The automated od600 spectrophotometer is an innovation aimed at addressing critical challenges faced by researchers in biotechnology and microbiology labs during bacterial cell culture experiments. monitoring bacterial growth, quantified as optical density (od600), is a key step in determining the optimal time for interventions, such as the addition of iptg (isopropyl β-d-1-thiogalactopyranoside). iptg is commonly used to induce gene expression in bacterial cultures, and its timely addition is crucial for ensuring accurate experimental outcomes. traditional methods of monitoring od600 are highly manual, involving repeated measurements at regular intervals. researchers often miss the exact optimal point for intervention due to human error or delays, which can lead to failed experiments, loss of valuable resources, and extended timelines. additionally, commercially available od600 spectrophotometers are prohibitively expensive, starting at ₹1.75 lakh, and lack automation, further limiting their usability. our automated od600 spectrophotometer addresses these issues by integrating real-time monitoring with an automated chemical injection mechanism, making it a complete solution for bacterial cell culture monitoring. the system is based on light absorbance principles, where the spectrophotometer measures the optical density of the bacterial suspension to determine cell growth. the device continuously monitors od600 values, eliminating the need for researchers to manually check the culture at intervals. when the desired od600 value is reached, the system automatically triggers a motorized mechanism for a 2 ml microcentrifuge tube containing iptg, ensuring precise and sterile chemical addition. this automation significantly reduces human intervention, thereby minimizing errors and improving the reproducibility of experimental results. currently, a bench-top prototype has been developed, which supports od600 measurements using a cuvette. next, we are focusing on scaling the design to accommodate larger culture volumes in 2l conical flasks, commonly used in research labs. this upgrade will make the device versatile for various experimental setups, catering to both small and large-scale bacterial cultures. the affordability of our solution is a key differentiator. the innovation aligns with india’s growing biotechnology sector, which is expanding at a cagr of 14% and consists of over 2,700 biotech companies. the need for affordable and efficient lab automation tools is significant, as many research institutions and startups lack the budget for high-end devices. our device not only fills this gap but also democratizes lab automation, enabling smaller labs and educational institutions to compete with larger, resource-rich organizations. the societal impact is immense, as the device ensures better utilization of researchers’ time, allowing them to focus on more critical aspects of their work. it also enhances experimental quality by providing precise, reproducible data, contributing to advancements in biotechnology research. in conclusion, the automated od600 spectrophotometer is poised to transform biotechnology research by addressing key pain points in bacterial cell culture experiments. it offers a cost-effective, automated solution that reduces human error, enhances reproducibility, and saves time, making it an indispensable tool for researchers. by bridging the gap between affordability and advanced functionality, this innovation has the potential to significantly impact india’s biotech research ecosystem and beyond.