Tata Chemicals and TERI Launch Centre of Excellence on Biochemicals

New Delhi, September 23, 2025 — Tata Chemicals Limited (TCL), in collaboration with The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), has inaugurated a Centre of Excellence (CoE) on Biochemicals to accelerate the development of sustainable biochemical technologies from renewable feedstocks.

The launch ceremony was graced by Mr. Nitin Desai, Chairman of TERI; Mr. R. Mukundan, Managing Director & CEO of Tata Chemicals; and Dr. Vibha Dhawan, Director General of TERI.

Advancing Sustainable Bioprocessing

The CoE is designed to drive cost-effective, innovative bioprocess technologies. It is equipped with state-of-the-art bioreactor facilities across scales and pilot-scale downstream recovery systems, enabling integrated validation of fermentation-based biochemicals at demonstration scale — a critical step toward commercialization.

The initial research focus is the low-cost production of 2,3-Butanediol, a versatile platform chemical used in plastics, polymers, pharmaceuticals, paints, food additives, rubber manufacturing, and as a precursor for environmentally friendly bio-jet fuel. The program is being coordinated by Dr. Sanjukta Subudhi, Associate Director at TERI, and builds on TERI’s prior bio-based chemical research.

Leadership Perspectives

• Mr. Nitin Desai highlighted the chemical industry’s vital transition from fossil-based to sustainable biomanufacturing, noting its potential to contribute to India’s projected $1 trillion chemical market by 2040 in alignment with national climate goals.

• Mr. R. Mukundan reaffirmed Tata Chemicals’ commitment to advancing biotechnology as a driver of a resilient, circular bioeconomy, positioning the CoE as a crucible for innovation and skill development critical to India’s leadership in green chemistry.

• Dr. Vibha Dhawan emphasized that the Centre is more than a research facility — it is a biomanufacturing hub bridging lab-scale innovation with commercial-scale production. She noted its alignment with the Government of India’s Bio-E³ (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment and Employment) policy, aimed at scaling renewable biochemical production through public-private collaboration.

Industry Context

India’s $220 billion chemical sector, projected to approach $1 trillion by 2040, provides essential inputs for pharmaceuticals, textiles, paints, and other industries. However, it remains heavily dependent on fossil-based feedstocks, which are significant contributors to greenhouse gas emissions.

Biotechnology-derived products — such as enzymes, metabolites, and biopolymers — offer cleaner alternatives. Yet, India’s specialty biochemical production (e.g., 2,3-Butanediol, propanediol, succinic acid) has been slow to scale due to downstream processing costs, which account for up to 70% of total production expenses.

Catalyst for Green Growth

The new Centre of Excellence is expected to:

• Reduce India’s reliance on fossil-based inputs

• Accelerate the commercialization of renewable biochemical products

• Create skilled talent pipelines for biomanufacturing

• Unlock new green growth pathways for India’s chemical industry

• Support national climate goals while fostering economic opportunities

Conclusion

With the establishment of the CoE on Biochemicals, Tata Chemicals and TERI are laying the foundation for India’s transition toward sustainable, bio-based manufacturing. By advancing cutting-edge research and enabling industry-ready solutions, the Centre positions India at the forefront of green chemistry and bioeconomy leadership.