Vipul Organics Limited, a specialty chemicals company, has commenced commercial production at its new greenfield manufacturing facility in Sayakha, Gujarat. The company marked the milestone with a formal Muhurat ceremony, signalling the transition of the facility from construction to commercial operations.

Consolidating Pigment Manufacturing Operations

As part of its broader manufacturing footprint rationalisation strategy, Vipul Organics is consolidating its pigment manufacturing operations from its Tarapur facility in Maharashtra to the new Sayakha manufacturing hub. Consequently, the company expects the integrated facility to significantly strengthen its pigment production capabilities while providing the flexibility to expand capacity in line with future market demand.

The Sayakha plant has been designed to support more than 3,600 MT of annual pigment production capacity. In the initial phase, the facility will begin operations with approximately 1,800 MT of pigment production capacity, creating substantial scope for future expansion.

Strategic Location to Support Domestic and Export Markets

Vipul Organics has established the Sayakha facility on a 24,633.11-square-metre industrial plot acquired from the Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC). The plant is located within Gujarat’s Petroleum, Chemicals and Petrochemicals Investment Region (PCPIR). Moreover, the strategic location on the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor, close to the proposed Dedicated Freight Corridor and adjacent to Dahej Port, is expected to strengthen the company’s access to both domestic and international markets.

Integrated Hub for Pigments, Dyes and Membrane Solutions

The Sayakha site is being developed as a consolidated manufacturing base for Vipul Organics. In addition to pigment powder production, the facility also houses the membrane manufacturing operations of the company’s unit, AdiMem Technologies. Earlier this year, AdiMem Technologies commenced commercial sales of its indigenously developed Reverse Osmosis (RO) and Ultrafiltration (UF) membranes. As a result, the integrated Sayakha facility will support Vipul Organics’ expanding presence across pigments, dyes and membrane technologies.

Sayakha Plant to Drive Future Growth

Vipul P. Shah, Managing Director of Vipul Organics Limited, described the commencement of production at Sayakha as a defining milestone in the company’s growth journey. The facility will enable the company to expand its pigment powder manufacturing capacity while bringing its membrane and solvent dyes capabilities under a consolidated manufacturing base. Furthermore, its port-adjacent location will help Vipul Organics efficiently serve customers across India as well as international markets. As production stabilises over the coming quarters, the company expects the Sayakha facility to make a meaningful contribution to capacity expansion and revenue diversification. Vipul Organics also plans to scale up the facility further during FY 2026–27.

Expanding Global Presence and Product Portfolio

The commissioning of the Sayakha facility comes as Vipul Organics continues to expand its product portfolio and strengthen its global footprint. The company has recently entered into an exclusive European distribution partnership with Omya Group for its pigment ranges while also commercially launching its indigenous membrane solutions through AdiMem Technologies. As reported by textilesouthasia.com, with the Sayakha facility now operational, Vipul Organics is positioned to support the growth of its pigments, solvent dyes and membrane businesses from a modern, integrated manufacturing hub strategically located on India’s western coast.

US-based nuclear technology company Holtec International is exploring plans to establish a Small Modular Reactor (SMR) manufacturing facility and a research and development (R&D) centre in Gujarat. The proposed investment could strengthen the state’s position as a manufacturing hub for nuclear power equipment. The development comes as India looks to expand its nuclear power capacity and explore advanced reactor technologies, including SMRs.

Gujarat Positions Nuclear Equipment as Growth Sector

Holtec International expressed its interest during a meeting between Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and the company’s leadership in New York. Patel is currently on a five-day visit to the US ahead of the Vibrant Gujarat Summit 2027. During the meeting, he highlighted Gujarat’s plans to develop a domestic ecosystem for nuclear power equipment. The state government has identified nuclear power equipment, including SMRs, as a thrust sector under its newly announced Industrial Policy 2026.

Proposed SMR Facility Could Boost Nuclear Manufacturing

The proposed manufacturing facility could add a new dimension to Gujarat’s expanding industrial and energy manufacturing ecosystem. As India accelerates efforts to increase nuclear power generation, domestic manufacturing capabilities will become increasingly important. SMRs, in particular, are attracting attention because of their potential to provide flexible and scalable nuclear power solutions. If Holtec proceeds with the investment, the facility could support the localisation of advanced nuclear equipment while creating opportunities for technology development, skilled employment and supply-chain expansion.

Gujarat Eyes Role in India’s Nuclear Expansion

The potential Holtec investment aligns with Gujarat’s strategy to attract advanced manufacturing projects in emerging energy technologies. With nuclear power gaining greater importance in India’s long-term energy strategy, developing domestic manufacturing capabilities for reactors and associated equipment could strengthen the country’s supply chain. For Gujarat, attracting SMR manufacturing and R&D capabilities could also help create a specialised ecosystem involving engineering companies, equipment manufacturers, technology providers and skilled professionals. As reported by thehindubusinessline.com, if the proposal moves forward, Gujarat could emerge as an important manufacturing and technology base for India’s next generation of nuclear power equipment.

Profit gains reported by several Indian chemical companies in Q1FY27 could moderate in the second quarter as manufacturers begin consuming higher-cost raw material inventories. At the same time, weak demand continues to pose a significant challenge for the sector, according to Kotak Institutional Equities. The brokerage expects companies to face margin pressure in Q2FY27 as low-cost inventories accumulated earlier are depleted and firms procure raw materials at higher prices. However, supply disruptions linked to the Middle East conflict could keep prices elevated in selected chemical segments, potentially supporting margins for some producers.

Q1 Performance Benefited from Lower-Cost Inventories

Several chemical intermediate manufacturers delivered stronger-than-expected results during the first quarter. Companies covered by Kotak recorded 17% year-on-year sales growth and 22% EBITDA growth in Q1FY27. Aarti Industries, Deepak Nitrite, Jubilant Ingrevia and SRF were among the companies that benefited from higher finished-product prices and relatively inexpensive raw material inventories. Supply disruptions involving raw materials, fuel and shipping following the Middle East conflict pushed up both input costs and selling prices across parts of the chemical industry. Consequently, companies holding inventories purchased before the price increases could sell their products at higher prices while retaining the benefit of lower input costs. This temporarily strengthened their margins.

Higher Input Costs Could Weigh on Q2 Margins

The inventory advantage, however, is unlikely to continue at the same level. As companies exhaust their cheaper inventories, they will increasingly have to purchase raw materials at prevailing higher prices. As a result, Q2FY27 margins could come under pressure. Kotak expects the temporary gains seen in Q1 to fade, while weaker demand could further limit earnings growth. The brokerage also highlighted demand destruction as an important concern for the sector. Therefore, chemical companies could face a less favourable operating environment in the second quarter as higher input costs begin to flow through their production costs.

Middle East Disruptions Could Support Some Chemical Segments

Despite the broader margin concerns, supply disruptions could continue to influence pricing in selected chemical markets. Kotak noted that segments such as phenol could continue to benefit from tighter supply conditions for a longer period. If disruptions persist, higher product prices could provide some protection to margins for companies operating in affected segments. However, the impact is likely to vary significantly across chemical categories depending on raw material availability, pricing power and demand conditions.

Agrochemical Demand May Improve in Q2

The agrochemical sector could offer a more positive trend in the second quarter. According to Kotak, a delayed recovery in Kharif sowing could support agrochemical sales in Q2FY27. Furthermore, an easier year-ago base may help improve year-on-year growth. Agrochemical demand faced pressure during the previous year because of erratic rainfall. Consequently, improved sowing activity could provide some support to demand as the current season progresses.

Chemical Sector Outlook Remains Cautious

Despite the strong first-quarter performance, Kotak has maintained a cautious outlook on the Indian chemical sector. The brokerage highlighted several risks, including higher raw material costs, weak end-user demand, potential demand destruction, continued supply disruptions, broader macroeconomic uncertainty and elevated valuations of several large chemical companies.  Moreover, earnings performance is expected to remain uneven across chemical segments as companies respond differently to changes in input costs, product prices and supply availability.

Q2 Earnings to Depend on Costs and Demand

Overall, the Indian chemical industry is moving away from the unusually favourable conditions that supported earnings in Q1FY27. As low-cost inventories run down, raw material prices and demand trends are likely to play a much greater role in determining profitability. While certain segments may continue to benefit from supply constraints, the broader industry could see margins normalise in Q2. As reported by knnindia.co.in, for investors and chemical manufacturers, the key factors to watch will therefore be input-cost inflation, pricing power, inventory levels and the recovery in end-user demand.

Shivtek Spechemi Industries is planning a ₹650 crore expansion across Gujarat and Rajasthan to significantly increase its production capacity and support its target of achieving ₹5,000 crore revenue by FY29. The expansion reflects a broader shift in India’s chemical industry, where manufacturers are increasingly moving from commodity products towards higher-value, application-specific and sustainable chemistries.

Shivtek Plans Four-Fold Capacity Expansion

Shivtek currently has an annual production capacity of around 150,000 metric tonnes. The proposed investment is expected to increase this capacity to approximately 650,000 metric tonnes, representing more than a four-fold expansion. The company plans to develop the new capacity at Hazira in Gujarat and in Rajasthan. According to managing director Amitt Nenwani, the locations offer advantages in logistics, infrastructure, industrial ecosystems and long-term scalability. The expansion will enable Shivtek to serve growing domestic demand while strengthening its ability to supply international markets.

Gujarat and Rajasthan Drive Expansion Strategy

Hazira offers Shivtek access to a major port and an established industrial corridor. As a result, the location can support efficient movement of raw materials and finished products while strengthening the company’s export capabilities. Meanwhile, Rajasthan provides access to land, connectivity and a supportive industrial environment. This gives the company additional flexibility to establish larger manufacturing facilities and expand production over the long term.

From Commodity Chemicals to Specialty Products

Shivtek’s growth strategy extends beyond simply increasing production volumes. Over the past three decades, the company has expanded from a relatively small manufacturing operation into a supplier with a much broader product portfolio. The company has increasingly focused on specialty and performance chemicals, particularly products used in pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, polymers and industrial applications. This shift can potentially improve value realisation while reducing dependence on commodity chemicals, where margins are often more vulnerable to raw material price fluctuations.

Focus on Biodegradable Plasticisers

Shivtek is also expanding its focus on green chemistry through Chlorinated Methyl Ester (CME), which the company positions as a biodegradable green plasticiser. The product is designed for applications including PVC, cables and flexible materials. By combining functional performance with a lower environmental impact, Shivtek aims to address growing demand for more sustainable chemical solutions. The company sees CME as part of a broader pipeline of green chemistry products. If successfully commercialised, these products could provide additional opportunities in markets where sustainability and regulatory compliance are becoming increasingly important purchasing factors.

CPE Development Supports Polymer Applications

Another focus area is Chlorinated Polyethylene (CPE), which Shivtek is developing for applications such as Wood Plastic Composites (WPC) and related materials. Application-specific CPE grades can improve properties such as flexibility, impact resistance and weatherability. Consequently, they can support the performance requirements of WPC and other polymer-based products used in construction and infrastructure. As reported by etchemicals.in, Shivtek is also strengthening its R&D capabilities. The appointment of Dr Trusar D. Bagul as an independent director brings additional technical and chemistry expertise to the company’s innovation efforts.

BASF has inaugurated a new Global Performance Lab for diapers and superabsorbents (SAP) in Mumbai, strengthening its technical support and customer-focused innovation capabilities for the global hygiene market. The company inaugurated the facility on August 18, 2026. Located within BASF’s Innovation Campus Asia Pacific in Mumbai, the new laboratory will provide technical and application services to superabsorbent customers worldwide.

Lab Strengthens Hygiene Solutions

BASF established the laboratory in less than a year as part of its Hygiene Solutions business. The facility is located at BASF’s Innovation Campus Asia Pacific, the company’s second-largest R&D site in the Asia Pacific region, which was established in Mumbai in 2017 under BASF Chemicals India Private Limited. The facility builds on BASF’s global superabsorbents production network and aims to bring technical expertise closer to customers, particularly in one of the world’s rapidly growing hygiene markets.

Advanced Testing for Superabsorbents and Diapers

The Mumbai lab can perform more than thirty testing methods covering superabsorbent polymers and diaper performance. The facility will support superabsorbent polymer (SAP) testing, diaper performance evaluation, benchmark testing, technical and application support and development of innovative hygiene solutions. BASF will use the laboratory to collaborate with customers in developing solutions for baby diapers, adult incontinence products and feminine hygiene applications.

Accelerating Customer-focused Innovation

The Mumbai facility is designed to enable faster technical collaboration and knowledge sharing between BASF and its customers. As a result, customers can work more closely with BASF specialists to evaluate product performance and develop solutions tailored to changing market requirements. Oliver Cullmann, Vice President, Global Marketing & Strategy C3 Value Chain, said the new laboratory demonstrates BASF’s commitment to improving performance, sustainability and customer value. According to BASF, closer collaboration will help accelerate innovation and enable the company to respond more effectively to evolving consumer and market needs.

Mumbai Lab Connects with Global R&D Network

The SAP and Diaper Performance Labs will also strengthen BASF’s global research and technical service network. The Mumbai facility will collaborate with the company’s Global Product Development Lab for superabsorbents in Ludwigshafen, Germany. Consequently, BASF can combine regional customer proximity with global technical expertise, supporting faster development and knowledge exchange across its hygiene solutions business.

Supporting the Future of Hygiene Solutions

The Mumbai laboratory represents more than an expansion of BASF’s testing infrastructure. It reflects the company’s focus on customer intimacy, collaboration, speed and innovation in the hygiene solutions market. As per the press release, with growing demand for high-performance and sustainable hygiene products, the facility is expected to help BASF and its customers develop advanced superabsorbent solutions for a wide range of hygiene applications.

PCBL Chemical secured a key policy approval for its proposed acetylene black project under the Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS). The approval strengthens the company’s prospects in India’s growing advanced materials sector and supports the country’s efforts to build a stronger domestic electronics and battery supply chain. The project involves a planned investment of around ₹329 crore. Acetylene black is an important conductive material used in lithium-ion batteries and other applications that require high electrical conductivity and consistent material performance.

Acetylene Black: A Strategic Material for India

The proposed project has significance beyond the addition of new manufacturing capacity. As India accelerates the development of electric mobility, energy storage and electronics manufacturing, demand for specialised conductive materials is expected to increase.

Acetylene black serves as a conductive additive in lithium-ion batteries, helping improve electrical conductivity and overall battery performance. It also finds applications across industrial and advanced manufacturing sectors. Consequently, establishing domestic production capacity could help India reduce its dependence on imported conductive materials while strengthening the resilience of its supply chain.

ECMS Approval Supports Domestic Manufacturing

The Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme aims to encourage investment in India’s electronics component ecosystem and promote greater domestic value addition. In this context, the approval provides PCBL Chemical with an opportunity to enter a strategically important segment of the advanced materials market. Moreover, domestic production could help manufacturers benefit from shorter supply chains, improved availability and reduced exposure to international price fluctuations. The project could also support skilled employment and enable PCBL Chemical to participate more actively in global value chains.

Applications Extend Beyond Lithium-Ion Batteries

While batteries represent a major application for acetylene black, the material has broader industrial relevance. Its electrical conductivity, dispersion characteristics and performance consistency make it useful in several applications where conductive properties are essential. Therefore, PCBL Chemical’s proposed capacity could serve customers across multiple advanced manufacturing segments rather than relying exclusively on battery demand. This broader application base could provide the company with additional opportunities as India expands its manufacturing capabilities in electronics, energy storage and other technology-intensive industries.

Strengthening India’s Advanced Materials Supply Chain

The approval also highlights a broader shift in India’s industrial policy. Government support is increasingly extending beyond finished products to specialised materials and critical inputs that form the foundation of modern manufacturing. By developing domestic capacity for materials such as acetylene black, India can strengthen local value addition and build a more integrated supply chain for batteries, electronics and industrial applications. At the same time, increased domestic availability could help manufacturers reduce lead times and improve supply security.

Execution Will Determine the Project’s Impact

For PCBL Chemical, the next challenge will be converting the policy approval into commercially viable production. Project execution, manufacturing efficiency, product quality and the ability to meet customer specifications will determine its success. As India’s battery, electronics and electric mobility industries continue to expand, demand for advanced conductive materials is likely to grow. As reported by etchemicals.in, PCBL Chemical’s ₹329 crore acetylene black project could therefore become an important step towards strengthening India’s domestic advanced materials ecosystem and reducing import dependence.

Chambal Fertilisers & Chemicals Limited commenced commercial production of Technical Ammonium Nitrate (TAN), specifically the prilled High Density Ammonium Nitrate (HDAN) grade, effective 20 August 2026. The development marks an important milestone in the company’s ongoing expansion at its manufacturing complex in Gadepan, District Kota, Rajasthan. With the new production capability, Chambal Fertilisers aims to strengthen its position in the technical chemicals market and address growing demand for ammonium nitrate.

Integrated Project Includes Weak Nitric Acid Facility

The HDAN production forms part of a larger expansion project being implemented at Chambal Fertilisers’ existing manufacturing site. As part of the project, the company is also establishing a facility to manufacture Weak Nitric Acid, an important raw material used in the ammonium nitrate production process. By developing these facilities as part of an integrated manufacturing project, Chambal Fertilisers can strengthen its production capabilities and improve control over key inputs required for ammonium nitrate manufacturing.

Expanding Ammonium Nitrate Production Capacity

The commencement of commercial HDAN production supports Chambal Fertilisers’ strategy to expand its product portfolio and respond to increasing demand for technical ammonium nitrate. Ammonium nitrate has applications across several industrial sectors, including mining, construction and agriculture. Consequently, the new production facility could help the company strengthen its presence across these markets while creating opportunities to serve a broader customer base.

Strengthening Supply Chain and Manufacturing Capabilities

The HDAN production capability also represents a step towards strengthening the company’s manufacturing and supply chain capabilities. By expanding domestic production, Chambal Fertilisers aims to support a more reliable supply of high-quality technical ammonium nitrate. At the same time, the company’s investment in manufacturing infrastructure reflects its focus on improving operational capabilities and adopting efficient production processes.

Supporting Growth in Domestic and Global Markets

With commercial production now underway, Chambal Fertilisers can explore opportunities to supply domestic and international markets with its HDAN products. The company is expected to focus on maintaining stringent quality, safety and manufacturing standards as it expands production and develops new market opportunities. The additional capacity could help Chambal Fertilisers diversify its revenue streams and strengthen its presence in the broader technical chemicals industry.

A Milestone in Chambal Fertilisers’ Expansion Strategy

With more than four decades of operations, Chambal Fertilisers & Chemicals has progressively expanded its manufacturing capabilities and product portfolio. The start of commercial HDAN production represents another significant step in this journey. By investing in ammonium nitrate and nitric acid manufacturing, the company is strengthening its industrial capabilities while positioning itself to capture emerging opportunities in mining, construction, agriculture and other applications. As reported by businessupturn.com, the new facility is expected to support Chambal Fertilisers’ production growth, supply chain resilience and long-term expansion strategy in the technical chemicals market.

Unilever PLC signed a growth charter with Galaxy Surfactants Ltd., strengthening a partnership that has continued for more than four decades. The collaboration will focus on advancing product performance, sustainability and cost competitiveness across the home care, personal care and beauty & wellbeing segments. By combining Galaxy Surfactants’ expertise in specialty ingredients with Unilever’s global consumer-product capabilities, the companies aim to accelerate innovation and create long-term value across the personal and home care industries.

45 Years of Collaboration

Galaxy Surfactants and London-based consumer goods major Unilever have worked together for 45 years, with Galaxy supplying ingredients and contributing to the development of several Unilever products. According to Unilever, Galaxy has also played an important role in improving the performance of Dove shower gel, highlighting the long-standing technical collaboration between the two companies. The growth charter builds on this relationship and creates a framework for deeper cooperation in technology, product development and supply chain capabilities.

Focus on Product Performance and Sustainability

Galaxy Surfactants and Unilever will work together to improve product performance while advancing sustainability and maintaining cost competitiveness. The partnership will particularly support innovation across Unilever’s home care, personal care and beauty & wellbeing businesses. The collaboration aims to combine scientific expertise with market requirements to develop solutions that can deliver both performance and value.

Combining Scientific Expertise to Drive Innovation

K Natarajan, Managing Director, Galaxy Surfactants, said, “This Charter reinforces our commitment to combining scientific expertise to create long-term value for the home and personal care industries.” The agreement reflects Galaxy’s focus on using its research and technical capabilities to support the evolving needs of the home and personal care sectors.

Strengthening Innovation Across Unilever’s Businesses

Shailendra Sadera, Chief Procurement Officer, Unilever, said, “The signing of the partnership growth charter with Galaxy marks a joint commitment to unlocking innovation to grow our home care, personal care and beauty & wellbeing business groups.” Through the expanded collaboration, both companies aim to identify new opportunities for technology development, sustainable solutions and supply chain optimisation.

Building on a Long-Term Strategic Relationship

The growth charter marks another milestone in the 45-year relationship between Galaxy Surfactants and Unilever. Going forward, the companies will leverage their combined capabilities to develop innovative ingredients and solutions while addressing the growing demand for high-performance, sustainable and cost-effective products. As reported by global.morningstar.com, the partnership could therefore strengthen innovation and supply chain resilience across the global home care, personal care and beauty industries.

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), a global IT services, consulting and business solutions company, has launched TCS ADD™ AgentHub, an enterprise-ready, role-based AI platform designed to help pharmaceutical companies deploy agentic AI across drug development at scale. The platform aims to transform clinical development and pharmacovigilance operations while addressing critical requirements around regulatory compliance, governance, oversight and auditability.

Addressing AI Challenges in Pharmaceutical R&D

Pharmaceutical companies operate in highly regulated environments, making the adoption of AI across research and development particularly complex. At the same time, growing data volumes, fragmented technology systems and evolving regulatory requirements are increasing pressure across the drug development and drug safety value chain. TCS ADD™ AgentHub addresses these challenges by providing a structured framework in which AI agents operate with defined roles, clear oversight and built-in auditability. Furthermore, pharmaceutical companies can configure their own AI agent hub and deploy AI agents across multiple clinical workflows. The platform also supports streamlined integration, enabling organisations to accelerate AI adoption while maintaining regulatory requirements.

Delivering Measurable Efficiency Gains

Built on the TCS ADD™ framework, AgentHub is designed to deliver measurable operational improvements across drug development and pharmacovigilance. According to TCS, solutions powered by the platform have demonstrated:

Up to 40% efficiency gains in clinical data management activities.

Up to 30% reduction in clinical study build efforts through metadata-driven automation.

Up to 30% cost savings in end-to-end safety case processing.

Up to 50% reduction in quality control effort through AI-powered safety agents.

These capabilities can help pharmaceutical organisations improve productivity while allowing scientific and clinical teams to focus more extensively on higher-value activities.

Combining Human Expertise with AI Agents

TCS ADD™ AgentHub is built around a Human + AI Operating Model. Under this approach, AI agents become part of enterprise workflows while human professionals retain responsibility for governance, oversight and critical decision-making. This model allows organisations to benefit from automation without removing human accountability from highly regulated drug development and safety processes. Debashis Ghosh, President, Lifesciences and Healthcare, TCS, said, “TCS ADD™ AgentHub is a role-based, enterprise-ready, and trusted AI platform that will enable our customers to accelerate drug development using agentic AI at scale.” He added that the platform can help organisations move from reactive operations towards proactive, scalable and audit-ready processes while responding to an evolving regulatory environment.

AI Agents Support Clinical Development and Drug Safety

TCS ADD™ AgentHub supports a broad range of workflows across clinical development and pharmacovigilance. Its AI workforce can assist with activities such as Individual Case Safety Report (ICSR) intake, data entry and coding, safety case review, literature analysis, study design, protocol digitisation, clinical data review, SDTM transformation and medical monitoring assistance.  TCS is developing an expanding catalogue of AI agents that organisations can select according to their specific requirements and technology landscape. Companies can progressively deploy these agents with minimal integration and implementation effort. Consequently, organisations can adopt agentic AI across critical processes without having to transform their entire technology environment at once.

Standardising Agentic AI Across Drug Development

By creating a standardised approach to deploying AI agents, TCS ADD™ AgentHub aims to help pharmaceutical companies scale AI beyond individual use cases. The platform can enable AI workers to perform repetitive and process-intensive activities while human experts concentrate on scientific analysis, clinical decision-making and other high-value responsibilities. This approach could ultimately help pharmaceutical organisations improve operational efficiency while strengthening the scalability and governance of AI across regulated R&D environments.

TCS Advances Its AI-First Strategy

The launch of TCS ADD™ AgentHub further strengthens TCS’s broader AI-first strategy and its ambition to become a leading AI-driven technology services company. By leveraging the cognitive intelligence capabilities of the TCS ADD™ suite, TCS aims to help customers build secure, predictive and scalable digital ecosystems. As per the press release, with agentic AI increasingly moving from experimentation towards enterprise deployment, TCS ADD™ AgentHub positions AI agents as an integral part of pharmaceutical workflows—potentially reshaping how companies manage clinical trials, drug development and pharmacovigilance at scale.

In a significant development for green hydrogen and clean energy technologies, researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay) have developed a low-cost and highly durable catalyst that could help reduce the cost of green hydrogen production. The research team created a novel material combining cobalt, nickel, phosphate and graphite. The catalyst can accelerate both hydrogen and oxygen generation from water, potentially reducing dependence on expensive noble metals such as platinum and iridium. As a result, the new material could offer a more affordable and sustainable approach to water electrolysis, a key technology for producing green hydrogen.

How Water Electrolysis Produces Green Hydrogen

Water electrolysis is one of the most widely used methods for producing hydrogen. In this process, an electric current passes through water and splits it into hydrogen and oxygen. However, the electrochemical reactions involved face significant kinetic barriers and require considerable energy to proceed efficiently. Therefore, catalysts play a critical role by accelerating these reactions without being consumed during the process. The challenge, however, lies in developing catalysts that combine high activity, long-term durability and low cost.

Moving Beyond Expensive Noble Metal Catalysts

Currently, many high-performance water-splitting systems rely on precious metals such as platinum, ruthenium and iridium. Although these metals deliver excellent catalytic performance, they remain scarce, expensive and can degrade under demanding operating conditions. The IIT Bombay researchers therefore focused on developing an efficient catalyst using more earth-abundant and affordable materials. “The primary motivation was to develop an efficient and durable earth-abundant catalyst for overall water splitting,” said Dr Savi Chaudhary, IIT Bombay researcher and the first author of the study.

Molecular Engineering Enables Precise Catalyst Design

To develop the new material, the researchers used molecular precursor engineering. This approach involves designing specific molecular and metallic compounds that act as building blocks for more complex functional materials. According to Dr Chaudhary, the approach allows researchers to precisely control the composition and uniformity of the final material while enabling its conversion into an active catalyst under relatively mild conditions. First, the team developed distinct metal complexes of cobalt and nickel phosphates. They then combined these materials with atomically thin layers of carbon known as exfoliated graphite and gently heated the mixture. The resulting material formed a bifunctional electrocatalyst, capable of supporting both major reactions involved in water splitting.

Cobalt and Nickel Drive Hydrogen and Oxygen Generation

The catalyst performs both the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and the oxygen evolution reaction (OER), which are essential for splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen. “The combination of cobalt and nickel provides bifunctional activity toward both hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER), while the conductive graphite support enhances charge transport and promotes efficient utilisation of the active material,” said Prof Ramaswamy Murugavel, Professor at IIT Bombay and the corresponding author of the study. Furthermore, the graphite support improves electrical conductivity and helps facilitate efficient charge transport. Together, these characteristics could enhance the overall performance of electrochemical water-splitting systems.

Advancing Affordable and Sustainable Green Hydrogen

The development could represent an important step towards making green hydrogen production more cost-effective and sustainable. By replacing expensive noble metals with more abundant materials, the new catalyst addresses one of the major cost challenges associated with electrolysis technologies. At the same time, its durability could support longer operational lifetimes and improve the economic viability of green hydrogen systems. Moreover, the research demonstrates how advanced material design can contribute to the development of next-generation technologies for clean energy, industrial decarbonisation and sustainable fuel production.

Molecular Precursor Engineering Opens New Possibilities

Beyond the catalyst itself, the researchers believe that the molecular precursor engineering approach could offer a versatile pathway for developing advanced electrocatalysts. “We believe the most important message of this work is that molecular precursor engineering offers a powerful and versatile route for designing advanced electrocatalysts,” Dr Chaudhary added. Going forward, this approach could help researchers develop more precisely engineered materials for applications ranging from green hydrogen production and water electrolysis to energy storage and other electrochemical technologies. As reported by rediff.com, the IIT Bombay research highlights how low-cost, earth-abundant materials and innovative molecular engineering could help accelerate the transition towards affordable green hydrogen and a more sustainable clean energy future.