Praj Industries launches an Advanced Precision Fermentation Lab at Praj Matrix to accelerate AI-enabled biomanufacturing, strengthen India’s bioeconomy, and foster academia-industry collaboration.
April 2026: Praj Industries has announced the establishment of an Advanced Precision Fermentation Laboratory at Praj Matrix, aimed at driving next-generation biotechnology and accelerating India’s transition to high-performance, low-carbon biomanufacturing.
The announcement, made on the occasion of the 18th Praj Matrix Foundation Day, underscores the company’s commitment to advancing India’s bioeconomy through cutting-edge innovation, skill development, and robust academia-industry collaboration, according to a company press release.
The new facility described as globally unique, will focus on high-capacity, AI-enabled precision fermentation and next-generation bioprocesses. Its objective is to enhance efficiency, reduce scale-up risks, and improve process reliability.
The laboratory will strengthen the capabilities of both Praj Industries and Praj HiPurity Systems, its wholly owned subsidiary based in Mumbai, which specializes in precision fermenters and ultra-pure water systems for the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors. Together, they aim to deliver advanced fermentation solutions across pharmaceuticals, food, cosmetics, biofuels, and beverages. The initiative represents a significant step in reinforcing Praj’s position in next-generation biomanufacturing.
The lab’s capabilities will be complemented by the strengths of BRIC-NCCS in microbial research, genomics, and cell culture repositories. This integration is expected to create a powerful synergy – linking discovery, process development, and high-purity manufacturing – to accelerate innovation.
The initiative aligns with the Government of India’s Biotechnology for Economy, Environment, and Employment (BioE3) framework, led by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), supporting the national vision of building a globally competitive and sustainable manufacturing ecosystem.
During the event, and in the presence of Dr. Rajesh S. Gokhale, Secretary, DBT, Government of India, Praj Industries formalized a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with BRIC-NCCS (Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council – National Centre for Cell Science). This collaboration is designed as a model academia–industry partnership to facilitate the transition from scientific discovery to scalable biomanufacturing.
The partnership will focus on developing advanced bioprocessing capabilities, identifying valuable biomolecules and microbial strains, and providing hands-on training and internship opportunities for PhD scholars. It will also enable joint research initiatives, sponsorship programs, and sustained collaboration between academia and industry.
Dr. Rajesh S. Gokhale noted that India’s bioeconomy growth will be driven by strong academia–industry linkages and a skilled scientific workforce. He emphasized that such initiatives align with the Department of Biotechnology’s vision of promoting translational research and strengthening biotechnology capacity, ultimately accelerating innovation and reinforcing the country’s bio-based economy.
Dr. Pramod Chaudhari, Founder Chairman of Praj Industries, stated that the Advanced Precision Fermentation Lab marks a significant milestone in the company’s innovation journey. He highlighted that the facility integrates biology, engineering, and digital technologies to create scalable, low-carbon solutions. In combination with the collaboration with BRIC-NCCS, it is expected to play a critical role in talent development and in accelerating the transition from discovery to commercial biomanufacturing.
Over the years, Praj Matrix has pioneered a broad portfolio of advanced technologies spanning biofuels and renewable chemicals, including biopolymers and biobitumen, contributing to decarbonization and enhancing India’s energy self-reliance. Its research activities extend to enzyme development, industrial biotechnology, and advanced water and wastewater treatment solutions, including ultra-pure water systems for the pharmaceutical industry.
With a strong innovation foundation comprising over 90 scientists, multiple specialized laboratories, and a robust intellectual property portfolio of more than 300 national and international patents, Praj Matrix serves as the core innovation engine for Praj Industries. These indigenously developed technologies are subsequently scaled into commercially viable solutions and deployed across global markets.
Anchored in Praj Industries’ philosophy of collaborative innovation, Praj Matrix continues to evolve as a dynamic ecosystem that brings together academia, industry, and policymakers to accelerate India’s transition toward a sustainable, bio-based economy.
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