CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology

🎉 CSIR–IICT Celebrates 83rd Foundation Day!

CSIR–Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR–IICT), Hyderabad, proudly celebrated its 83rd Foundation Day, marking over eight decades of scientific excellence, innovation, and service to the nation. The occasion reflected the Institute's unwavering commitment to advancing research that addresses national priorities and creates global impact.

The celebrations featured an inspiring Foundation Day Lecture by Prof. G. Madhavi Latha, IISc Bengaluru, who shared remarkable lessons from the iconic Chenab Rail Bridge project. Her powerful message, "Work with passion, without expectations, and never be afraid of failure," inspired scientists, students, and researchers to pursue excellence with resilience, integrity, and purpose.

CSIR, India Department of Science and Technology, Government of India Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research CSIR NISCPR-Oғғɪᴄɪᴀʟ Pᴀɢᴇ

Pleased to share the recent publication on Total Synthesis of the Proposed Structure of Cyclodepsipeptide Menominin B and its Structural Revision by Dr. Subhash Ghosh’s group from CSIR-IICT.

Achieved the total synthesis of both the originally proposed structure of menominin B and its corresponding C2 epimer. Through careful comparison of the data of the synthetic compounds with the data reported for the natural product, demonstrated that the structure initially assigned to menominin B was incorrect. Instead, the findings clearly established that the true structure of the natural product corresponds to the C2 epimer of the originally proposed molecule, thereby correcting the structural assignment of menominin B.

To know more details of this work, read our article published in Organic letters (https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.orglett.6c02458)
Authors: Atulkumar S. Kedar and Subhash Ghosh

CSIR, India Department of Science and Technology, Government of India Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research CSIR NISCPR-Oғғɪᴄɪᴀʟ Pᴀɢᴇ

CSIR–Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT), Hyderabad, and P & P Enterprises, Andhra Pradesh, has signed the agreement on Hydrodynamic Cavitation–Hydro Distillation (HC-HD) Technology for the enhanced recovery of essential oils from aromatic and medicinal plants. The MoU was signed in the presence of team CSIR-IICT and P & P Enterprises.

This partnership brings together scientific expertise and industrial capabilities to develop sustainable, energy-efficient and cost-effective essential oil extraction technologies. The collaboration aims to improve the value of aromatic and medicinal crops, create better market opportunities for farmers, and translate innovative research into scalable, sustainable solutions for the essential oil industry.

CSIR, India Department of Science and Technology, Government of India CSIR NISCPR-Oғғɪᴄɪᴀʟ Pᴀɢᴇ

A heartfelt farewell to our esteemed colleagues Shri M. Ananda Kumar and Dr. B. Rajashaker on their superannuation after rendering more than two decades of distinguished service. A common farewell function was held on 31st July 2026 to honour their invaluable contributions and enduring legacy. We wish them continued success and happiness in their future endeavours.

CSIR, India Department of Science and Technology, Government of India CSIR NISCPR-Oғғɪᴄɪᴀʟ Pᴀɢᴇ Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research

Skill Development Programme 2026 | CSIR–IICT, Hyderabad

CSIR–IICT successfully conducted the Skill Development Programme on "Advanced Biocatalysis and Biotransformations (BCBT) – From Theory to Practice" from 27–31st July 2026. The five-day programme featured expert lectures, hands-on training, laboratory demonstrations, interactive sessions with scientists and research scholars, and industrial visits, covering microbial enzymes, fermentation, recombinant proteins, protein purification, analytical techniques, and downstream processing. The programme was coordinated by Dr. T. Kumaraguru, Scientist-E, Department of Organic Synthesis & Process Chemistry (OSPC).

The inaugural session was graced by Dr. B. V. S***a Reddy, Scientist-G; Dr. A. V. Subrahmanya Sarma, Scientist-G & SDP Coordinator; Dr. P. Srihari, Scientist-G & Chair, OSPC Department; and Dr. Pravin R. Likhar, Scientist-G & Chair, BDRM Department.

A key highlight of the programme was the live demonstration of advanced analytical instruments, including the Multimode Microplate Reader, advanced HPLC system, and other analytical tools used in biocatalytic process development.

The programme concluded with the Valedictory Function and Certificate Distribution by Dr. A. Gangagni Rao, Scientist-G & In-Charge Director, CSIR–IICT, marking five days of intensive learning, interaction, and practical exposure.

We sincerely thank all the experts, scientists, research scholars, industry professionals, coordinators, and participants for their valuable contributions in making this programme a successful and enriching learning experience.
CSIR, India Department of Science and Technology, Government of India CSIR NISCPR-Oғғɪᴄɪᴀʟ Pᴀɢᴇ Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research

CSIR–IICT congratulates Dr. Alka Kumari! 🎉
CSIR–Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR–IICT) congratulates Dr. Alka Kumari, Scientist-E, Department of Chemical Engineering & Process Technology, on being conferred the prestigious INAE Young Engineer Award 2026 by the Indian National Academy of Engineering (INAE).
The award, comprising a certificate and a cash prize, recognizes her significant contributions to engineering research and innovation, particularly in advancing sustainable engineering processes and technologies that create societal and industrial impact.
The award will be presented at the INAE Annual Convention 2026 (3–5 December 2026) at SDSC SHAR, Sriharikota, where she will also be inducted as an INAE Young Associate 2026.
CSIR–IICT extends its heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Alka and wishes her continued success in her scientific journey and future endeavours.

CSIR, India Department of Science and Technology, Government of India CSIR NISCPR-Oғғɪᴄɪᴀʟ Pᴀɢᴇ Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research

We are delighted to welcome Dr. Amit Mondal to the CSIR-IICT team!!

Dr. Amit Mondal has joined CSIR-IICT as Scientist-C in the Organic Synthesis and Process Chemistry Division. He completed his PhD with Prof. Syed Masood Husain at the Centre of Biomedical Research, Lucknow, where his research focused on Biocatalysis and Chemoenzymatic approach towards the synthesis of bisanthraquinones.
He subsequently carried out postdoctoral research at the University of Florida, USA with Prof. Yousong Ding. His research centers on the biosynthesis of novel antibiotic natural products and identification of new enzymes using genome mining approach.
At CSIR-IICT, his research aims to develop sustainable enzyme-based technologies for the synthesis of pharmaceutical ingredients, engineer enzymes with improved performance, and discover novel biocatalysts through genome mining. His work integrates chemistry and biology to create greener and more efficient approaches for the synthesis of high-value molecules.
We are happy to have you on board – welcome to the team, Dr. Amit Mondal!
Congratulations and all the very best for your future endeavors…!!!

CSIR, India Department of Science and Technology, Government of India CSIR NISCPR-Oғғɪᴄɪᴀʟ Pᴀɢᴇ Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research

Pleased to share the recent publication on Thermally self-sustained biomass co-gasification for low-carbon syngas production: Plantwide modelling and life cycle assessment by Dr. S. Sumana Chenna’s group from CSIR-IICT.

The study developed an integrated process to convert food waste and rice husk into low-carbon syngas through co-gasification. The optimum condition was 800°C with 30% food waste and 70% rice husk, producing syngas with the desired H₂/CO ratio of 2. Heat recovery and partial syngas utilization enabled thermally self-sustained operation and improved process efficiency. The process achieved a low global warming potential of 0.08 kg CO₂-eq/Nm³ syngas, highlighting its potential for sustainable waste-to-energy conversion.
To know more details of this work, read our article published in Bioresourse Technology Reports (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biteb.2026.102925)
Authors: Shruthi Yerraju, Sowmya Gampa, Vazida Mehtab, Sangeetha Povari, Prakhar Srivastava, Sumana Chenna

CSIR, India Department of Science and Technology, Government of India Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research CSIR NISCPR-Oғғɪᴄɪᴀʟ Pᴀɢᴇ

CSIR–Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT), Hyderabad, and Kreative Actives Private Limited, Hyderabad, have signed an agreement for the process development of API molecules and their intermediates.

CSIR, India Department of Science and Technology, Government of India CSIR NISCPR-Oғғɪᴄɪᴀʟ Pᴀɢᴇ Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research

CSIR-IICT signs Agreement with JayKay Agri Solutions to Scale Up Biochar-Based Compostable Active Mulch Film for Next-Gen Farming!

CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT), Hyderabad, has signed an agreement with JayKay Agri Solutions, Hyderabad, to collaborate on the development and scale-up of an indigenously developed biochar-based compostable active mulch film technology for sustainable agriculture practices. The partnership aims to strengthen scientific innovation in developing environmentally friendly mulch films that replace conventional polyethylene (PE)-based films, thereby reducing plastic pollution in agricultural fields while improving soil health. The active mulch film incorporates biochar produced from agricultural residues such as coconut shell, rice straw, and other farm waste, along with essential plant nutrients embedded that act as a controlled release.

The mulch film is made from compostable polymers such as Thermoplastic Corn Starch and PBAT loaded with biochar that acts as a slow-release fertilizer into the soil, enhances soil carbon content, and eliminates the need for retrieval and disposal of plastic mulch films. Mulch films also conserve soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature, promoting faster crop growth and higher yields. They also reduce irrigation, fertilizer use, and soil erosion while improving produce quality and sustainability.

CSIR, India Department of Science and Technology, Government of India Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research CSIR NISCPR-Oғғɪᴄɪᴀʟ Pᴀɢᴇ