Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU) Katra has once again showcased its exemplary education system inculcating innovation in young minds of the University. This time, a B.Tech. 2nd Year Student Mr. Ayush Yadav has come up with a very innovative COVID-19 smart sanitizer Dispenser in what could be regarded as a ideal contribution of budding engineer to the University and Society at large in these global testing times.

Mr. Ayush along with his Mentor Dr. Rakesh Jha, Associate Professor-School of Electronics and Communication Engineering, SMVDU described the smart machine, which gives out sanitizer without touching the machine from a distance. This ensures no contact, thereby tackling the main cause of COVID–19, which is physical contact with things as chance of transmission increases with things being touched by others. It is as simple as to bring hand near the sanitizer jaar and it will give user a sufficient amount of sanitizer as recommended by health agencies. Adding to the innovation component further the device is self sufficient to raise an alarm if a person passes it without using as well automatically counts how many of the users. These properties make the device a must have, in the office spaces, in coming times as we have to live with COVID-19 for quite some time as indicated by health agencies worldwide.

SMVDU caters a unique environment of innovation and entrepneurship in the region and envisions education with futuristic goals in objectives. As a result, faculty and students have been bringing laurels to the University time and again. Recently securing 71st Rank by SMVDU, worldwide in Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2020 recently, and being only University from the region of Jammu and Kashmir for fullfiling one of the futuristic United Nations sustainable development goals, indicates the determination. The credit of all these innovations and laurels rests with the indespensible efforts of Vice-Chancellor of the University Prof. R K Sinha.

Vice-Chancellor of SMVDU appreciated Mr. Ayush and his faculty mentor for this achievement and encouraged the budding Engineers for more innovations like this, which could be beneficial for society. Deans and other faculty members of the university also expressed their best wishes to the Young student and the faculty mentor. SMVDU Technology Business Incubation centre offered the team to develop it further as an idea for a startup and assured full support. Mr. Ayush and Dr. Rakesh Jha thanked Institution Innovation council SMVDU and TEQIP III Grant for their support in bringing idea into reality. SMVDU IP Management cell has also initiated agreements for technology transfer so that the device can be brought to market for the use of common masses earliest possible.