University’s best practices for SDGs

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) established by the United Nations are a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all. Achieving these goals requires a concerted effort from all sectors of society, wherein educational institutions like universities play major role in creating awareness among citizens. Universities acts as centers of knowledge, research, and innovation and thus play crucial role in advancing sustainable development goals. Lovely Professional University has adopated many best practices for achieving the SDGs through education, research, community engagement, and partnerships.

List of MoU signed with various Academic/Research Organizations, Industries, Commission for comparative approaches through collaborative work:

International MoU – Lower & Lower-Middle Income Countries (Academic/Research) Country SDG Weblink
Al-Taqwa Institute of Higher Studies Afghanistan 4, 17 Click here
Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology Bangladesh 4, 17 Click here
Mizan-Tepi University Ethiopia 4, 17 Click here
Accra Technical University Ghana 4, 17 Click here
Kibabii University Kenya 4, 17 Click here
Naryn State University Kyrgyzstan 4, 17 Click here
Millennium University Malawi 4, 17 Click here
Pokhara University Nepal 4, 17 Click here
Bayero University, Kano Nigeria 4, 17 Click here
Mariano Marcos State University Philippines 4, 17 Click here
Hormuud University Somalia 4, 17 Click here
Singer Music Academy Sri Lanka 4, 17 Click here
University of Kwazulu- Natal South Africa 4, 17 Click here
Silk Road International University of Tourism Uzbekistan 4, 17 Click here
VNU University of Science Vietnam 4, 17 Click here
MoU with National - Research Institute City SDG Weblink
ICAR - Central Potato Research Institute Shimla 2, 12 Click here
Central Power Research Institute Bangalore 7, 9, 13 Click here
ICAR - Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research Haryana 2, 12 Click here
ICAR - National Research Centre On Meat Hyderabad 2, 3, 12 Click here
CSIR-Advanced/Materials and Processes Research Institute Bhopal 9, 12, 13 Click here
All India Institute of Medical Science, Bathinda Bathinda 3 Click here
DRDO - Defence Institute of High Altitude Research Ladakh 3, 9, 13 Click here
ICAR- National Institute of Plant Biotechnology New Delhi 2, 9, 15 Click here
CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research Lucknow 3, 6, 12 Click here
ICAR-Central Soil Salinity Research Institute Karnal 2, 6, 15 Click here
MoU with Industries City SDG Weblink
PerkinElmer India Pvt. Ltd. Thane 3, 9, 12 Click here
Bruker India Scientific Private Limited Mumbai 3, 9, 12 Click here
EKI Energy Services Ltd. Indore 7, 9, 13, 17 Click here
Centum Electronics Limited Bangalore 8, 9, 12 Click here
Xenonstack Pvt. Ltd. Chandigarh 8, 9, 17 Click here
Mibiz Knowledge Park Pvt. Ltd. Kerala 4, 8, 9 Click here
Prabhat Fertilizers and Chemicals Works Karnal 2, 9, 12, 15 Click here
Tarkha Farmers Producer Company Limited New Delhi 1, 2, 8, 12 Click here
National Biodiversity Authority Chennai 13, 14, 15, 17 Click here
Krishi Vigyan Kendra Gyaba Sikkim 1, 2, 4, 15 Click here
MoU with NGOs City SDG Weblink
Mount Valley Development Association Development NGO 1, 2, 3, 6, 13, 15 Click here
MSME Chamber of Commerce and Industry of India business/advocacy NGO 8, 9, 17 Click here
Manav Vikas Sansthan holistic development NGO 1, 3, 4, 10 Click here
Sankalp-Society for Promoting Inclusive Education Empowering through education 4, 5, 10 Click here
GOONJ Transforming - ReSourceful 1, 3, 11, 12, 13 Click here
Teach to Lead Bridge educational gaps. 4, 5, 10 Click here
Heartfullness Education Trust heart-based meditation,socio-emotional learning. 3, 4, 16 Click here
Hospital MoU for Research and academic City SDG Weblink
Nims Super Speciality Hospital Jaipur 3, 9 Click here
Christian Medical College and Hospital Ludhiana 3, 9, 17 Click here
MoU with Non-Profit Organization City SDG Weblink
Satcom Industry Delhi 9, 11, 17 Click here

International collaborative projects

The collaborative research project between Lovely Professional University (LPU) and the Canadian Network of Centres of Excellence (NCE) aims to advance innovation and knowledge exchange in key areas such as sustainable agriculture, climate change mitigation, and advanced technologies. Leveraging the strengths of both institutions, this partnership focuses on developing cutting-edge solutions that address global challenges while fostering academic and scientific collaboration.

Through joint research initiatives, student and faculty exchanges, and shared expertise, the project aspires to contribute significantly to both regional and global advancements in science and technology.

An innovative green technology for treating municipal and industrial wastewater entering rivers and streams

SDGs Mapped: SDG6, SDG11, SDG12, SDG14, SDG17
Funder: Mitacs, Canadian Network of Center of Excellence, Canada
Investigators:
  • Dr. Rameshwar Kanwar, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara
  • Dr. Neeta Raj Sharma, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara
  • Dr. Joginder Singh Panwar, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara
  • Dr. Raj Kumar, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara

Objectives: The research project focused on the use of biomass based biochars and hydrochars derived from waste rice husk to remove contamination caused by heavy metals in industrial and domestic wastewater before entering water bodies like rivers, lakes and streams.

Outcomes:
  • Development of pilot-scale cost-effective pyrolyzer pryolyzer that was used to synthesize biochar from rice husk in consultation with industry Bio Age Equipment and Services, Mohali, India.
  • Analysis of heavy metal content of Buddha Nallah wastewater revealing the high concentrations of Iron, Zinc, Nitrogen in water which is beyond the permissible limits described by World Health Organization.
  • Reduction in chemical oxygen demand (COD) and biological oxygen demand (BOD) by up to 80and total suspended solid (TSS) value by 90%

For more information, Click Here

Contaminated Land Reclamation Using Hybrid Absorbable Landscape And Native Plant Species

SDGs Mapped: SDG6, SDG11, SDG12, SDG14, SDG17
Funder: India Canada IMPACTS Center of Excellence, Vancouver, Canada
Investigators:
  • Dr. Rishi Gupta, University of Victoria, Canada
  • Dr. Neeta Raj Sharma, Lovely Professional University, India

Objectives: The research projected focused on the development of technique that involved the plantation of genetically modified poplar trees to remediate heavily contaminated soil. The research site was chosen in India for demonstration is polluted with heavy metals.

Outcomes:
  • The developed innovative system provided an opportunity to remediate the polluted and contaminated location thereby leading to the improvement in environment
  • It also helped to increase the public awareness towards water quality standards. ·Rhizo-filtration and phytoremediation methods were promoted so as to remove the metals and other pollutants by use of genetically modified plant species
  • In addition to above said techniques some locally manufactured Geopolymer pavers were also used to remove the pollutants.

For more information, Click Here

A Floating Treatment Wetland System for Removing Contaminants from Rivers and Streams using a Biomimicry Approach

SDGs Mapped: SDG6, SDG11, SDG12, SDG14, SDG15, SDG17
Funder: India-Canada IMPACTS Center of Excellence, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Investigators:
  • Dr. Shiv Prasher, McGill University, Canada
  • Dr. Ramesh Kanwar, Lovely Professional University, India

Objectives: The research project focused on the adoption of relatively simple, sustainable and effective technologies for wastewater treatment. It also aimed for the promotion of use of wastewater for agriculture, with safety.

Outcomes:
  • The filtration system developed helped in reduction of heavy metal concentrations like cadmium, lead and thallium.
  • In addition, the results and analysis indicated that the filtration system started worked efficiently after 5 days of conditioning with nutrients and microorganisms in wastewater.

For more information, Click Here

AGROMETROLOGY station established in University Agricultural Fields
AGROMETROLOGY station established in University Agricultural Fields

Sustainability Focused Research and Innovation

LPU is poineer private institution with focused sustainable research and innovation, making to meet global challenges. Univerity has received many funded projects (table given above) that lead to contribution of valuable knowledge and solutions. Moreover, academic research outcome leads to practices for guiding businesses, and communities toward sustainable practices.

University has its own agrometrology station that detects any unusal change in weather conditions and nearby people in villages, cities especially farmers can be informed prior. LPU has ‘Innovation Studio’ to create new prototypes that help in sustainability. As an outcome, Universities has dedicated research centers to sustainable development, fostering collaboration between scholars, policymakers, and practitioners. These research centre promote research in fields of green technology, alternative technology, green nano technology, and computation technologies.

Sustainability Focused Research and Innovation

LPU has established a dedicated Research Centers for sustainable research “Research Centre on Environment and Climate Science” This centre works on the green technology, alternative technology, green nano technology, and computation technologies. In addition, the concept of environmental sustainability is inculcated in the UG, PG, and PhD students/scholars, following measures are taken. research centers that encourage collaboration across departments (e.g., health sciences, engineering, social sciences). These centers focus on problem- solving and have clear, measurable outcomes such as publications, patents, or public health impacts. The outcome for sustainable research is visible from research stats of LPU, as mentioned below:

  • Collaborative Papers 97.5% of the published papers by LPU have collaborators, as per Scival
  • Global & National Collaboration 73.4% Nearly 3/4th of papers publsihed have Global & National Collaboration

Life-Saving VTOL Drone System

The VTOL Disaster Relief Drone is designed to deliver critical supplies like medical kits, food, and water to remote disaster-affected areas quickly and autonomously. By bypassing damaged roads and infrastructure, it ensures life-saving aid reaches those in need with speed and precision. The system combines vertical take-off, autonomous navigation, and payload delivery mechanisms, making disaster response faster and more efficient. Future enhancements include AI-based route optimization, increased payload capacity, and swarm coordination, aiming to save lives, support resilient communities, and strengthen emergency logistics worldwide.

SDG Goal Addressed:

  • SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
  • SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
  • SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
  • SDG 13: Climate Action
  • SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

PolluSat: Real-Time Atmospheric Monitoring

PolluSat is a low-cost, portable micro-satellite designed to monitor air pollution in real time. Equipped with sensors for gases, air quality, and UV exposure, along with dual cameras for high-resolution imaging, it captures atmospheric data during controlled descents from up to 5 km. The system supports environmental research, data-driven policy-making, and public health planning. Its modular, reusable design allows versatile deployment via drones, rockets, or balloons, making it a scalable solution for pollution mapping, education, and community awareness. Future plans include AI-based trend prediction and regional CanSat networks.

SDG Goal Addressed:

  • SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
  • SDG 4: Quality Education
  • SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
  • SDG 13: Climate Action
  • SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
  • SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

Multi-Functional Smart Wheelchair

The project developed a motorized wheelchair that converts into a stretcher and walking aid, enhancing mobility for elderly and disabled individuals. With integrated health monitoring of heart rate, temperature, and oxygen levels, it ensures safety. The prototype proved efficient in hospitals and homes, reducing equipment dependency, with future IoT and AI integration set to further optimize care.

SDG Goal Addressed:

  • SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
  • SDG 4: Quality Education
  • SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
  • SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
  • SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

Indigenous Hybrid Drone Detection and Tracking System for Enhanced Security

The Hybrid Drone Detection and Tracking System is a low-cost, homegrown solution to spot and track drones in real time. It uses cameras and sound sensors to detect drones and automatically follows their movement using motorized controls. This system can help protect borders, important buildings, and public events. Future upgrades could allow it to automatically stop threatening drones, boosting India’s safety and security.

SDG Goal Addressed:

  • SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
  • SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
  • SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

Industrial Robotic Arm with Teach Pendant

To develop a 5 DOF robotic arm with teach pendent for various industrial applications 5 DOF robotic arm is tailored to meet specific needs and requirements. Teach Pendant makes programming and operating the robotic arm simple and intuitive. Users can easily teach the arm up to 200 different tasks, all of which can be stored and retrieved as needed. Versatile Applications: The robotic arm can handle a wide range of industrial tasks, such as: Assembly line operations Material handling Packaging and palletizing Welding Inspection and quality control.

SDG Goal Addressed:

  • SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
  • SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
  • SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
  • SDG 15: Life on land

Partnership for Knowledge Transfer

LPU played a vital role in promoting partnerships for knowledgetransfer towards society by actively engaging with local communities and industries by facilitating dialogue between academic experts, businesses, and community leaders, encouraging the exchange of innovative ideas and solutions to real-world problems. This bridged the gap between academic knowledge and practical applications in various sectors to provide resources and mentorship to startups and social enterprises, fostering an ecosystem of knowledge dissemination and entrepreneurial development. By leveraging their expertise and networks, LPU catalyzed positive societal change, drive economic growth, and address pressing challenges, thereby fulfilling their role as engines of knowledge transfer and social progress.

Partnership Level Organization Organiza tion Type Activity UN SDG
Mapped
National Biomedical Engineering & Technology Innovation Centre (BETIC) at IITBombay Govt of India Medical Device Hackathon, MEDHA 2023, bringing together the brightest minds in the medical technology industry 3, 9, 11, 12,15, 16, 17
Inter- national Curtin University, Australia Education Students Cultural Exchange Program allows Curtin students and faculty to immerse themselves in Indian culture and traditions 4, 8, 11, 16,17
Inter- national Southern Federal University, Russia Education Innovative research in hybrid neuro-electronics and AI systems 4, 9, 11, 16,17
Inter- national Globus Learn, USA Education technology company Enhance course delivery and refine the curriculum to align with global standards 4, 9, 10, 11,16, 17
National Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation Govt of India Specialized training course in Public health & community area 1, 2, 4, 8,11, 15, 16, 17
National AIMILPharmaceuticals Private Industry blend academic excellence with industry expertise 3, 9, 11, 12,15, 16, 17
Inter- national Research Institute for Humanity and Nature, Japan Research Academic and research activities 2, 4, 8, 11,16, 17
Inter- national Eie Institute of Education in Malta Education Promote academic excellence 4, 8, 9, 11,16, 17
Inter- national University of Guelph, Canada Education Commitment to providing world-class education 4, 9, 10, 11,16, 17
Partnership for Knowledge Transfer

Dr. Ashok Kumar Mittal, Chancellor of Lovely Professional University (LPU), signed a collaboration with Curtin University, Australia, under the 'Incredible India' program. This partnership gives Curtin students and faculty a unique opportunity to experience India’s rich culture, heritage, and traditions, while enhancing academic exchange and educational connections between the two universities.

Collaboration for policy development on SDGs: Click here