IIT Madras has inaugurated India’s first dedicated facility for plant cell fermentation research, established in partnership with Herbalife International India.
The Herbalife–IIT Madras Centre of Excellence on Plant Cell Fermentation Technology opened on 22 June 2026 at the IIT Madras Research Park in Chennai. It is designed to bridge laboratory research and industrial application in sustainable biomanufacturing.
The centre is equipped with plant cell bioreactors, advanced analytical platforms and pilot-scale processing facilities. Its research focus spans scalable production of herbal biomass, high-value phytochemicals and enriched herbal extracts. The facility also aims to support technology transfer, start-up development and skills training in the sector.
“The establishment of the Herbalife–IIT Madras Centre of Excellence represents an important investment in building scientific capabilities for the future,” said Ajay Khanna, Managing Director of Herbalife India. He described the centre as a catalyst for knowledge exchange, talent development and research-driven innovation.
Prof. Smita Srivastava, who heads the centre, said the initiative aims to position India as a global hub for commercial plant cell fermentation. “By combining cutting-edge science with translational research and strong industry partnerships, we aim to accelerate innovation, nurture talent, and develop sustainable technologies,” she said.
The centre aligns with India’s BioE3 policy framework and the broader Atmanirbhar Bharat mission. Organisers say it is intended to reduce import dependence through domestic, environmentally sustainable production systems.
The inauguration was attended by Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, Director General of CSIR, and Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director of IIT Madras, among other senior figures from government, academia and industry.
