Herbalife and IIT Madras Launch India’s First Plant Cell Fermentation Research Hub
Event summary
- Herbalife and IIT Madras inaugurated India’s first Centre of Excellence on Plant Cell Fermentation Technology on June 22, 2026.
- The facility aims to strengthen sustainable biomanufacturing and develop next-generation plant-derived health products.
- Key attendees included Dr. N. Kalaiselvi (Director General, CSIR), Prof. V. Kamakoti (IIT Madras Director), and Mr. Ajay Khanna (Herbalife India MD).
- The Centre will integrate advanced bioreactors, metabolomics platforms, and pilot-scale processing facilities.
The big picture
This collaboration aligns with India’s BioE3 and Atmanirbhar Bharat missions, aiming to reduce import dependence through sustainable biomanufacturing. The Centre could accelerate innovation in plant-derived wellness products, positioning Herbalife at the forefront of a growing sector.
What we're watching
- Technology Transfer
- How quickly the Centre can bridge lab discoveries with industrial-scale applications.
- Regulatory Alignment
- Whether India’s evolving regulatory framework will support commercialization of fermentation-derived products.
- Global Leadership
- The pace at which India can position itself as a leader in plant cell fermentation technology.