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SIL Collaborates with IIT Bombay to Advance Green Technology and Carbon Innovation

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Simon India Limited (SIL) signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay) to co-develop next-generation green and low-carbon technologies. The collaboration will be anchored through IIT Bombay’s National Centre of Excellence in Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (NCoE-CCUS) under the Department of Earth Sciences.

Through this industry–academia partnership, both institutions aim to accelerate India’s industrial transition toward sustainability by combining advanced research with real-world engineering and deployment capabilities.

Driving India’s Energy Transition Through Structured Collaboration

The MoU establishes a comprehensive framework for cooperation across critical climate and clean energy domains. Specifically, the partnership will focus on:

*Green hydrogen and green ammonia

*Carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS)

*Circular economy and waste-to-value technologies

*Energy efficiency and low-carbon industrial processes

*Rare earth recovery, advanced fertilizers, and chemical derivatives

Importantly, the collaboration goes beyond academic exchange. Instead, it emphasizes co-development, pilot validation, technology transfer, and commercialization of scalable industrial solutions. By doing so, both partners aim to fast-track innovation from lab to market.

Bridging Research and Industrial Deployment

IIT Bombay and Simon India will work closely on intellectual property (IP) creation, particularly in catalyst development and carbon utilization technologies. In addition, they will jointly pursue research and development programs, pilot-scale projects, and national as well as international research grant proposals.

IIT Bombay will provide laboratory infrastructure, conduct bench-scale validations, develop engineering models, and generate CAPEX and OPEX estimates to support pilot-scale design. Meanwhile, Simon India will contribute industrial expertise, project execution capabilities, and engineering support to translate validated research into deployable commercial projects.

Furthermore, the partnership includes faculty–industry exchanges, student internships, industrial training, and experiential learning initiatives. As a result, it will strengthen capacity building while nurturing future talent in clean technology and sustainable engineering.

Strengthening India’s Clean Technology Ecosystem

India’s energy transition requires not only progressive policies but also robust industrial execution. By integrating research excellence with engineering implementation, this MoU aims to shorten innovation cycles and enhance India’s global competitiveness in clean technology markets.

Prof. Vikram Vishal, Convener of NCoE-CCUS at IIT Bombay, stated that the partnership will bridge the gap between research and industrial applications in carbon management and green technologies. He emphasized that scalable solutions developed through this alliance can significantly contribute to India’s decarbonization and sustainability goals.

Prof. Arnab Dutta, Associate Professor in the Chemistry Department and Associate at the Centre for Climate Studies, highlighted the importance of collaborative platforms in translating fundamental chemistry and catalytic research into impactful climate solutions. He noted that integrating academic research with industrial engineering capabilities will accelerate the commercialization of next-generation carbon utilization technologies.

Industry Commitment to Sustainable Innovation

Speaking on the occasion, Aashutosh Aggarwal, CEO of Simon India Limited, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to sustainable industrial innovation. He stated that by combining academic excellence with Simon India’s engineering and execution strengths, the partnership will accelerate the development and deployment of proprietary green and low-carbon technologies.

The strategic alliance positions Simon India and IIT Bombay at the forefront of India’s clean energy transition. As per the press release, by advancing carbon innovation, green hydrogen solutions, and sustainable process technologies, the collaboration aims to support long-term industrial growth while contributing meaningfully to climate resilience and decarbonization goals.

CCFI Submits Detailed Recommendations on Draft Pesticide Management Bill

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The Crop Care Federation of India (CCFI) formally submitted its objections and recommendations to the government on the proposed Pesticide Management Bill (PMB) 2025. The federation filed its response on 4 February 2026 following stakeholder consultations, aiming to safeguard indigenous manufacturers while strengthening India’s pesticide regulatory framework. While acknowledging the government’s consultative approach, CCFI welcomed certain provisions in the draft legislation. However, it also highlighted several critical areas that, in its view, require reconsideration before the Bill is finalised.

Industry Welcomes Removal of Data Exclusivity and Price Control Clauses

CCFI praised the decision to exclude data protection and data exclusivity provisions from the draft Bill. According to the federation, such measures could have adversely affected domestic manufacturers. “It was a very prudent decision not to consider data protection or data exclusivity in the interest of indigenous manufacturers. Likewise, deleting the clause on price control would make the industry more competitive in the domestic market,” said Deepak Shah, Chairman, CCFI. He further emphasized that the Indian agrochemical sector remains committed to strengthening its position as a global manufacturing and R&D innovation hub.

Concerns Over Director Liability and Regulatory Powers

Despite welcoming select reforms, CCFI raised significant concerns over key provisions in PMB 2025. First, the federation noted that its long-standing demand to prevent automatic liability of company directors in cases of alleged misbranding has not been addressed in the current draft.

Second, CCFI expressed apprehension about provisions granting wide discretionary powers to central and state governments to restrict or suspend insecticide sales for up to one year. The federation argued that such authority must be accompanied by clearly defined accountability and review mechanisms to prevent arbitrary action.

Additionally, CCFI pointed out that certain offences under the proposed law attract what it termed “excessive penalties.” The federation has therefore urged policymakers to review and rationalise these penalty structures to ensure proportionality.

Export Restrictions May Impact Global Competitiveness

Another major issue flagged by CCFI relates to restrictions on the sale or export of products banned in India, even if those products remain permitted and in demand in other countries. The federation warned that such restrictions could undermine India’s export competitiveness in the global agrochemical market. Given India’s strong manufacturing base, CCFI stressed the need for a balanced approach that protects domestic interests without limiting legitimate export opportunities.

Call for Stronger Focus on R&D and New Chemical Entities (NCEs)

Importantly, CCFI identified a policy gap in the absence of specific measures to promote research and development of New Chemical Entities (NCEs). The federation stated that PMB 2025 does not sufficiently align with national initiatives such as Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat, despite India’s established technical expertise and manufacturing capabilities in agrochemicals.

Highlighting the growing role of technology in agriculture, Mr. Shah also referred to advancements under the India AI Mission. He noted that India’s democratisation of AI-enabled agricultural solutions has already delivered transformative outcomes. He further stressed the importance of prioritising indigenous digital solutions that function in low-bandwidth, multilingual environments to ensure equitable access for farmers across the country.

Push for Clear E-Commerce Regulations in PMB 2025

In addition to its objections, CCFI has proposed the introduction of a dedicated regulatory framework for pesticide sales through e-commerce and online platforms. The federation warned that, in the absence of explicit provisions, digital sales could occur without sufficient oversight. This could lead to unauthorised sellers operating online or the circulation of unregistered and prohibited products.

To address these risks, CCFI recommended:

*Strict licensing requirements for online pesticide sellers

*Clearly defined responsibilities for e-commerce intermediaries

*Buyer verification protocols, where applicable

*Mandatory transaction record-keeping

*Clear legal definitions governing the e-commerce ecosystem under PMB 2025

By incorporating these safeguards, the federation believes the government can strengthen regulatory control while supporting responsible digital growth in the agrochemical sector.

A Call for Balanced and Innovation-Driven Regulation

In conclusion, CCFI has urged the government to consider its recommendations before finalising the Pesticide Management Bill 2025. According to the federation, a balanced, innovation-oriented regulatory framework will not only protect farmers but also enhance India’s standing as a global agrochemical manufacturing hub. As reported by global-agriculture.com, by aligning policy with industry realities and national priorities, PMB 2025 can support sustainable growth, export competitiveness, and technological advancement in the agricultural sector.

Kazakhstan Unveils $10 Billion Refinery Investment

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Kazakhstan unveiled plans to build a new $10-billion oil refinery with a capacity of ten million metric tons per year (MMtpy) by 2033. The project aims to boost domestic fuel production, eliminate recurring shortages, and transform the country into a net exporter of refined petroleum products. By adding significant downstream capacity, Kazakhstan intends to strengthen energy security while positioning itself as a competitive supplier in regional and global fuel markets.

Clear Roadmap from Feasibility to Commissioning

According to vice minister of energy Kaiyrkhan Tutkyshbayev, the refinery will move through structured development phases between 2026 and 2033. These include feasibility studies, front-end engineering and design, construction, and final commissioning. Once operational, the new facility will raise Kazakhstan’s total refining capacity to 40 million tons annually. As a result, the country will not only meet domestic demand more reliably but also expand its export potential.

Strategic Planning to Ensure Long-Term Competitiveness

The energy ministry has already begun preparatory work. Officials are evaluating crude supply sources, assessing product demand forecasts, defining output configurations, and identifying potential technology licensors and site locations. By conducting detailed market and technical studies at the outset, the government aims to ensure the refinery remains commercially viable and technologically competitive for decades. These early decisions will also determine how effectively the plant integrates with regional logistics and export infrastructure.

Addressing Fuel Shortages Through Integrated Expansion

The new refinery forms part of a broader strategy to resolve Kazakhstan’s persistent fuel shortages. Between 2028 and 2030, the country will modernize its three existing refineries. These upgrades are expected to reduce the aviation fuel deficit from 5,00,000 tons per year (tpy) to 3,00,000 tpy while completely eliminating diesel shortages. Subsequently, once the new refinery begins operations in 2033, Kazakhstan expects to fully eliminate jet fuel deficits. In addition, surplus diesel and gasoline volumes will become available for export to neighboring markets, further enhancing trade revenues.

Higher Refining Depth

Alongside capacity expansion, Kazakhstan is focusing on efficiency and environmental performance. Refining depth at existing plants will increase from 89% to 94%, improving product yield and reducing waste. Notably, the new refinery will target a 95% refining depth, reflecting advanced processing technologies and optimized output configuration. At the same time, the country plans to upgrade fuel quality to the K5 environmental class. This move will align Kazakhstan’s fuel standards with modern international environmental requirements, reduce emissions, and support cleaner transportation fuels.

Strengthening Energy Security and Export Ambitions

Overall, the $10 billion refinery project represents a decisive step in Kazakhstan’s downstream expansion strategy. As reported by hydrocarbonprocessing.com, by combining capacity growth, technological upgrades, and improved fuel standards, the country is positioning itself to eliminate domestic shortages, enhance energy security, and emerge as a reliable exporter of refined petroleum products by 2033.

India and Norway Deepen Economic Partnership with Emphasis on Green Growth

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In a significant step toward deepening bilateral economic ties, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman met Norway’s Finance Minister Jens Stoltenberg in Oslo. During the high-level discussions, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to expanding economic collaboration and leveraging emerging opportunities in sustainable growth sectors.

Leveraging TEPA to Accelerate Trade and Investment

The ministers focused on effectively utilizing the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) to boost bilateral trade and investment flows. They emphasized strengthening cooperation in the blue economy—including maritime and ocean-based industries—and the green economy, with a clear focus on renewable energy and sustainable technologies. By aligning policy priorities, both countries aim to unlock new avenues of economic growth and industrial collaboration.

Expanding Renewable Energy and Strategic Sectors

A key highlight of the meeting was the commitment to intensify collaboration in renewable energy. Specifically, both sides explored partnerships in:

*Solar power development

*Rare earth processing

*Carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies

These sectors are critical for supporting global energy transition goals and advancing climate resilience. By combining India’s growing clean energy market with Norway’s technological expertise, the partnership seeks to create long-term value.

Boosting Investments

In addition to trade cooperation, the ministers agreed to explore enhanced investment flows through sovereign wealth funds and pension funds. Such investments could further strengthen financial linkages and support infrastructure, renewable energy, and innovation-driven projects in both countries. The approach underscores a broader strategy of deepening financial cooperation while fostering sustainable development.

Strengthening a Sustainable Economic Partnership

Overall, the meeting signals a renewed push to deepen India–Norway economic relations with sustainability at the core. By aligning priorities in renewable energy, strategic minerals, financial investment, and trade facilitation, both nations are positioning themselves as strong partners in the global green transition. As reported by devdiscourse.com, as geopolitical and climate dynamics reshape global trade, India and Norway are clearly moving toward a more integrated, future-focused economic partnership.

Aldrogen Energy Bags Top Honours at IIT Madras Innovation Challenge

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Aldrogen Energy, from the Chemical Engineering Department of Jadavpur University (JU) secured a place among the top three winners at the prestigious Carbon Zero Challenge (CZC 5.0). The start-up earned recognition for its innovative 6.25 kVA hybrid hydrogen-powered generator, designed to deliver zero-emission power for India’s growing off-grid and decentralized energy needs.

Innovation Rooted in Academia and Incubation

Incubated at Jadavpur University’s innovation council, Aldrogen Energy was founded by Sayantanu Mandal, with technical guidance from Chemical Engineering Assistant Professor Raj Kumar Das and mentorship from Mechanical Engineering Professor Dipankar Sanyal. The team developed the generator as a sustainable alternative to conventional diesel-based power systems, addressing the urgent need for clean energy solutions across sectors.

National Recognition at Carbon Zero Challenge 5.0

Hosted by Indian Institute of Technology Madras from January 29 to 31, 2026, CZC 5.0 served as a national eco-innovation and entrepreneurship platform aimed at accelerating climate-focused technologies. The competition attracted 1,321 applications from across the country. After rigorous screening, 25 start-ups advanced to the finals, each receiving ₹5 lakh to develop a working prototype. Among these finalists, Aldrogen Energy emerged as one of the top three winners, alongside EDS Wagon Tech and Karotimam. Each winning start-up secured an additional ₹10 lakh award prize, recognizing their breakthrough contributions to climate technology.

Hybrid Hydrogen Generator: Clean, Reliable and Scalable

Aldrogen Energy’s hybrid hydrogen-powered generator produces reliable and clean electricity by using hydrogen stored in a safe solid-state form, combined with oxygen from the air. The integrated battery system ensures stable power output while generating only water as a by-product, making it a truly zero-emission solution.

Founder Sayantanu Mandal commented, “Our hybrid hydrogen-powered generator delivers reliable electricity with zero emissions and near-silent operation. With smart safety features and remote monitoring capabilities, it provides a sustainable alternative to diesel generators.”

The technology has strong potential applications across multiple sectors, including:

*Defence operations

*Transportation

*Data centres

*EV charging infrastructure

*Residential communities

*Disaster management

*Rural electrification

The start-up has now entered the pilot deployment stage and is actively exploring investment opportunities, with plans to launch the product commercially within the next year.

Strong Institutional and Alumni Support

The achievement has drawn praise from university leadership and alumni networks. Vice-Chancellor Chiranjib Bhattacharjee described the win as a proud moment for the university, highlighting the extensive financial and mentorship support provided by alumni. Meanwhile, Debashis Ghosh, Honorary Treasurer of JCEAA, noted that the accomplishment reflects a significant shift in youth mindset toward entrepreneurship and job creation.

Driving India’s Clean Energy and Start-Up Ecosystem

With its hydrogen-powered generator, Aldrogen Energy exemplifies how university-led innovation can address real-world energy challenges. By combining advanced chemical engineering research with entrepreneurial drive, the start-up is contributing to India’s transition toward clean, decentralized, and sustainable energy systems. As reported by bengalinfo.com, as climate innovation gains momentum nationwide, JU’s success at IIT Madras reinforces the growing role of academic incubators in nurturing next-generation green technology ventures.

Adani Announces $100 Billion Investment in Green Data Centres to Power India’s AI Growth

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The Adani Group unveiled an ambitious plan to invest $100 billion by 2035 in developing AI-ready data centres powered by renewable energy. This marks one of the largest global commitments at the intersection of energy and advanced computing infrastructure. With this strategic move, the conglomerate aims to position India as a global hub for sustainable digital infrastructure and artificial intelligence (AI) innovation.

Creating a $250 Billion AI Infrastructure Ecosystem

The $100 billion investment is expected to catalyze an additional $150 billion across allied sectors, ultimately creating a $250 billion AI infrastructure ecosystem in India. By integrating clean energy generation with high-performance computing facilities, the initiative seeks to build a resilient, future-ready digital backbone that supports India’s growing demand for AI, cloud computing, and data-driven services.

Chairman Gautam Adani emphasized that the convergence of energy and computational power will define the next phase of global development. He noted that India is uniquely positioned to lead this transformation, given its expanding renewable energy capacity and rapidly growing digital economy.

Strategic Partnerships with Global Tech Leaders

To accelerate deployment, Adani Group plans to collaborate with global technology giants such as Google and Microsoft. These partnerships are expected to strengthen the technological backbone of the proposed AI-ready data centre network.

The group intends to establish large-scale data centre campuses in key Indian cities, including:

*Visakhapatnam

*Hyderabad

*Pune

These locations have been strategically selected for their growing digital ecosystems, infrastructure readiness, and proximity to industrial and technology corridors.

Powering AI with Renewable Energy

A defining feature of the initiative is its reliance on clean energy. The group plans to scale its renewable portfolio through mega projects such as the 30 GW Khavda renewable energy venture in Gujarat. By directly linking renewable generation capacity to energy-intensive data centres, Adani Group aims to significantly reduce the carbon footprint of AI and cloud computing operations. This integrated model strengthens India’s position in sustainable digital infrastructure while supporting global decarbonization goals.

Positioning India as a Global Computing Export Hub

Beyond building domestic capacity, the strategy also envisions India becoming a major producer and exporter of advanced computing infrastructure. Rather than merely hosting data centres, Adani Group aims to create a vertically integrated ecosystem that combines renewable energy, data storage, AI processing, and digital services. This approach could transform India from a digital services consumer into a global AI infrastructure powerhouse.

A Transformational Bet on India’s AI Future

With its $100 billion renewable-powered data centre investment, Adani Group is making a bold bet on the convergence of clean energy and artificial intelligence. As reported by devdiscourse.com, if executed as planned, the initiative could redefine India’s role in the global AI landscape, accelerate economic growth, and establish the country as a leader in sustainable, high-performance computing infrastructure.

BASF India, Somaiya Vidyavihar and ICC Strengthen We-Chemie Initiative to Empower Women in Chemistry

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BASF India, in collaboration with Somaiya Vidyavihar (SVV) and the Indian Chemical Council (ICC), has reached another milestone in promoting gender diversity in India’s chemical industry through its flagship We-Chemie initiative. The program continues to empower young women pursuing careers in chemistry by equipping them with technical expertise, career readiness skills, and direct industry exposure.

Addressing Gender Gaps in the Chemical Industry

Launched in 2023, We-Chemie was designed to tackle the persistent under-representation of women in the chemical sector. The initiative specifically supports final-year BSc and MSc Chemistry students, particularly those from underserved communities, by offering:

*Advanced technical learning

*Career readiness and soft skills training

*Direct engagement with industry professionals

Since its inception, the program has successfully trained 220 students, building their confidence and preparing them for professional roles in India’s fast-growing chemical industry.

Celebrating the Fifth Cohort in Mumbai

At a recent certificate ceremony held at Somaiya Vidyavihar University in Mumbai, the fifth cohort of forty-eight students celebrated the successful completion of the program. The participants represented diverse semi-urban regions including Roha, Pune, Parner, Kolhapur, Solapur, Goa, Mumbai, and Gujarat, reflecting the initiative’s expanding geographic reach. The event not only honoured the students’ dedication but also demonstrated how strategic collaboration between industry and academia can effectively strengthen India’s STEM talent pipeline.

Building Confidence and Industry Readiness

The latest cohort highlights We-Chemie’s continued success in nurturing women chemists with both scientific knowledge and professional skills. By combining classroom learning, interactive group activities, and industry interactions, the program creates a holistic development environment.

Harshada Raghunath Powar from Kolhapur, one of the beneficiaries, shared, “The We-Chemie program gave us the opportunity to connect with girls from diverse backgrounds and meet women professionals working in the chemical industry. Their stories inspired us to overcome our doubts about working in this field. Through thoughtfully planned activities and classroom sessions, we learned to collaborate, build friendships, and understand different perspectives. Over time, we developed greater confidence and overcame our insecurities. The transformation we experienced was truly remarkable.” She further acknowledged the strong mentorship provided by faculty and program coordinators, who encouraged participants to grow into confident, responsible, and accountable professionals.

Industry Engagement Strengthens Impact

Industry participation has been a key pillar of the initiative. Shrikant Verma, Senior Executive HR at SRF Limited, stated, “It was great to be part of such an impactful initiative. The We-Chemie team coordinated and planned the campus drive with precision, making it a meaningful experience for all involved.” Such engagement ensures that students gain real-world exposure and understand the expectations of corporate and industrial environments.

Strengthening the Future of Women in STEM

Through We-Chemie, BASF India and its partners are actively building a more inclusive, innovation-driven chemical workforce. By nurturing young women chemists with technical expertise, industry exposure, and personal development opportunities, the initiative is helping reshape gender representation in India’s chemical and STEM sectors. As per the press release, as the program continues to grow, it reinforces a powerful message: diversity fuels innovation, and empowering women in chemistry strengthens the entire industry.

Hubergroup Unveils ELARA Range of Tailored Additives for Coatings and Printing Inks

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Hubergroup Chemicals expanded its specialty chemicals portfolio with the launch of ELARA, a new brand of high-performance additives designed for coatings, printing inks, and adhesives. The company will officially debut ELARA at PAINT INDIA 2026 in Mumbai, positioning the range as a clearly structured additive platform that helps formulators navigate today’s complex technical, regulatory, and sustainability challenges.

From Ink Raw Materials to Comprehensive Solutions Partner

With ELARA, hubergroup Chemicals takes a decisive step in its strategic evolution—from a supplier of printing ink raw materials to a comprehensive solutions partner for the coatings and adhesives industries. As global markets demand higher performance, stricter regulatory compliance, and improved sustainability, additives have become the critical enablers behind modern formulations. Recognizing this shift, the company has developed ELARA to combine scientific precision, formulation efficiency, and practical usability across diverse applications.

Premal A. Desai, CEO of hubergroup, emphasized, “With ELARA, we are taking another decisive step in our transformation. We are expanding beyond traditional applications and positioning hubergroup Chemicals as a future-oriented partner for formulators worldwide. ELARA reflects our ambition to shape chemistry responsibly while enabling customers to innovate with confidence.”

Additives: The Silent Enablers of Modern Formulations

Additives play a decisive role in ensuring dispersion quality, wetting performance, process stability, and surface finish in coatings and ink systems. Through ELARA, hubergroup Chemicals consolidates its deep expertise in polymer chemistry and surface chemistry into an application-driven additive platform tailored to defined formulation challenges. The name ELARA, inspired by one of Jupiter’s moons, symbolizes stability, precision, and orientation within complex systems. Each additive has been engineered for a clearly defined function, delivering maximum impact both as a standalone solution and as part of a balanced formulation.

A Structured Portfolio for Defined Formulation Challenges

Under the claim “Shaping chemistry. Expanding horizons.”, ELARA introduces three core additive lines:

ELARA Disperion 400

Designed for non-aqueous systems, these dispersing agents support organic and inorganic pigments, carbon blacks, extenders, and matting agents. They enable:

*High pigment loading

*Excellent color development

*Robust process stability

*Compatibility with solvent-based, solvent-free, and UV/EB systems

ELARA Disperion 500

These aqueous dispersing agents deliver:

*High color consistency

*Reproducible formulation quality

*Broad binder compatibility

*Suitability for VOC-free and biocide-free systems in coatings and printing inks

ELARA Wetora 300

These versatile wetting agents improve:

*Substrate wetting

*Uniform pigment incorporation

*Reduction of surface defects

*Performance across water-based, solvent-based, solvent-free, and UV-curable systems

Franziska Trapp, Technical Marketing Manager Coatings at hubergroup Chemicals, explained, “ELARA represents a new level of system understanding. Each additive line balances technical performance, regulatory compliance, and processing efficiency—designed around the real-world needs of formulators.”

Sustainability and Regulatory Alignment at the Core

The ELARA range reflects hubergroup Chemicals’ commitment to responsible chemistry. Many grades are solvent-free or VOC-reduced, aligning with global sustainability goals and evolving environmental regulations. At the same time, the portfolio ensures broad compatibility across solvent-based, water-based, and UV-curable systems, offering formulators both flexibility and security of supply.

A Scalable Additive Platform with a Growth Roadmap

ELARA is designed as a scalable and future-ready additive system. hubergroup Chemicals has already outlined a clear development roadmap that includes:

*Defoamers

*Humectants

*Rheology modifiers

The forward-looking expansion will enable the platform to address both current and emerging needs in coatings, inks, and adhesives. The ELARA portfolio will be available globally starting March 2026, supported by dedicated technical experts who provide formulation guidance and performance optimization across application areas.

Strengthening Innovation in Specialty Additives

As per the press release, with the launch of ELARA, hubergroup Chemicals reinforces its position as a technology-driven partner for the coatings and printing industries. By combining precision chemistry, sustainability, and application expertise, the company is actively shaping the future of high-performance additives and advanced formulations.

Birla Carbon Collaborates with ICS for Advanced Carbon Materials Conference 2026

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Birla Carbon, a global player in high-quality carbon materials, is co-hosting the Conference on Advanced Carbon Materials (CACM) 2026 in collaboration with the Indian Carbon Society (ICS), International Advanced Research Centre for Powder Metallurgy and New Materials (ARCI), and Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS). The three-day conference will take place from February 18–20, 2026, at the BITS Pilani, Hyderabad Campus, bringing together global experts in carbon science and engineering.

Strengthening Innovation in Advanced Carbon Materials

Through the collaboration, Birla Carbon reinforces its long-standing commitment to advancing carbon materials research and innovation. The company continues to expand its portfolio of carbon black, carbon nanotubes, and sustainable carbon solutions, supporting next-generation industrial and energy applications. Importantly, CACM 2026 will serve as a platform to connect academia, research institutions, and industry leaders to accelerate innovation in advanced carbon materials.

Driving Next-Generation Applications and Sustainability

Dr. Ann Schoeb, Chief R&D Officer and Energy Systems Business Head at Birla Carbon, emphasized, “Innovation in carbon materials is at the core of Birla Carbon’s DNA. Our commitment to advancing material science drives us to collaborate with leading academic and research institutions. Carbon materials will play a critical role in enabling high-performance, next-generation applications. At the same time, they are essential for improving sustainability and circularity, supporting the transition toward a lower-carbon economy.” Her remarks underscore the growing role of advanced carbon materials in energy systems, mobility, and sustainable manufacturing.

Showcasing Engineered Carbon Solutions at CACM 2026

At the conference, Birla Carbon will demonstrate how its engineered carbon solutions are powering next-generation technologies. Specifically, the company will present:

*Innovations in carbon nanotube-enhanced materials

*Advances in engineered carbon black architectures that improve durability and performance in tires, rubber goods, and specialty applications

*Progress in developing low-carbon materials using bio-based and circular feedstocks

By focusing on circular raw materials and sustainable manufacturing, Birla Carbon continues to align its innovation strategy with global climate and decarbonization goals.

A Platform for Collaboration and National Priorities

CACM 2026 aims to foster deeper collaboration between academia, industry, and research institutions. The conference will highlight transformative research, emerging technologies, and strategic priorities in advanced carbon materials development. Moreover, it will address national and global objectives related to energy transition, materials innovation, and industrial sustainability, reinforcing India’s growing role in advanced materials research.

Advancing the Future of Carbon Science

With strong participation from scientists, technologists, and industry experts, CACM 2026 is set to become a significant forum for shaping the future of carbon materials. As per the press release, through strategic collaborations and continued R&D investment, Birla Carbon is not only strengthening its global leadership in carbon solutions but also actively contributing to the advancement of sustainable, high-performance materials for tomorrow’s industries.

SHIPL Expands Hyderabad GCC to Accelerate AI-Driven Innovation

Sanofi Healthcare India Pvt. Ltd. (SHIPL) announced a major expansion of its Global Capability Centre (GCC) in Hyderabad, adding over 2.7 lakh square meters of state-of-the-art workspace within its existing campus in HITEC City. The inauguration ceremony was attended by Duddilla Sridhar Babu, Minister for IT, Industries and Commerce, government of Telangana, along with senior Sanofi executives, underscoring the strategic importance of the expansion for both the company and the state.

Scaling One of India’s Largest Pharma GCCs

Since its inauguration in 2024, Sanofi’s Hyderabad GCC has stood out for its scale, multidisciplinary expertise, and ability to support global end-to-end operations. The centre’s capabilities span artificial intelligence (AI), digital health, intelligent automation, data analytics, and enterprise services. With this expansion, the facility’s employee capacity will increase from approximately 2,600 to nearly 4,500 professionals, making it one of Sanofi’s largest global talent hubs. Furthermore, it positions the Hyderabad site among the top three pharmaceutical GCCs in India.

Strategic Investment in India’s Life Sciences Ecosystem

Sanofi’s Global Capability Centres serve as strategic hubs worldwide, enabling the company to deliver best-in-class enterprise solutions and innovation-driven operations. Backed by a multi-hundred-million-dollar investment, the Hyderabad expansion reflects Sanofi’s long-term commitment to India’s growing life sciences ecosystem and strong digital talent base.

Importantly, the expanded GCC will generate diverse roles across:

*Research & Development

*Digital Innovation & AI

*Data Analytics

*Medical Affairs

*People Services

*Finance and Procurement

*Commercial Operations

As a result, professionals across experience levels will gain access to high-impact career opportunities within a global biopharma organization.

From Medical Services to a Global Innovation Hub

Sanofi established its Hyderabad operations in 2019, initially focusing on Medical Services. Since then, the centre has grown exponentially, delivering advanced services to Sanofi’s global functions and affiliates. Today, the Hyderabad GCC operates as a future-ready global hub, designed with sustainability, inclusivity, and collaboration at its core. The company has reimagined the workplace into a hospitality-inspired environment, encouraging employee well-being, teamwork, and operational excellence. By promoting collaboration and leveraging AI-powered systems, the centre enhances efficiency across the entire pharmaceutical value chain—from research and discovery to manufacturing and supply.

Leadership Perspectives on the Expansion

Madeleine Roach, EVP and Head of Business Operations at Sanofi, emphasized, “As an R&D-driven, AI-powered biopharma company, we remain focused on improving people’s lives. Our Hyderabad GCC supports critical processes across the drug research, development, manufacturing, and access lifecycle. India’s exceptional talent in digital innovation, AI, and data science is accelerating our transformation. We look forward to growing our capabilities further and partnering with Telangana as it sets new benchmarks in life sciences innovation.”

Mrinal Duggal, Head of Hyderabad Global Hub, Sanofi, reaffirmed, “We have delivered on our commitment made in 2024. This expansion strengthens our global capabilities while empowering the local workforce and reinforcing Hyderabad’s position as a premier pharmaceutical and healthcare destination.”

Strengthening Hyderabad’s Position as a Global Biopharma Hub

With this expansion, Sanofi not only scales its global operations but also deepens its integration with India’s digital and life sciences ecosystem. By combining AI, advanced analytics, sustainability, and talent development, the Hyderabad GCC is set to play a critical role in shaping the future of global healthcare innovation. As per the press release, as Hyderabad continues to emerge as a leading life sciences and technology powerhouse, Sanofi’s expanded presence signals strong confidence in India’s ability to drive the next wave of pharmaceutical transformation.

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