The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research – National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (CSIR-NIIST) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Hyderabad-based biotech startup 3CousinLabs to evaluate the technical and commercial feasibility of producing bioethanol from seasonal fruits grown in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. The collaboration aims to transform surplus and underutilised fruit produce into renewable biofuel, supporting India’s clean energy goals while creating additional value for the horticulture sector.
Pilot-Scale Studies to Validate Technology
As part of the consultancy project, titled “Pilot-Scale and Feasibility Studies for the Production of Ethanol from Fruit Pulp and Juices,” CSIR-NIIST will assess the viability of converting a wide range of seasonal fruits into ethanol. The institute will conduct pilot-scale trials using 150–200 litre batches to generate critical engineering and process data required for technology validation, process optimisation, scale-up, and techno-economic assessment before commercial deployment. The MoU was exchanged between C. Anandharamakrishnan, Director, CSIR-NIIST, and P. Srinivas, Managing Director, 3CousinLabs.
Supporting Commercial Bioethanol Production
3CousinLabs has developed an innovative process for converting fruit pulp and juices into ethanol. Through this partnership, the startup will leverage CSIR-NIIST’s pilot-scale infrastructure and process engineering expertise to validate and optimise the technology for industrial-scale production. The study is expected to facilitate the establishment of commercially viable decentralised bioethanol production units that utilise locally available seasonal fruits as feedstock.
Reducing Food Waste and Enhancing Farmers’ Income
A key objective of the project is to utilise surplus, unsold, and processing-grade fruits that often perish due to their short shelf life. By converting these fruits into bioethanol, the initiative seeks to minimise post-harvest losses, improve resource efficiency, and create an additional revenue stream for fruit growers and Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs). The project is expected to strengthen rural livelihoods, expand market opportunities for seasonal fruits, and contribute to income stability for farmers through value-added processing.
Supporting India’s Ethanol Blending and Circular Economy Goals
The initiative aligns with the government’s Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme by promoting the use of diverse and sustainable feedstocks for ethanol production. At the same time, it supports the country’s renewable energy ambitions by reducing dependence on conventional fossil fuels. In addition, the project embraces the principles of the circular economy by converting agricultural surplus and potential food waste into a valuable renewable energy resource. As reported by chinimandi.com, by combining innovative startup technology with CSIR-NIIST’s scientific expertise and pilot-scale capabilities, the partnership is expected to accelerate the commercialisation of fruit-based bioethanol technologies and contribute to India’s growing bioeconomy and sustainable energy transition.
