’CSIR_IICT-Industry Interaction Meet (03-01-2019)

• Gujarat Chamber of Commerce & industry jointly with CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology organized industry interactive meet on January 3, 2019 at 10.30 AM at GCCI
• Dr. Jaimin Vasa welcomed all the dignitaries and guests in the seminar mentioned the objective of the meet was to create a strong Industry – Institute link based on needs of the industry and the scientific and technical knowledge of CSIR-IICT Institute. Through this joint initiative of CSIR- Indian Institute of Chemical Technology & GCCI, they wish to create a platform for the chemical, pharmaceutical, agrochemical and environment industry leaders in and around Ahmedabad and facilitate sharing the expectations of the industry to the institution.
• Dr S Chandrasekhar, Director, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology mentioned that CSIR-IICT is a 75-year-old R&D institute, with state-of-the-art facilities to do technological research in all spheres of chemical sciences. They are part of Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, an autonomous organization with a big network of laboratories across the country. The institute has expertise and have large groups of scientists working in organic synthesis, catalysis, chemical engineering and environmental management. They work closely with industry in a complementary mode to enable them to become more competitive through application of their R&D strengths.
• Shri D M Thakar, Environment Engineer, Gujarat Pollution Control Board mentioned that Research and innovation are essential to underpin environmental protection and management. Good quality research can provide the foundation for credible decision making. Technology and innovation can provide valuable pioneering solutions for environmental problems whilst also delivering economic potential.
• Dr T Rajamannar, Executive Vice President, Sun Pharma Industries Ltd, Vadodara, Gujarat said that Research by its inherent nature is a high-risk venture. Governments and associated agencies usually, and rightly so, channel their energies and funds towards research that has the promise of alleviating the pressing needs of their country’s population. Drug regulators around the world, and more so in the developed world, which also happen to be the largest pharma markets, are gradually raising the bar for approving new drugs. Applicants are required to demonstrate significant superiority over existing treatments with much lower side effects. As a result, the number of new product approvals has been falling year after year. In such a scenario, companies from India given their limited experience in drug research and development face an uphill task.
• Dr D Shailaja, Sr Principal Scientist & Head, Business Development & Research Management mentioned that CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT) is one of the oldest National Laboratories under the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR). It started as the Central Laboratories for Scientific & Industrial Research (CLSIR) by the then princely State of Hyderabad in 1944. She also mentioned that during its seventy-year journey has made its mark as a dynamic, innovative and result oriented R&D organization. The clientele spans all comers of the globe. In India it is CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT) is one of the oldest National Laboratories the reliable destination of chemical and biotech industries. The reputation that CSIR-IICT could establish amongst the industrial clients as a reliable R&D partner, can be largely attributed to its rich pool of scientists with expertise in broad ranging research areas and simple and effective business development strategies.
• Dr Haridas B Rode, Senior Scientist, Department of Organic Synthesis and Process Chemistry spoke about CSIR’s strength and capabilities in Process Development, Impurity Synthesis and Profiling, Regulatory Toxicology and Analytical Research Support.
• Dr Pravin R Likhar, Sr. Principal Scientist and Chair, Catalysis and Fine Chemicals Department mentioned their capabilities under Process Chemistry are Process development for fine, specialty and bulk chemicals, Catalytic and Non-catalytic processes and Process Improvements.
• Dr K Srinivas Kantevari, Principal Scientist, Fluoro-Agrochemicals Division mentioned about Process development of crop protection chemicals, Process upgradation for agrochemicals, Plant based crop protection chemicals (Botanicals), Impurity Profiling & analysis and Pheromone Application Technology.
• Dr S Venkata Mohan, Principal Scientist, Centre for Environmental Engineering & Fossil Fuels spoke on the environmental issues faced by Chemical and Allied Industries. Some of the major environmental issues are soluble organic material, suspended solids, dissolved solids, volatile and Nutrients.
• The industry interaction meet was very much enlightening for the business community as well as for the institutions. The meet was ended with full of Information on Research and development in pharmaceutical, chemical, agrochemical and environment industry.
• The participants got a chance to clarify their doubts during the Q & A session and Open Discussion.

Shri Padmin Buch, Chairman Foreign Trade Committee, GCCI concluded the Interactive session with a Vote of Thanks.