, and delivers results in seconds.

It can accurately detect a wide range of military, commercial, and home-made explosives threats.

"NanoSniffer can detect explosives in less than 10 seconds. It identifies and categorises explosives into different classes. It detects all classes of military, conventional and home-made explosives, giving visible and audible alerts with sunlight-readable colour display," according to officials.

Further, analysis of the algorithms also helps in the categorisation of explosives into the appropriate class, according to a statement by the ministry.

It has successfully passed Pune-based DRDO’s High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL) testing, and has also been tested by the country’s elite counter-terror force National Security Guard (NSG), according to an official statement.

It has been developed by NanoSniff Technologies, an IIT Bombay incubated startup, and has been marketed by Vehant Technologies, a spin-off from a former IIT Delhi incubated startup Kritikal Solutions.

Pokhriyal said: “Given the constant threats, which our nation faces due to geo-political realities, explosives and contraband detection has become a norm at high-security locations like airports, railways and Metro stations, hotels, malls, and other public places.

“Checkpoints at such locations are incorporating advanced detection equipment for rapid scanning of people and baggage. Almost all these products for explosive detection are imported at a high cost leading to the loss of valuable foreign exchange by the country. NanoSniffer is a perfect substitute for such products”

Developed by NanoSniff Technologies, NanoSniffer is a step towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a self-reliant India, he added.

"It is a 100% Made in India product in terms of research, development, and manufacturing. The core technology of NanoSniffer is protected by patents in the U.S. and Europe.

“This affordable device will reduce India’s dependency on imported explosive trace detector devices. It will also encourage other institutions, startups, and medium-scale industries to research & develop products indigenously. It’s a perfect example of the lab-to-market product,” he added.

The minister said it is a “perfect example of academia and industry collaboration, which will set an example for other startups in India.” NanoSniff Technologies has partnered with Vehant Technologies, a pioneer in Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning- based Physical Security, Surveillance and Traffic Monitoring & Junction Enforcement Solutions.