Union minister of state for science and technology, Jitendra Singh, inaugurated four state-of-the-art research and development (R&D) facilities at the CSIR–Indian Institute of Chemical Technology
(CSIR-IICT) in Hyderabad. During the event, he also laid the foundation stone for a 200-student hostel complex, further strengthening the institute’s research ecosystem and academic infrastructure. The newly inaugurated facilities are expected to accelerate advanced scientific research, support technology commercialisation, foster industrial collaboration, and enhance India’s capabilities in chemical engineering, sustainable manufacturing, and process innovation.
Four Advanced Facilities to Boost Scientific Excellence
The new infrastructure includes four specialised research centres designed to address emerging industrial and environmental challenges: Advanced R&D centre for fluorochemicals, decentralised Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP) for textile wastewater, Continuous Processing Technologies (CPT) Facility and Sustainable Engineering Complex (SEC). Together, these facilities will enable researchers to undertake pilot-scale validation, facilitate start-up incubation, strengthen industry partnerships, and accelerate the transition of laboratory innovations into commercial technologies.
Fluorochemicals Centre to Strengthen Domestic Capabilities
One of the key facilities inaugurated is the Advanced R&D Centre for Fluorochemicals, which aims to enhance India’s self-reliance in developing next-generation fluorinated compounds. These materials play a vital role in several high-growth industries, including: Pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, refrigerants and electronics and specialty chemicals and advanced materials. The centre will support indigenous process development, reduce dependence on imported technologies, and promote environmentally sustainable manufacturing solutions.
Continuous Processing Facility to Accelerate Chemical Manufacturing
The newly established Continuous Processing Technologies (CPT) Facility provides an advanced platform for continuous-flow manufacturing of pharmaceuticals, fine chemicals, and specialty chemicals. Compared with conventional batch manufacturing, continuous processing offers several advantages, including: Improved process safety, higher product quality, faster scale-up from laboratory to commercial production, lower energy consumption and reduced waste generation. The facility is expected to support the development of more efficient and sustainable chemical manufacturing technologies for industrial applications.
Focus on Innovation, Start-ups and Commercialisation
D. Srinivasa Reddy, Director of CSIR-IICT, said the new facilities would significantly strengthen the institute’s research capabilities while creating opportunities for industrial collaboration and entrepreneurship. The minister called for greater emphasis on high-impact, interdisciplinary research aligned with India’s national development priorities. He stressed that scientific innovation, technological self-reliance, and sustainable development will play a critical role in achieving the vision of a developed India (Viksit Bharat).
Strengthening India’s Research Ecosystem
With the launch of these four advanced research facilities, CSIR-IICT has significantly expanded its capabilities in chemical sciences, sustainable engineering, wastewater management, and advanced manufacturing. As reported by thehindu.com, the infrastructure is expected to strengthen India’s innovation ecosystem by accelerating scientific discoveries, supporting industry-led research, and promoting the commercialisation of indigenous technologies across multiple sectors.
