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Inauguration of the Tata Chemicals Limited (TCL)–TERI Centre of Excellence (CoE) on Biochemicals. Image source: Press release
The Tata Chemicals Limited (TCL)–TERI Centre of Excellence (CoE) on Biochemicals was inaugurated by Nitin Desai, Chairman, TERI; R. Mukundan, Managing Director and CEO, Tata Chemicals Limited; and Dr. Vibha Dhawan, Director General, TERI. Established through a joint effort by TCL and The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), the Centre aims to develop cost-effective, innovative technologies for platform and specialty biochemicals derived from renewable first- and second-generation feedstocks.
State-of-the-Art Facilities for Scalable Biomanufacturing
The Centre houses bioreactor facilities of multiple scales—small, medium, and large—for upstream fermentation-based production. Pilot-scale downstream recovery systems complement these facilities, enabling researchers to validate integrated bioprocess technologies at demonstration scale—a critical step toward commercialization.
Initially, the Centre will focus on low-cost, demonstration-scale production of 2,3-Butanediol (2,3-BDO). This versatile platform chemical finds applications in plastics, polymers, pharmaceuticals, paints, food additives, and rubber. It is also used as a precursor for bio-jet fuel. The Centre, coordinated by Dr. Sanjukta Subudhi, Associate Director, TERI, builds on TERI’s pioneering work in bio-based 2,3-BDO. It will act as a biomanufacturing hub for specialty biochemicals and also train skilled professionals in this emerging field.
Leaders Call It a Crucial Milestone
Nitin Desai, Chairman, TERI, emphasized, “India’s chemical industry is at a critical juncture. To achieve the vision of a US$1 trillion market by 2040 while meeting our climate goals, we must shift from fossil-based processes to sustainable alternatives. The Tata Chemicals–TERI Centre of Excellence represents a significant step in that direction by marrying scientific innovation with industrial application.”
R. Mukundan, Managing Director and CEO, Tata Chemicals Limited, remarked, “India’s chemical industry is undergoing a transformative shift, from fossil-based production to sustainable biomanufacturing. The inauguration of the Centre of Excellence on Biochemicals is a step towards harnessing the power of biotechnology for solutions of the future. The CoE will serve as a crucible for cutting-edge research, scalable technologies, and skilled talent—paving the way for India to lead the global transition to green chemistry.”
Dr. Vibha Dhawan, Director General, TERI, stated, “This Centre is more than a research facility—it is a biomanufacturing hub designed to bridge the gap between lab-scale innovation and commercial-scale production. By building expertise, infrastructure, and partnerships, we are laying the foundation for India’s leadership in sustainable biochemical production, aligned with the Government of India’s Bio-E³ policy.”
Driving India’s Transition to a Bio-Based Economy
India’s chemical industry is currently valued at $220 billion and is projected to reach $1 trillion by 2040. This makes the transition to sustainable production pathways imperative. Ranked sixth globally, the sector supplies critical inputs for pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, textiles, paints, and polymers. However, it remains heavily dependent on fossil-based feedstocks, which contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.
Biotechnology offers a strong alternative through fermentation-based production of enzymes, metabolites, fatty acids, bio-pigments, and biopolymers. These products already have widespread applications. High downstream recovery costs account for nearly 70% of production expenses. This prevents India from producing specialty biochemicals such as 2,3-Butanediol, propanediol, and succinic acid commercially.
The TCL–TERI Centre of Excellence aligns with the Government of India’s Bio-E³ (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment, and Employment) policy. It aims to accelerate high-performance biomanufacturing of clean biomolecules, reduce reliance on fossil-based resources, and advance green growth. The Centre achieves this through collaborative research in a public–private partnership model.
Paving the Way for Global Leadership in Green Chemistry
The TCL–TERI Centre of Excellence on Biochemicals inaugurates a major milestone in India’s bioeconomy journey. The Centre will bridge the gap between laboratory innovation and commercial-scale production. It will actively reduce fossil dependency, foster green technologies, and position India as a global leader in sustainable biomanufacturing.
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