Praj Industries has inaugurated an Advanced Precision Fermentation Lab at Praj Matrix, aiming to propel next-generation biotechnology and facilitate India’s shift towards high-performance, low-carbon biomanufacturing. This initiative, announced during the 18th Praj Matrix Foundation Day, underscores Praj’s dedication to enhancing India’s bioeconomy through innovative technology, skill development, and robust academia-industry collaboration.
The lab, unique on a global scale, will concentrate on high-capacity, AI-enabled precision fermentation and next-generation bioprocesses to improve efficiency, mitigate scale-up risks, and enhance process reliability. This development will enable Praj and its subsidiary, Praj HiPurity Systems, to deliver advanced fermentation solutions across the pharmaceutical, food, cosmetics, biofuels, and beverage sectors. The facility aims to bolster Praj’s capabilities in next-generation biomanufacturing.
In collaboration with BRIC–NCCS, which excels in microbial research, genomics, and cell culture repositories, the lab will integrate discovery, process development, and high-purity manufacturing to expedite innovation. This partnership aligns with the Government of India’s BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment, and Employment) Initiative, led by the Department of Biotechnology, to build a competitive and sustainable biomanufacturing ecosystem.
During the event, Praj formalised a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with BRIC–NCCS, witnessed by Dr. Rajesh S. Gokhale, Secretary, Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India. The collaboration is intended to serve as a model academia-industry partnership, focusing on developing advanced bioprocessing capabilities, discovering useful biomolecules and microbial strains, and offering hands-on training and internships for PhD scholars. It aims to foster joint research, sponsorships, and long-term collaborations between academia and industry.
Dr. Rajesh S. Gokhale commented, “India’s bioeconomy growth will be driven by strong academia–industry linkages and a skilled scientific workforce. Such initiatives and collaborations align well with DBT’s vision of fostering translational research and building capacity in biotechnology. They will play a vital role in accelerating innovation and strengthening India’s bio-based economy.”
Dr. Pramod Chaudhari, Founder Chairman of Praj Industries, added, “The Advanced Precision Fermentation Lab at Praj Matrix represents a significant leap in our innovation journey. It brings together biology, engineering, and digital technologies to create scalable, low-carbon solutions. Combined with our collaboration with BRIC–NCCS, it will play a key role in building talent and accelerating the transition from discovery to commercial biomanufacturing.”
Praj Matrix has pioneered various advanced technologies across biofuels and renewable chemicals, supporting decarbonisation and strengthening India’s energy self-reliance. With over 90 scientists, multiple specialised laboratories, and a robust intellectual property portfolio, Praj Matrix serves as the core innovation engine for Praj Industries.
Disclaimer: This article is based on a regulatory filing submitted to the National Stock Exchange of India (NSE).