USA Rare Earth, Pasqal and Riven Systems entered into a strategic partnership to develop
next-generation separation technologies for the rare earth value chain. The collaboration will use quantum machine learning and automated experimentation to identify new separation molecules that can bind more effectively to rare earth elements than existing alternatives. By improving extractant selection, the partners aim to enable smaller, lower-cost and less energy-intensive processing facilities, while supporting a more efficient and competitive rare earth supply chain.

Combining Quantum Computing and AI-Driven Chemistry

The partnership brings together expertise from the United States and France across critical minerals, quantum computing and industrial chemistry. Under the planned project, Riven Systems will use its self-driving minerals separation laboratory to conduct thousands of automated experiments. The resulting data will help build machine learning models that analyse the selectivity of extractants for different rare earth elements. Pasqal will then use its neutral-atom quantum processing unit (QPU) to benchmark quantum machine learning models against classical computing models trained on data generated by Riven’s autonomous laboratory. The companies will use these insights to support USA Rare Earth’s optimisation of extractant selection for its processing operations.

Addressing Rare Earth Separation Challenges

A major challenge for the rare earth industry outside Asia is separating mixed rare earth carbonate (MREC) into individual rare earth oxides. USA Rare Earth said China currently has a dominant position in this separation capability, particularly for heavy rare earth elements such as dysprosium, terbium and yttrium. The partnership aims to accelerate the discovery of improved separation chemistry and reduce reliance on traditional trial-and-error approaches. According to USA Rare Earth, a purpose-built extractant could potentially reduce processing stages, equipment requirements and raw material consumption. Consequently, the technology could improve capital and operating efficiency while reducing the carbon footprint and environmental impact of processing facilities.

Focus on Multiple Rare Earth Feedstocks

Pasqal and Riven will tailor their research to USA Rare Earth’s expected feedstocks. These include material from the Round Top mine in Sierra Blanca, Texas, as well as third-party MREC and recycled swarf generated during magnet manufacturing. By targeting these feedstocks, the companies aim to develop separation solutions that can potentially support multiple areas of USA Rare Earth’s materials-processing operations.

Quantum Technology for Critical Mineral Supply Chains

Wasiq Bokhari, Chief Executive Officer of Pasqal, said the partnership combines technologies that are becoming increasingly important to industrial competitiveness, economic growth and supply-chain resilience. The companies aim to demonstrate how quantum computing, advanced automation and materials expertise can work together to accelerate innovation in critical mineral processing. The collaboration also brings together companies from the US and France to explore technology-driven solutions for strengthening critical mineral supply chains.

Towards an End-to-End Extractant Discovery Platform

The initial machine learning project could also lead to a broader collaboration between the three companies. Over time, the partners envision an end-to-end extractant discovery process. In this model, a quantum machine learning system would first identify promising extractant molecules. Riven’s self-driving laboratory would then test the candidates automatically. The most promising candidates would subsequently undergo validation at USA Rare Earth’s R&D facility in Wheat Ridge, Colorado, before the company integrates them into its processing flowsheets.

AI and Autonomous Labs Drive the Next Phase

Dr. Orion Archer Cohen, CTO and co-founder of Riven Systems, described AI and autonomous laboratories as an emerging frontier in critical mineral processing. The partnership could therefore demonstrate how advanced computing, automated experimentation and industrial chemistry can accelerate the development of new processing technologies. As reported by globenewswire.com, by combining these capabilities, USA Rare Earth, Pasqal and Riven Systems aim to develop more efficient separation chemistry and support the growth of a competitive Western rare earth value chain.

Oil India Limited (OIL) is targeting ten million tons of oil equivalent (MMTOE) in oil and gas production by 2029 as it expands exploration across new onshore and offshore frontiers. The Maharatna public sector energy company plans to increase domestic oil and gas production while strengthening exploration across deepwater and ultra-deepwater blocks. OIL is also looking to expand its integrated energy portfolio and selectively enter clean energy businesses.

Oil India Steps Up Exploration

OIL Chairman and Managing Director Ranjit Rath said the company’s growth strategy will focus on increasing domestic hydrocarbon production, accelerating exploration, strengthening integrated energy offerings and selectively developing clean energy opportunities. The company currently operates largely in mature fields. However, it has increased drilling, workover activities and reservoir management to support production growth. During FY2025-26, OIL produced 3.450 million tonnes (MMT) of crude oil and 3.186 billion cubic metres (BCM) of natural gas. The company also achieved a terminal crude oil production rate of 10,566 tons per day, its highest level in 14 years.

Production Growth Continues in FY2026-27

OIL drilled 74 wells during FY2025-26, including 22 exploratory wells and 52 development wells. Meanwhile, its Reserve Replacement Ratio (RRR) increased to 1.02, indicating continued additions to its reserves. Production growth has continued into the current financial year. During the first quarter of FY2026-27, crude oil production rose 11% year-on-year to 0.950 MMT. Furthermore, OIL recorded an all-time high daily crude oil production of 10,921 tonnes, equivalent to around 84,109 barrels.

Focus on Deepwater and Ultra-Deepwater Exploration

OIL is expanding its offshore exploration portfolio across several promising basins. Its current acreage includes blocks in the Andaman, Krishna-Godavari, Mahanadi and Kerala-Konkan basins, along with ultra-deepwater assets. As India seeks to expand its domestic hydrocarbon resource base, OIL is also developing capabilities for frontier offshore exploration. The company’s deeper offshore focus is expected to play an important role in its long-term production strategy as it explores new sources of domestic oil and gas.

Building Capabilities for India’s Energy Security

OIL’s expanded exploration programme comes as India seeks to increase domestic hydrocarbon production and reduce dependence on imported energy. The proposed Samudra Manthan scheme could further support the development of offshore exploration capabilities and help accelerate exploration in India’s frontier basins. As reported by millenniumpost.in, through deeper offshore exploration, increased drilling and improved reservoir management, OIL is working towards its target of 10 MMTOE of oil and gas production by 2029 while also diversifying into emerging energy opportunities.

Dr Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd. has entered into a royalty-free, non-exclusive voluntary licensing agreement with Gilead Sciences for investigational once-yearly lenacapavir for HIV prevention through pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). The agreement builds on the companies’ existing licensing arrangement, signed in October 2024, for twice-yearly lenacapavir for HIV prevention and treatment. The latest collaboration focuses on expanding manufacturing readiness and future access to long-acting HIV prevention options in licensed markets.

Agreement Supports Manufacturing and Supply Planning

Under the new agreement, Dr Reddy’s will work towards manufacturing readiness, technology transfer and future supply planning for investigational once-yearly lenacapavir. Clinical development of the treatment will continue in the licensed territories, primarily in low- and lower-middle-income countries. The collaboration is intended to support future availability if the once-yearly formulation receives the required regulatory approvals.

Focus on Long-Acting HIV Prevention

HIV remains a significant global public health challenge, creating continued demand for effective and convenient prevention options. The collaboration expands Dr Reddy’s Public Health Access portfolio, which focuses on improving access to medicines across communicable diseases, reproductive health, and maternal and child health. Deepak Sapra, Chief Executive Officer, API and Services, Dr Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd., said the agreement builds on the company’s existing collaboration with Gilead and reflects its commitment to supporting global HIV prevention efforts. He added that, if approved, once-yearly lenacapavir could provide an additional long-acting HIV prevention option, particularly for people in regions where access and adherence remain challenges.

Once-Yearly Lenacapavir Under Clinical Evaluation

Investigational once-yearly lenacapavir is currently being evaluated in Gilead’s Phase 3 PURPOSE 365 study. Importantly, once-yearly lenacapavir for HIV prevention remains investigational and has not been approved by any regulatory authority. Its safety and efficacy for this use have not yet been established. Lenacapavir is already approved in multiple countries for treating adults with multidrug-resistant HIV when used in combination with other antiretroviral medicines. Twice-yearly lenacapavir for HIV prevention has also received approval from the US FDA and European Medicines Agency, while the WHO has recommended twice-yearly lenacapavir in its HIV prevention guidelines.

Lenacapavir Targets Multiple Stages of HIV Lifecycle

Lenacapavir has a mechanism of action that differs from currently approved classes of antiviral medicines. While many antivirals target a single stage of viral replication, lenacapavir is designed to inhibit HIV at multiple stages of its lifecycle. According to the companies, laboratory studies have shown no known cross-resistance between lenacapavir and other existing antiviral drug classes. Gilead is evaluating lenacapavir as a long-acting option across multiple ongoing and planned clinical studies covering HIV prevention and treatment. The company is also exploring different dosing approaches, including long-acting oral and injectable options, to address the needs and preferences of people and communities affected by HIV.

Dr Reddy’s Strengthens Public Health Access Portfolio

The latest agreement further strengthens Dr Reddy’s focus on expanding access to innovative and affordable medicines. Headquartered in Hyderabad, India, Dr Reddy’s Laboratories was established in 1984 and offers a portfolio spanning active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), generics, branded generics, biosimilars and over-the-counter products. As reported by pharmabiz.com, through its collaboration with Gilead, the company is preparing for potential future manufacturing and supply of once-yearly lenacapavir in licensed markets, subject to regulatory approvals and successful clinical development.

Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) plans to develop an integrated greenfield refinery in Andhra Pradesh with a capacity of 9 million tonnes per annum (MTPA). The proposed refinery is expected to produce around 5.4 million tonnes of Euro-6 standard fuels, including Motor Spirit, High-Speed Diesel and Aviation Turbine Fuel. The project is estimated to cost approximately ₹1.45 lakh crore and will be developed between Prakasam and Nellore districts.

Refinery to Produce Euro-6 Fuels

According to BPCL Chairman and Managing Director Sanjay Khanna, the refinery will manufacture fuels meeting Euro-6 standards. The planned production will include motor spirit, igh-speed diesel and aviation turbine fuel. Together, these products are expected to account for around 5.4 million tons of annual output.

Petrochemical Production to Expand

In addition to fuels, the proposed refinery will include a significant petrochemical component. Other petrochemical products are expected to contribute around 3.2 million tonnes of production. The project will generate a range of downstream products and by-products, including HDPE, LDPE, LLDPE, polypropylene and polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

Integrated Greenfield Refinery Project

The planned facility will integrate refining and petrochemical production within a single greenfield complex. As a result, the project is expected to create opportunities for downstream industries while expanding BPCL’s refining and petrochemical capabilities. As reported by deccanherald.com, with an estimated investment of ₹1.45 lakh crore, the Andhra Pradesh project represents a major proposed investment in the state’s refining and petrochemical sector.

Nuberg EPC has secured an international project from Msufini Tanzania Ltd. to review, design, procure, install, construct and commission a 45 TPD Chlor-Alkali Plant in Mlandizi District, Coast Region, Tanzania. The company expects to commission the plant by January 2027. The project strengthens Nuberg EPC’s international EPC portfolio while expanding its presence in Africa’s growing industrial and chemical sectors.

Advanced Chlor-Alkali Plant Technology

Nuberg EPC will execute the project using advanced process technology designed to support operational efficiency, process reliability and compliance with global safety and environmental standards. Furthermore, the company will manage the project on an end-to-end basis, supported by structured project management, quality assurance systems and a focus on timely execution. The plant will produce chlorine and caustic soda as its primary products. It will also manufacture value-added products and derivatives, including Hydrogen, Hydrochloric Acid (HCl), Sodium Hypochlorite, Liquid Chlorine, Caustic Soda lye and Caustic Flakes. These chemicals serve a wide range of industries, including water treatment, sanitation, pharmaceuticals, textiles, paper and pulp, plastics and chemical manufacturing.

Strategic Location Supports Supply Chain

The plant’s location in Mlandizi District offers access to key transportation corridors and port infrastructure. Consequently, the site can support efficient movement of equipment, raw materials and finished products. The project is also expected to create direct and indirect employment opportunities while supporting industrial activity in the region. By increasing local production of essential chemicals, the project could help reduce import dependency and support the development of downstream industries in Tanzania.

Supporting Tanzania’s Industrial Development

The new chlor-alkali project is expected to contribute to Tanzania’s industrial development by increasing domestic production of essential chemicals. At the same time, it can support downstream manufacturing, economic diversification and employment generation. The project aligns with Tanzania’s broader industrialisation objectives and could strengthen the supply of critical chemical products for local industries and public utility applications.

Nuberg EPC Strengthens Global EPC Presence

A.K. Tyagi, Chairman & Managing Director, Nuberg Group of Industries, said the company is pleased to undertake the strategic project in Tanzania. He added that the project strengthens Nuberg’s global EPC portfolio and presence in international growth markets. Tyagi further highlighted Africa’s industrial and chemical sector opportunities and said the partnership with Msufini Tanzania Ltd. reflects a shared focus on developing resilient and future-ready industrial infrastructure. He also noted that the project will support local industries through reliable access to essential chemicals, while Nuberg EPC will focus on engineering quality, safety and disciplined execution.

Expanding into Next-Generation Industrial Solutions

Beyond its core EPC capabilities, Nuberg EPC is expanding into green energy, oil and gas, and fertilizers. The company is also developing capabilities in green hydrogen, emerging fuels and advanced process solutions. As per the press release, through these initiatives, Nuberg EPC is broadening its international project portfolio while supporting technology-driven industrial development across emerging markets.

Godavari Biorefineries Limited secured a patent from the European Patent Office for its invention titled “Pharmaceutical Composition and a Process to Prepare the Same.” The patent covers a pharmaceutical composition that combines novel anti-cancer compounds with a solubilising agent, along with the process used to prepare it. The company said the development strengthens its oncology-focused intellectual property portfolio and expands its presence in international markets.

Patent Targets Drug Solubility and Bioavailability

The patented pharmaceutical composition is designed to improve the solubility and bioavailability of its active compounds. As a result, the formulation could support the therapeutic development of these compounds. The invention has potential applications in the treatment of various cancers, including breast and prostate cancers. In particular, the composition is intended for potential use through oral administration. By addressing formulation challenges associated with active pharmaceutical compounds, the invention aims to support their development for therapeutic applications.

Focus on Oncology Research

Dr Sangeeta Srivastava, Executive Director, Godavari Biorefineries Limited, said the formulation of a promising compound plays an important role in its development for therapeutic use. She added that the company’s research has focused on improving the solubility and bioavailability of these compounds. According to her, the European patent grant recognises this research and represents an important milestone for the company’s oncology-focused innovation.

Expanding International Intellectual Property

Samir Somaiya, Chairman and Managing Director, Godavari Biorefineries Limited, said the company’s innovation strategy focuses on advancing health, wellbeing and sustainability while creating long-term value. He highlighted the company’s investments in research and development as it expands beyond its traditional businesses and builds capabilities in areas where science and technology can address societal needs. Furthermore, he mentioned that the European patent strengthens Godavari Biorefineries’ intellectual property portfolio and could support the development of solutions with potential healthcare applications.

Strengthening Global R&D Capabilities

The European patent further expands Godavari Biorefineries’ international intellectual property footprint. The company continues to protect its research and innovations across major global markets. As per the press release, with its focus on research and development, Godavari Biorefineries is building capabilities in healthcare and other technology-driven areas while seeking opportunities to create sustainable business value and contribute to societal needs.

Birla Carbon will showcase its high-performance and sustainable carbon solutions for tire and mechanical rubber goods (MRG) applications at Global Polymer Summit 2026. The event will take place from September 28–30 at the Kentucky International Convention Center in Louisville, Kentucky, USA. Birla Carbon will exhibit at Booth 417.

Carbon Solutions for Tire and MRG Applications

As tire and MRG manufacturers seek higher performance with lower environmental impact, the demand for reliable and sustainable carbon materials continues to increase. At Global Polymer Summit 2026, Birla Carbon will present its extensive portfolio of carbon black grades for a wide range of tire and MRG applications. These solutions support key performance requirements, including durability, strength, abrasion resistance and longer product life. The portfolio serves applications such as tires, belts, hoses, sealing systems and anti-vibration products.

Focus on Performance and Sustainability

Birla Carbon is combining its manufacturing network, technical expertise and regional capabilities to help customers address changing performance and sustainability requirements. John Davidson, President, Americas & EMEA, Birla Carbon, said the tire and MRG industries are entering an important phase in which performance, supply resilience and sustainability need to progress together. He also highlighted the importance of collaboration across the value chain and the development of scalable, commercially viable solutions that can support more resilient and sustainable businesses.

Continua™ Sustainable Carbon Solutions

In addition to its conventional carbon black portfolio, Birla Carbon will highlight its Continua™ sustainable product range at the event.

Continua™ Sustainable Carbonaceous Material (SCM)

Continua™ Sustainable Carbonaceous Material (SCM) comprises circular carbon materials developed at scale. The range offers consistent quality and global availability while enabling customers to achieve a quantifiable reduction in product carbon footprint.

Continua™ Sustainable Carbon Black (SCB)

Birla Carbon will also showcase Continua™ Sustainable Carbon Black (SCB). These carbon black solutions use recycled and bio-based feedstocks to help reduce the environmental impact of production.

At the same time, the solutions are designed to maintain the performance required for tire and rubber applications.

Supporting Customers Across the Americas

Birla Carbon combines an extensive manufacturing presence with technical expertise and customer-focused teams across the Americas. Through reliable supply, responsive service and application-focused solutions, the company supports tire and MRG manufacturers in meeting their performance and sustainability objectives. As per the press release, by bringing its carbon black and sustainable carbon solutions to Global Polymer Summit 2026, Birla Carbon aims to demonstrate how advanced carbon materials can support the evolving needs of the tire and rubber industries.

Chinese researchers developed a new oil refining technique that could reduce energy consumption during crude oil separation by around 91% compared with conventional distillation. The researchers from the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics say the technology could, if scaled for industrial use, lower production costs and emissions while enabling more precise separation of crude oil components and improving the value of refinery products.

Molecular Refining Targets Energy-Intensive Separation

Crude oil must first be separated into different components before refineries can convert them into fuels, plastics and other products. Traditionally, refineries use distillation, which repeatedly heats crude oil so that different components vaporise and condense according to their boiling points. However, this process requires significant energy and offers limited precision. The approach, described as “molecular refining,” instead separates crude oil components at the molecular level. It uses chemical membranes to selectively sort different molecules and direct them towards suitable production streams.

Membranes Act as Molecular Sieves

The researchers developed metal-organic framework (MOF) membranes with precisely designed pores and surface properties. These membranes act as molecular sieves and separate compounds based on their size and chemical characteristics. The process, known as cascade membrane separation, uses two stages. First, the membrane separates molecules according to size. The researchers targeted straight-chain and single-branched alkanes used to produce ethylene from other components in the mixture. Next, the remaining molecules undergo a more selective separation. A second membrane uses surface chemistry to distinguish aromatic compounds from multi-branched alkanes and cycloalkanes. Aromatics serve as important intermediates for producing plastics, resins and fibres, while the other compounds can be used in petrol production.

Researchers Test 15-Component Naphtha Mixture

To improve the membranes’ performance, the research team used a tannic acid micro-etching method to continuously adjust their pore size and surface chemistry. The researchers then tested the two membranes in sequence using a simulated light naphtha mixture containing 15 components. In laboratory tests, the membrane system separated the mixture into three groups of high-value products, achieving a recovery rate of 85–90%.

Process Could Reduce Refining Energy Consumption

The biggest potential advantage comes from eliminating the repeated heating, vaporisation and condensation required by conventional distillation. According to the study, the membrane-based process consumed approximately 91% less energy than traditional distillation under the tested conditions. Consequently, the technology could potentially reduce energy requirements, operating costs and emissions if researchers successfully scale it for industrial applications.

Potential for More Efficient Petrochemical Refining

The researchers published their findings in National Science Review, describing the graded molecular sorting approach as a potential platform for petrochemical refining. However, the reported results come from laboratory testing, and further development and scale-up would be required to determine how the technology performs under industrial refinery conditions. As reported by scmp.com, if successfully commercialised, the approach could offer refineries a more energy-efficient way to separate crude oil components while improving the recovery and utilisation of higher-value petrochemical feedstocks.

Key Highlights

Three-day conference held from 9–11 September brought together 500+ participants from industry, academia and the student community. Around 80 oral and poster presentations provided a platform for emerging research and innovations in sustainable chemical engineering. Mr. Nadir Godrej graced the inaugural; Hon’ble Governor of Maharashtra Shri Jishnu Dev Varma attended the felicitation programme; Dr. Anil Kakodkar graced the valedictory session. Inaugural sessions featured thought-provoking perspectives on sustainability, circular economy, energy conservation, agro-waste utilisation, green chemistry and pathways towards a carbon-negative future.

Honouring Excellence, Advancing Sustainability

SusChemE 3.0, a three-day conference held from 9–11 September 2026 at the Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT), Mumbai, concluded with a strong emphasis on sustainability, scientific research and industry-academia collaboration. The conference brought together over 500 participants from industry, academia and the student community.

Held in honour of Prof. M. Lakshmi Kantam, Dr. B. P. Godrej Distinguished Professor of Green Chemistry and Sustainability Engineering, ICT Mumbai and Former Director, CSIR-IICT, Hyderabad, the conference recognised her distinguished scientific journey and contributions to green chemistry and sustainable chemical engineering.

The inaugural programme was graced by Mr. Nadir Godrej, Chairman Emeritus, Godrej Industries Ltd., as the Chief Guest. The session brought together eminent scientific and academic leaders including Prof. M. M. Sharma, Emeritus Professor of Eminence and Former Director, Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai, and Padma Vibhushan Awardee; Prof. Aniruddha B. Pandit, Vice Chancellor, Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai; Prof. G. D. Yadav, Chairperson, SusChemE 3.0, President, Indian Chemical Society, Bhatnagar Fellow (CSIR), Former National Science Chair (GoI), Emeritus Professor of Eminence, Former Vice Chancellor, ICT and Padma Shri Awardee; Prof. M. Lakshmi Kantam, Dr. B. P. Godrej Distinguished Professor of Green Chemistry and Sustainability Engineering, ICT Mumbai and Former Director, CSIR-IICT, Hyderabad; and Prof. (Dr.) Virendra Kisan Rathod, Convenor, SusChemE 3.0 and Professor, Institute of Chemical Technology.

The inaugural session featured a series of thought-provoking addresses examining sustainability not only as a future imperative but also through the lens of ideas, technologies and innovations developed in earlier times. The speakers reflected on inventions and approaches that may have been overlooked or forgotten over the years, and discussed how some of these ideas could potentially be revisited, adapted and applied to address contemporary challenges facing industry and society.

Mr. Nadir Godrej delivered a distinctive and memorable address in his now well-known poetic style, bringing together the worlds of literature and chemistry in an unusual yet engaging manner. Through his creative rendition, he highlighted the importance of sustainability and innovation.

Prof. M. M. Sharma, drawing on his long and distinguished association with the chemical engineering and industrial ecosystem, offered an expansive perspective on several areas of relevance to the chemical industry. He spoke about renewable resources and practices that were used in earlier times but have gradually been forgotten, suggesting the need to revisit such approaches in the context of today’s sustainability requirements. He also touched upon the evolution of the polymer industry, including its early association with cellulose, and discussed the potential of converting agricultural waste, including rice straw, into useful chemicals and materials. He further highlighted the fact that the chemical industry is highly energy-intensive and emphasised the importance and ways to conserve energy and improve resource efficiency. His address also covered areas such as nanofiltration and biotransformation, among several other subjects relevant to the future of sustainable chemical engineering. Underscoring his commitment to sustainability, Prof. Sharma also wore a jacket made from recycled PET, providing a visible example of the possibilities of material reuse and circularity.

Padma Shri Prof. G. D. Yadav delivered a compelling preliminary lecture titled “From Global Energy Crisis to Carbon Negative Future: Technology, Innovation and Sustainable Transition Pathways.” His lecture explored a wide range of issues central to the global sustainability discourse, including net zero, net negative pathways, sustainability, the 5R principle, circular economy, hydrogen, green and blue economy, sustainable transition pathways and much more. Prof. Yadav also spoke about the different dimensions and classifications of hydrogen, including what he referred to as the “seven colours of colourless hydrogen,” and examined the potential of technology and innovation in shaping a sustainable energy future. He highlighted the need for efficient utilisation of agricultural waste and the alternatives to the burning of agro-residues. His address connected technological innovation with resource efficiency and the broader transition towards sustainable and circular industrial systems.

The inaugural session also featured insightful addresses by Prof. Aniruddha B. Pandit and Prof. M. Lakshmi Kantam, who added to the discussion and the role of academia in addressing emerging industrial and societal challenges.

Together, the inaugural addresses set the tone for SusChemE 3.0 by bringing together perspectives from industry, academia and scientific research, while encouraging participants to look both backwards at valuable ideas that can be revisited and forwards towards new technologies and pathways for sustainable development.

Scientists Honoured

A major highlight of SusChemE 3.0 was the special Felicitation Programme held in honour of Prof. M. Lakshmi Kantam. The programme was graced by the Hon’ble Governor of Maharashtra, Shri Jishnu Dev Varma, and celebrated Prof. Kantam’s remarkable scientific journey and contributions to research, green chemistry, sustainable technologies and institution building.

The occasion also honoured Prof. M. M. Sharma, Emeritus Professor of Eminence and Former Director, Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai, and Padma Vibhushan Awardee, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to chemical engineering, academia and the scientific community.

On the occasion, a select group of distinguished women scientists and entrepreneurs were also recognised for their contributions to science, research and industry — Dr. Manorama V. Sunkara, DAE-Raja Ramanna Chair and Former Chief Scientist, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology; Dr. Shubhangi B. Umbarkar, Chief Scientist, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory, Pune; Dr. B. Satyavathi, DAE Raja Ramanna Chair, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad; Prof. Vibha Tandon, Director, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology (IICB); Dr. Sangeeta Srivastava, Executive Director, Godavari Biorefineries Ltd.; Ms. Vinati Saraf, Managing Director & CEO, Vinati Organics Limited; Dr. Shobha Shukla, Professor, IIT Bombay; and Dr. Tharamani C. Nagaiah, Professor, IIT Ropar.

Research, Knowledge Exchange and Industry-Academia Dialogue

Over the three days, SusChemE 3.0 featured technical sessions and interactions bringing together industry and academia to deliberate on sustainability, resource efficiency, innovation and emerging developments shaping the future of chemical engineering.

The conference also provided a platform for research and knowledge exchange, with around 80 oral and poster presentations showcasing emerging ideas and innovations. Students and young researchers participated from institutions across the country, including from Maharashtra, Punjab, Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh, reflecting the national reach of the conference.

The discussions throughout the conference reinforced the importance of connecting fundamental research with industrial applications and of encouraging collaboration between researchers, students and industry professionals to address complex sustainability challenges.

Awards Presented

SusChemE 3.0 concluded with the Valedictory Session, graced by eminent nuclear scientist Dr. Anil Kakodkar, Chairman, Rajiv Gandhi Science & Technology Commission, Former Secretary, Department of Atomic Energy, and Padma Vibhushan Awardee, as the Guest of Honour.

The session marked the culmination of three days of deliberations, research presentations and knowledge exchange, and also saw the presentation of awards for outstanding oral and poster presentations.

The Poster Presentation Awards were presented to Akhil V. Nakhate of Bajaj College of Science, Wardha; Vijay Garule of IIT Ropar; and Gopal More of ICT Mumbai & NCL.

The Oral Presentation Awards were presented to Theertha K. Nair of ICT Mumbai; Dilkhush Zaroliwalla of ICT Mumbai; and Srivatsan B. of Chitkara University, Rajpura.

Organised by the Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai, with the support of the Indian Chemical Society and MM Activ Sci-Tech Communications as the Event Curator, SusChemE 3.0 brought together stakeholders from across the scientific, academic and industry ecosystem.

SusChemE 3.0 concluded by celebrating the distinguished scientific contributions of Prof. M. Lakshmi Kantam while reinforcing the importance of collaboration, research and innovation in advancing sustainable chemical engineering.

Excel Industries Limited secured a Silver Rating in the EcoVadis Sustainability Assessment, placing the company among the top fifteen percent of businesses assessed globally. The recognition highlights the company’s progress in strengthening its sustainability management systems, environmental performance, value-chain engagement, and reporting practices. The company disclosed the achievement on September 17, 2026, under Regulation 30 of the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015.

EcoVadis Assessment Covers Four Key Areas

The EcoVadis assessment evaluates companies against internationally recognised sustainability frameworks, including the UN Global Compact, ILO conventions, GRI Standards, and TCFD framework.

The assessment examines 21 criteria across four key pillars:

Environment

Labour & Human Rights

Ethics

Sustainable Procurement

The Silver Rating indicates that Excel Industries has established a structured sustainability management framework and provided substantial evidence to support its disclosures.

Sustainability Integrated into Business Operations

According to Ravi A. Shroff, Managing Director of Excel Industries, the rating validates the company’s efforts to integrate sustainability into its business operations. He added that the achievement can help strengthen relationships with existing customers and support new partnerships as the company expands its global presence in performance solutions and contract manufacturing. Excel Industries operates large-scale manufacturing facilities in Roha, Lote, and Visakhapatnam. The company manufactures agrochemical intermediates, specialty chemicals, polymer inputs, and pharmaceutical APIs. Its sustainability approach is guided by the core principles of People, Planet, and Progress.

Global Sustainability Benchmark

By ranking among the top fifteen percent of companies assessed by EcoVadis globally, Excel Industries has established a measurable benchmark for its sustainability performance. Moreover, the recognition provides an external assessment of the company’s non-financial performance. This can be particularly relevant for companies operating across international supply chains, where sustainability practices, transparency, and responsible sourcing increasingly influence business relationships. As reported by scanX, the Silver Rating therefore marks another step in Excel Industries’ efforts to strengthen its sustainability systems while supporting its broader global growth and contract manufacturing strategy.