Lucknow, March 11 Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath met Nobel laureate Konstantin Novoselov here on Wednesday and discussed the possibilities of making Uttar Pradesh a major hub for advanced material research and engineering, officials said.
Rajat Verma, CEO of Lohum, and the company's Chief of Staff, Ayush Sabat, were also present at the meeting.
According to a press statement, the visiting delegation appreciated the positive investment environment in the state, while the chief minister welcomed Novoselov and the Lohum representatives to Uttar Pradesh.
During the meeting, discussions were held on the possibilities of developing the state into a leading national hub for advanced material research and engineering.
Officials said the talks also covered Lohum's plan to establish India's first "Rare Earth to Magnet" integrated facility in Uttar Pradesh, which is expected to promote high-tech manufacturing in the country.
Novoselov, who is globally known for isolating Graphene, is working with Lohum as a strategic advisor and collaborator with the aim of applying advanced material science at an industrial scale in battery technology and the energy sector.
The collaboration between Lohum and Novoselov focuses on two key areas – the use of two-dimensional materials such as graphene to enhance the capacity, safety, and lifespan of next-generation lithium-ion batteries, and the development of advanced recycling systems for batteries and permanent magnets to ensure improved recovery of critical minerals.
Officials said the initiative could also support the country's Make in India programme and contribute to India's green energy goals by strengthening the circular economy for critical minerals.