AM Green and Mitsui & Co. Ltd. signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore strategic collaboration opportunities across the energy transition value chain. The partnership will focus on identifying broader decarbonisation pathways, with particular emphasis on potential investments in low-carbon aluminium. Through the MoU, both companies aim to combine their complementary strengths to accelerate the development of sustainable materials and expand global market access.

Building an Integrated Green Aluminium Platform

AM Green, through its wholly owned subsidiary AM Green Aluminium Metals and Materials (AM Green Metals), is developing a fully integrated green aluminium ecosystem. The company is building a 1 million tons per annum (MTPA) primary aluminium smelter along with 2 MTPA alumina refining and mining operations. Earlier, in November 2025, AM Green signed an MoU with the Government of Andhra Pradesh to establish a 1 MTPA green aluminium complex, reinforcing India’s ambition to lead in low-carbon industrial manufacturing.

Renewable Energy at the Core of Operations

To ensure a low-carbon footprint, AM Green will power both the aluminium smelter and alumina refinery entirely with renewable energy. Wind and solar power will be firmed through pumped hydro storage, ensuring round-the-clock clean energy supply. In support of this strategy, Coal India signed an MoU in May 2025 to supply 4.5 GW of renewable power to AM Green across its various verticals, including AM Green Metals.

Mitsui to Assess Investment and Offtake Opportunities

Under the MoU, AM Green and Mitsui will evaluate potential investment opportunities across the AM Green Metals value chain. Mitsui’s participation would support the equity needed to establish the world’s first fully integrated green aluminium production platform.

In parallel, the discussions will explore multiple commercial avenues, including:

*Offtake of low-carbon aluminium, with potential access to long-term offtake rights

*Supply of auxiliary materials required for the green aluminium smelter and alumina refinery

Leadership Perspective on the Partnership

Mahesh Kolli, Founder of Greenko Group and AM Green, said, “AM Green is building globally competitive platforms across molecules and materials to enable industrial decarbonisation at scale. We are pleased to partner with Mitsui to explore collaboration pathways that can accelerate low-carbon aluminium and expand market access for a wider set of green products.”

AM Green’s Broader Decarbonisation Vision

Founded by Anil Chalamalasetty and Mahesh Kolli, AM Green serves as a next-generation energy transition and decarbonisation platform. The company holds stakes in Greenko’s Power2X businesses—covering green ammonia, green hydrogen, green metals and green chemicals—as well as Bio2X ventures such as 2G ethanol, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), dissolving pulp and lignin.

Greenko currently operates over 12 GW of renewable energy capacity across solar, wind and hydro. Looking ahead, it is developing 100 GWh of pumped hydro storage capacity by 2030 across India. AM Green has committed to producing 5 MTPA of green ammonia by 2030. This represents nearly one-fifth of India’s green hydrogen target and about 10% of Europe’s import requirement. In addition, the company plans to establish 1 MTPA of green aluminium capacity, reinforcing its leadership in low-carbon materials.

Mitsui’s Global Reach and Strategic Role

Mitsui & Co. is a global trading and investment company with operations in more than 60 countries. With a diversified portfolio spanning multiple industries, Mitsui partners with leading global companies to develop sustainable businesses and create long-term value. As per the press release, Mitsui aims to strengthen its presence in energy transition materials by engaging with AM Green. The collaboration will also support the global shift toward low-carbon industrial supply chains.

KP Group signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the government of Botswana to develop five GW of renewable energy projects. The strategic agreement marks a significant milestone in strengthening global clean energy collaboration and accelerating the energy transition across regions.

High-Level Botswana Delegation Visits KP Group Facility

Following the MoU signing, KP Group hosted a high-level delegation from Botswana at its KP Green Engineering Corporate Office and Manufacturing Facility in Matar, Gujarat. The delegation was led by Bogolo Joy Kenewendo, Cabinet Minister – Minerals and Energy, and Dr. Phenyo Butale, Minister of International Relations, reflecting the importance of the partnership at the highest policy level.

Ceremonial Highlights Underscore Sustainability Focus

During the visit, KP Group organised a series of symbolic and forward-looking events. These included a prayer ceremony at Asia’s largest galvanizing kettle, highlighting the company’s manufacturing capabilities and commitment to industrial excellence. In addition, the facility witnessed a virtual inauguration by the Deputy Chief Minister of Gujarat, Harsh Sanghavi, underscoring strong institutional support for renewable energy initiatives.

Reinforcing Environmental Commitment

To further emphasise its sustainability ethos, KP Group conducted a tree plantation drive at the facility. This initiative reinforced the company’s long-term commitment to environmental stewardship and responsible industrial growth.

Strengthening India–Botswana Energy Cooperation

Overall, the MoU and the subsequent high-level engagement represent a proud step toward deepening India–Botswana cooperation in clean energy. As per the press release, more importantly, the partnership positions KP Group as a key contributor to advancing the global renewable energy transition through cross-border collaboration and large-scale project development.

Birla Carbon, a leading global manufacturer and supplier of high-quality carbon materials, has secured a Platinum-level rating from EcoVadis, placing the company among the top 1% of organisations worldwide assessed for sustainability performance. This recognition highlights Birla Carbon’s consistent efforts to embed sustainability across its operations, innovation pathways, and value chain.

Strong Performance Across Key Sustainability Pillars

Notably, the EcoVadis Platinum rating reflects Birla Carbon’s robust performance across critical sustainability dimensions. These include Environment, Labour & Human Rights, Ethics, and Sustainable Procurement. Together, these scores underscore the depth, maturity, and consistency of the company’s enterprise-wide sustainability practices.

Leadership Commitment to Sustainable Growth

Commenting on the achievement, John Loudermilk, President and Chief Executive Officer, Birla Carbon, emphasised that the recognition mirrors the company’s long-term strategic focus.

“This Platinum rating reflects the steady progress we are making in embedding sustainability at the core of our business,” he said. “Our growth strategy is geared towards delivering sustainability through innovation, operational excellence, and responsible practices across our global footprint.”

Furthermore, Loudermilk noted that Birla Carbon continues to invest in sustainability- and circularity-driven processes, ensuring operational efficiency while creating long-term value for customers, partners, communities, and employees.

‘Share the Future’ Strategy Guides Net-Zero Ambitions

In addition, Birla Carbon’s sustainability roadmap, ‘Share the Future’, plays a central role in guiding the company’s actions. The strategy supports its aspiration to achieve net-zero carbon emissions over the next 25 years.

“Being recognised among the top one percent of companies globally is a testament to the commitment of our teams worldwide,” Loudermilk added.

Third-Party Certifications Strengthen Credibility

Moreover, the EcoVadis assessment highlights strong external validation of Birla Carbon’s sustainability efforts. Over 75% of the company’s operations are covered under internationally recognised certifications, including ISO 14001, ISO 50001, ISO 45001, SA8000, and ISO 27001. These certifications reinforce the company’s disciplined approach to environmental management and energy efficiency. They also strengthen its focus on occupational health and safety, social accountability, and information security.

NavPrakriti Green Energies Pvt. Ltd. announced plans to forge partnerships with more than 150 battery manufacturers and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) over the next three years. Through this initiative, the company aims to position itself as a key enabler in India’s rapidly evolving battery recycling landscape. Based in Kolkata, NavPrakriti operates Eastern India’s first large-scale lithium-ion battery recycling facility. By building a broad collection and processing network, the company plans to manage end-of-life batteries across multiple industries at a time when India faces rising e-waste volumes and surging battery demand.

Rising Battery Demand Drives Urgency for Recycling

Policy Push

Vision for Responsible and Circular Recycling

“Our aim is to set a new benchmark for responsible battery recycling in India, fully aligned with the government’s vision for a circular and self-reliant economy,” said Akhilesh Bagaria, Founder of NavPrakriti. Through its partnership-led approach, the company aims to help manufacturers meet compliance requirements. It also seeks to ensure battery waste is handled safely, transparently, and at scale.

Operational Capacity and Technology Roadmap

NavPrakriti’s current recycling facility can process up to 1,000 tonnes of used batteries per month, with built-in flexibility to double capacity as demand rises. The plant handles batteries from consumer electronics, telecom networks, and industrial operations.

At present, the recycling process focuses on recovering aluminium and copper, while generating intermediary materials rich in nickel, cobalt, manganese, and lithium. Looking ahead, NavPrakriti is developing hydrometallurgical refining capabilities and plans to move into battery-grade chemical recovery. In addition, the company is exploring battery refurbishment and second-life applications, targeting residential and industrial energy storage systems.

Aligning with India’s Critical Minerals Strategy

NavPrakriti’s strategy closely aligns with the National Critical Mineral Mission, which emphasises resource security and domestic value creation. By treating battery recycling as a form of resource regeneration, the company aims to reduce India’s dependence on imported battery materials. Stricter hazardous waste regulations are expected in 2026. To stay ahead of these requirements, NavPrakriti has already invested in advanced tracking, compliance, and reporting systems.

Loop Industries, Inc., a clean technology company advancing a circular plastics economy, has announced that its India joint venture ELITe (Ester Loop Infinite Technologies Pvt. Ltd.), formed with Ester Industries, has awarded the detailed engineering contract for the Infinite Loop™ India project to Toyo Engineering India Private Limited. Toyo, a globally recognised EPC firm, brings more than four decades of experience in executing large-scale industrial and petrochemical projects across India. This appointment marks a major milestone as the project moves from design into execution.

Transition from FEED to Final Engineering Phase

The award follows the successful completion of front-end engineering design (FEED) by Tata Consulting Engineers. With FEED now complete, the project has entered its final engineering phase ahead of construction. As per the press release, under the contract, Toyo will deliver the full scope of detailed design, procurement engineering, and technical documentation, ensuring technical readiness for on-site execution.

Insecticides (India) Limited appointed Devendra Kumar Ray as its Chief Operating Officer (COO) following approval by the Board of Directors at its meeting held on November 12, 2025. The decision was made based on the recommendation of the Nomination, Remuneration and Ethics Committee, and the appointment is effective immediately. With this move, the company aims to further strengthen its operational leadership and execution capabilities across manufacturing and business operations.

Seasoned Leader with Over Three Decades of Experience

Ray brings with him more than 35 years of extensive experience in large-scale chemical manufacturing and operations management. Over his career, he has played a pivotal role in process development, technology transfer, and strategic project execution, successfully managing complex manufacturing environments. Importantly, he has led end-to-end plant operations and large capital expenditure projects, while driving business transformation initiatives that delivered measurable improvements in efficiency, safety, sustainability, and Responsible Care practices.

Core Strengths

Ray’s core strengths include operational excellence, process safety management, sustainability leadership, ESG implementation, and people-centric governance. He has consistently promoted a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement across organisations. Moreover, he has a proven track record of executing multi-crore projects within stringent timelines and safety standards, while fostering innovation and performance excellence across teams.

Extensive Experience

Before joining Insecticides (India) Limited, Ray held senior leadership roles at several prominent organisations, including PI Industries Ltd., Cheminova India Ltd. (now FMC Ltd.), Neogen Chemicals Ltd., Cohizon Life Sciences Ltd. (earlier Sajjan India Ltd.), Atul Ltd., Searle India, and Hoechst India, a German multinational company. Through these roles, he gained deep exposure to diverse chemical segments and global operational practices, further strengthening his ability to lead complex, multi-site operations.

Strengthening Operational Leadership at Insecticides (India) Limited

As reported by marketscreener.com, with the appointment of Ray as COO, Insecticides (India) Limited reinforces its focus on operational efficiency, safety, sustainability, and long-term value creation. His experience and leadership will drive the company’s growth strategy and strengthen its manufacturing and governance frameworks.

Theia Ventures, India’s specialist early-stage fund focused on AI, deeptech, energy transition, and decarbonisation, has led a pre-seed investment round in Novyte Materials, an emerging AI-driven materials discovery company. The round also saw participation from Sandesh Paturi, Co-Founder of Venwiz, and Niharika Jain, Director at Chemvera.

The funding will support the development of Novyte’s AI platform and the rollout of early pilot projects, enabling faster co-creation and collaborative discovery of next-generation materials. Through this investment, Theia Ventures reinforces its commitment to backing transformative technologies that accelerate sustainable materials innovation and decarbonisation-aligned discovery.

Addressing a Critical Bottleneck in Materials Innovation

Despite rapid advances in engineering and manufacturing, materials discovery remains one of the slowest and most resource-intensive stages of innovation. Traditional approaches often take years—sometimes decades—due to trial-and-error experimentation, fragmented lab data, and poor integration between computational models and real-world validation. As a result, progress across sectors such as energy, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing slows significantly, even as demand grows for materials that deliver higher performance, reliability, and sustainability.

AI-Led Materials Discovery at Scale

Novyte Materials is transforming this process through an AI-driven materials discovery platform that dramatically accelerates research and development. By combining generative AI with physics-based simulations, Novyte enables the design, validation, and reverse engineering of novel materials.

Notably, the platform can reduce R&D timelines by up to 10 times while cutting early-stage physical testing costs by as much as 90%. These capabilities support a wide range of applications, including composite materials, aerospace, advanced manufacturing, and specialty chemicals.

Why Materials Science Matters More Than Ever

As industries transition toward cleaner energy systems and high-performance technologies, materials science has emerged as a critical enabler of innovation. Breakthroughs in areas such as advanced batteries, hypersonic flight, nuclear fusion, and low-loss transformers depend heavily on how quickly stable, high-performing materials can be designed and validated. In this context, accelerating materials discovery is no longer optional—it is essential for sustaining technological progress.

Investor and Founder Perspectives

Priya Shah, Founder and General Partner at Theia Ventures, said that as AI becomes foundational infrastructure across industries, Novyte is bringing that transformation directly into materials discovery. She noted that the company’s approach replaces years of laboratory work with intelligent, AI-led design and real-time validation, with the potential to unlock faster innovation across energy, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing.

From the company’s perspective, Ajaz Khan, Founder and CEO of Novyte Materials, said innovation today is constrained by the limitations of legacy materials. By decoding complex chemical interactions using AI, he explained, Novyte is turning materials discovery into a predictable and scalable engineering process.

Bridging Wet Labs and Dry Labs

Novyte is redefining materials engineering by integrating wet-lab experimentation with dry-lab computational modeling. By working directly alongside industrial R&D teams, the company decodes complex material interactions to engineer custom solutions tailored to specific applications.

The vertically integrated approach eliminates much of the guesswork associated with traditional discovery. Instead of costly trial-and-error cycles, Novyte offers predictable, validated pathways that bridge testing and commercialisation. Over time, this creates a continuously learning system purpose-built for applied industrial chemistry.

Strong Academic Roots and R&D Ecosystem

Novyte Materials is incubated at ICT-NICE, the innovation and entrepreneurship hub of the Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT), Mumbai. The company leverages ICT’s strong research ecosystem. It is also building its own R&D infrastructure and synthesis laboratory to support independent development and scale.

Initial Industry Focus and Collaboration Opportunities

In its early phase, Novyte will partner closely with specialty chemicals companies, including players in polymers, paints, adhesives, and coatings. These industries are actively seeking alternative materials with improved performance, sustainability, and cost efficiency. Through these collaborations, Novyte aims to reduce operational and R&D costs, shorten development timelines, and make the journey from lab to commercialisation more seamless and predictable. The company is currently inviting strategic partnerships and industry collaborations.

About Theia Ventures’ New Fund

This investment marks Theia Ventures’ fourth deployment from its new fund. The fund announced its first close in October 2025 with anchor backing from British International Investment. The fund’s existing portfolio includes Sarla Aviation (electric aircraft), Climitra Carbon (biochar solutions for the steel industry), and Lemnisca (bio-manufacturing). As per the press release, Theia Ventures plans additional investments within the current financial year. The firm continues to build a portfolio focused on AI-driven, deeptech solutions that enable the energy transition and industrial decarbonisation.

Godavari Biorefineries Limited (GBL), a renewable chemicals and bio‑based manufacturing conglomerate, incorporated Sathgen Therapeutics LLC, a wholly owned step‑down subsidiary headquartered in Princeton, New Jersey, USA. Through this move, GBL significantly strengthens its clinical‑stage biotechnology presence in the United States while positioning Sathgen as a global out‑licensing platform for novel therapeutics. Importantly, the U.S. expansion will enable closer engagement with global pharmaceutical partners and help accelerate Sathgen’s drug‑development programmes from discovery to advanced clinical stages.

From Vision to Discovery: The Origins of Sathgen Therapeutics

Sathgen Therapeutics emerged from a scientific vision proposed by Dr. Sendurai Mani, with strong institutional backing from Samir Somaiya, Chairman and Managing Director of GBL. Together, they laid the foundation for a long‑term research initiative that has steadily evolved into an active drug‑discovery programme.

Over the years, this effort has led to the identification and development of multiple novel molecules. Several candidates have already demonstrated promising preclinical efficacy, particularly in triple‑negative breast cancer (TNBC). It is one of the most aggressive and difficult‑to‑treat cancer subtypes.

In parallel, Sathgen has developed a novel class of compounds that inhibit cancer cells and cancer stem cells in vitro. These compounds show strong activity in both breast and prostate cancer models. Building on these advances, the company has secured patents across the United States, Europe, China, and other key global markets, strengthening its intellectual‑property portfolio.

Leadership Perspective

Samir Somaiya, Chairman and Managing Director, Godavari Biorefineries Limited, said the incorporation of Sathgen Therapeutics LLC marks a defining chapter in the company’s innovation journey. He noted that nearly fifteen years ago, GBL posed a bold question: why shouldn’t India—known globally for generic medicines—also contribute to original drug discovery? This “moonshot” thinking, he said, has consistently guided GBL’s strategy across biorefining, specialty chemicals, and now breakthrough therapeutics.

Focusing on TNBC was a deliberate choice, given its limited treatment options and poor prognosis. With Dr. Mani’s contributions, particularly in targeting cancer stem cells, GBL aims not only to advance scientific knowledge but also to deliver tangible improvements in patient outcomes. According to Mr. Somaiya, the U.S. subsidiary brings this long‑term vision closer to realization.

Building a U.S. Platform for Partnerships and Out‑Licensing

The Princeton‑based subsidiary will play a central role in advancing global collaborations. Dr. Padmaja Ganapathy, CEO, Sathgen Therapeutics USA, emphasised that a U.S. presence creates a strong platform to engage with partners capable of carrying Sathgen’s technologies into later stages of development. She added that her focus will be on forging meaningful collaborations that enable efficient out‑licensing. It ensures promising discoveries reach patients faster and more effectively.

Scientific Focus

At the core of Sathgen’s research strategy lies a deep focus on understanding and targeting the biological drivers of aggressive cancers. Dr. Sendurai Mani, Chief Scientific Officer of Sathgen Therapeutics USA, explained that the company focuses on cancer stem cells. This approach offers significant potential to impact diseases such as TNBC, where treatment options remain limited.

With the launch of the U.S. subsidiary, Sathgen plans to expand collaborations with global scientific and clinical partners. This will accelerate translational research and advance high‑impact discoveries toward clinical application.

Strengthening Clinical Direction Through Expert Guidance

To support its next phase of growth, Sathgen Therapeutics has constituted a Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) to guide its clinical‑development and translational‑research strategy. The SAB includes Dr. Razelle Kurzrock, an internationally recognised leader in precision oncology, immunotherapy, and early‑phase clinical trials. It also includes Dr. Massimo Cristofanilli, a globally respected authority in metastatic breast cancer and cancer biology. Their combined expertise spans oncology, patient stratification, and clinical‑trial design. This will be instrumental as Sathgen advances its portfolio and engages with U.S. and global partners.

Accelerating Innovation with Purpose

Dr. Sangeeta Srivastava, Executive Director of GBL and Head of the Drug Discovery Division, reinforced the broader vision. She said Sathgen’s mission is firmly rooted in translating science into impactful therapies. She noted that the U.S. subsidiary will help accelerate clinical programmes. It deepens research collaborations, and bring innovative treatments closer to patients worldwide.

Beyond science, GBL continues to operate with a strong commitment to responsible and inclusive development. From education and rural upliftment to environmental stewardship, these values remain central as the company expands into advanced biotechnology. As per the press release, Godavari Biorefineries has launched Sathgen Therapeutics LLC in the United States. This move reinforces its dual focus on scientific progress and societal impact. It aims to create lasting value for patients, partners, and communities alike.

Waaree Energies, one of India’s largest solar PV module manufacturer, received ALMM List-II approval from the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) for its high-efficiency solar PV cells. This milestone underscores India’s push for domestic solar manufacturing and strengthens Waaree’s leadership in advanced solar technologies.

Approval Covers Advanced Gujarat Facility

The approval encompasses Waaree’s Degam facility in Gujarat, which has a total annual capacity of 5.25 GW. This includes 3,923 MW of N-type TOPCon cells and 1,328 MW of P-type PERC bifacial cells. With this listing, Waaree reinforces its position as a fully integrated cell-to-module supplier. It provides developers, EPCs, and institutional buyers with greater assurance on domestic sourcing, supply-chain security, and long-term project reliability.

Building on ALMM List-I Recognition

Already recognized under ALMM List-I for solar modules, Waaree plans to leverage the List-II approval to expand partnerships with domestic and international developers, accelerate exports, and strengthen resilient, high-performance solar value chains aligned with India’s energy security and net-zero goals.

Leadership Comment

Sunil Rathi, Executive Director, Waaree, said, “ALMM List-II inclusion for our solar cells is a critical step in strengthening domestic backward integration across India’s solar value chain. While Waaree is already the largest in scale, this milestone reinforces our position at the forefront of solar cell technology.”

Strengthening India’s Domestic Solar Manufacturing

As reported by projectstoday.com, with this approval, Waaree Energies cements its leadership in next-generation solar cell technologies. It also supports India’s strategic goals for domestic manufacturing, energy security, and sustainable growth in the renewable energy sector.

DuPont launched a new low-energy, fouling-resistant reverse osmosis (RO) element designed to improve the efficiency and reliability of seawater desalination systems. The FilmTec™ SW30XLE-400/34 RO element directly targets biofouling—one of the most persistent and costly operational challenges in seawater reverse osmosis applications. By addressing fouling at the membrane level, DuPont aims to help desalination operators lower energy consumption, reduce maintenance requirements, and extend membrane life.

Tackling Biofouling to Improve System Performance

Biofouling in seawater RO systems often leads to higher pressure drops, increased energy demand, and frequent chemical cleanings. Over time, these issues raise operating and maintenance costs while gradually reducing overall system efficiency. DuPont says the new FilmTec SW30XLE-400/34 element has been specifically engineered to mitigate biofouling effects while preserving the high performance and reliability associated with its FilmTec membrane portfolio.

Validated Performance Under Real-World Conditions

To support its performance claims, DuPont conducted extensive validation studies at its Global Water Technology Center in Tarragona, Spain. These tests evaluated the new RO element under typical seawater operating conditions. According to the company, the FilmTec SW30XLE-400/34 delivers up to 25% lower initial pressure drop compared with the previous generation. As a result, operators can reduce energy demand while maintaining stable and consistent water output.

Lower Energy Use and Reduced Maintenance

The reduced pressure drop translates directly into improved energy efficiency and operational stability. In addition, the design helps limit fouling buildup, which in turn can lower cleaning frequency and minimise unplanned downtime. These advantages are particularly significant for large-scale seawater desalination plants, where energy consumption and membrane maintenance account for a substantial share of total operating costs.

Supporting More Efficient Desalination Operations

With the introduction of the FilmTec SW30XLE-400/34 RO element, DuPont continues to expand its portfolio of advanced water-treatment solutions.