Page 184 - CW E-Magazine (17-6-2025)

Special Report Special Report

India’s innovation ecosystem: The catalyst lized manufacturing and indigenous against harsh environmental condi- tegic partner for multinational
India’s growing focus on loca-
providing long-lasting protection  The country is becoming a stra-
for material science breakthroughs R&D is further accelerating innova- tions, whether in oil and gas, marine, collaborations, sharing expertise
in circular material development,
tion, making the country a hub for or infrastructure sectors.
cutting-edge mobility solutions. bio-based alternatives, and next-
ndia’s entrepreneurial resilience, DR. RAHUL MISRA AI, automation, and digitalization: gen polymers.
research infrastructure, young Senior Director Industrial manufacturing Redefining material science  A push toward green chemistry
Iand enterprising talent along Technology, IMEA India’s industrial sector is wit- The integration of AI-driven and renewable resources is align-
with the supportive policies posi- The Lubrizol Corporation nessing a strong shift toward sus- modelling, automation, and real- ing India’s material science inno-
tion it among the forefront of global Email: rahul.misra@lubrizol.com tainability, with the adoption of time analytics is signifi cantly accele- vations with global sustainabi-
innovation leadership in materials eco-friendly and energy-efficient rating material research. Scientists lity goals, making it an emerging
and chemical sciences. With a grow- that are not only groundbreaking but specialty chemicals that comply with and engineers can now: leader in eco-conscious solutions.
ing network of state-of-the-art R&D also deeply relevant. stringent environmental regulations.  Simulate material properties  With government-backed initia-

centres, industry-academic collabo- From high-performance smart coat- digitally before physical testing, tives and public-private partner-
rations, and government-backed Healthcare applications ings to advanced heat-resistant mate- reducing development cycles and ships, India’s R&D ecosystem is
initiatives, the country is fostering strengthened domestic capabilities, India’s healthcare sector is wit- rials and corrosion-proof solutions, ensuring precision in formula- ensuring that locally developed
breakthroughs that enhance sustain- while at tracting international partner- nessing significant advancements, specialty chemicals are redefining tion. innovations are rapidly scaled for
ability, efficiency, and performance ships. As sustainability and circular supported by growing investments industrial manufacturing.  Utilize automated synthesis plat- international markets.
across key sectors. economy principles take precedence, in biomedical research and localized forms that optimize experimental
manufacturing. As regulatory frame- Smart coatings now offer self- workfl ows, enabling high-through- By fostering an environment that
works evolve, specialty chemicals healing, anti-fouling, and wear- put screening and predictive test- blends high-tech research with prac-
will continue to drive groundbreak- resistant properties, reducing mainte- ing of new materials. tical applications, India is laying
ing developments, ensuring that nance requirements and improving  Leverage AI-driven material dis- the foundation for material science

medical innovations align with the longevity in machinery, aerospace, covery, where algorithms analyse excellence. Its commitment to sus-
global push for safer, smarter, and and automotive applications. structural compositions to develop tainable, smart, and adaptive material
more affordable healthcare solutions. next-generation materials for sus- technologies is driving the industries
The integration of advanced tainability and performance. of the future – one breakthrough at
Scientists are developing bio- polymer coatings and nanotechno-  Leveraging digital twin techno- a time.
compatible polymers and advanced logy is further strengthening material logies, companies can accelerate
medical coatings to improve the longe- resilience, ensuring superior protec- product development, streamline ABOUT THE AUTHOR
vity and performance of implants, tion against wear and tear. commercialisation, and drive
prosthetics, and diagnostic tools. cost-effective sustainability goals. Dr. Rahul Misra is
These innovations enhance both the Similarly, high-temperature Sr. Director Additives
At the core of this transforma- India’s research ecosystem is actively accessibility and affordability of resistant materials are critical for These advancements allow Technology, IMEA at
tion is the chemical industry, where shaping environmentally responsible medical treatments. industries exposed to extreme thermal researchers to push past conven- The Lubrizol Corpo-
advancements in materials science, solutions, ensuring the industry remains conditions. Innovations in ceramic tional limitations, creating smarter, ration. He is respon-
process optimisation, and AI-driven agile and fu ture-ready. Mobility and transportation composites, high-performance poly- more resilient materials with greater sible for developing
product development and digital With India’s push towards elec- mers, and thermal barrier coatings efficiency. This also highlights the and leading techno-
analytics are driving next-generation With India’s commitment to tric vehicles (EVs), hydrogen fuel are enabling greater energy effi ciency urgent need to upskill the workforce, logy strategic plan in alignment with
innovative solutions at a speed never research excellence, the chemical technologies, and sustainable mobi- and improved structural integrity, ensuring proficiency in modern the overall business objectives. Rahul
seen before. From pioneering sus- industry stands at the forefront of a lity, specialty chemicals play a crucial particularly in power plants, turbine digital tools and automation. is also responsible for leading tech-
tainable chemical processes to deve- new era – one that blends innovation role in battery innovations, thermal manufacturing, and aerospace nology innovation through emerging
loping high-performance materials with sustainability to shape a smarter, management solutions, and next-gene- engineering. India’s growing influence in technologies and trends to drive inno-
tailored for diverse applications, India’s more resilient future. ration lightweight materials. global material innovation vation within the organization and
research landscape is enabling the Corrosion remains one of the India’s evolving research infra- improve processes. Rahul received his
industry to meet both local demands Harnessing local expertise for The integration of bio-based and biggest challenges in industrial ope- structure is no longer confined to Ph.D. in Polymer Science & Engineer-
and global expectations. region-specific innovations recyclable polymers into EV infrastruc- rations, leading to material degra- domestic advancements – it is ing from the University of Southern
India’s material science research ture such as charging cables is further dation and costly downtime. Next- actively shaping global trends in Mississippi, USA along with Master’s
Strategic policies such as ‘Make is uniquely structured to address the enhancing sustainability, reducing generation anti-corrosion coatings sustainable materials, high-perfor- degree in Polymer Science & Engi-
in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ country’s diverse environmental and environmental impact, and aligning and chemical-resistant polymers mance composites, and next-genera- neering from IIT Delhi.
have further accelerated innovation, industrial needs, ensuring solutions with India’s green mobility goals. are addressing this issue head-on, tion coatings.

184 Chemical Weekly June 17, 2025 Chemical Weekly June 17, 2025 185

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