IIT Madras and Herbalife Launch India's First Centre of Excellence for Plant Cell Fermentation Technology

In a significant step towards advancing sustainable biomanufacturing and reducing dependence on conventionally sourced plant-derived ingredients, the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) and Herbalife International India Pvt. Ltd. have jointly launched India`s first dedicated Centre of Excellence (CoE) for Plant Cell Fermentation Technology.

The Centre, inaugurated at the IIT Madras Research Park, will serve as a national hub for research, innovation, and commercialisation in plant cell fermentation—an emerging technology that enables the sustainable production of herbal biomass, phytochemicals, and other high-value plant-derived compounds for health and wellness applications.

The new facility aims to bridge the gap between laboratory research and industrial-scale production by integrating advanced cultivation systems, downstream processing technologies, and metabolomics-based analytical platforms. It will also promote technology transfer, intellectual property creation, entrepreneurship, and skill development in the rapidly growing biotechnology sector.

Speaking at the inauguration, Ashwin Mahalingam, Dean (Alumni and Corporate Relations), IIT Madras, said the initiative highlights the power of collaboration between academia and industry in creating long-term scientific infrastructure. He expressed confidence that the Centre`s advanced research facilities would accelerate plant cell bioprocessing and translate scientific discoveries into solutions with real societal impact.

Smita Srivastava, Head of the Centre, said the initiative aims to position India as a global leader in commercial plant cell fermentation. She noted that the Centre`s vision is to transform laboratory research into pilot-scale production and eventually deliver innovations that benefit both industry and society.

Ajay Khanna, Managing Director of Herbalife India, described the Centre as a strategic investment in India`s future scientific capabilities. He said the initiative would create new opportunities for researchers, students, and innovators while strengthening the connection between scientific research and industrial applications.

The inauguration was attended by CSIR Director General N. Kalaiselvi, IIT Madras Director V. Kamakoti, and National Biodiversity Authority Chairperson Virendra R. Tiwari. The event also featured panel discussions with Indian and international experts on the commercial potential and regulatory landscape of plant cell fermentation, reinforcing India`s ambition to become a global leader in sustainable biotechnology.