CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR-IIIM), Jammu, and The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to upscale and optimise the production of an anthraquinone-based pigment from endophytic fungi through fermentation technology. The MoU was signed by Dr Vibha Dhawan, Director General, TERI, and Dr Zabeer Ahmed, Director, CSIR-IIIM, at the TERI Headquarters at the India Habitat Centre (IHC), New Delhi, in the presence of Mr Deepak Kumar and Dr Mayurika Goel from TERI, along with Dr Saurabh Saran from CSIR-IIIM.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Zabeer Ahmed highlighted the importance of scientific collaborations in transforming laboratory research into scalable industrial solutions and emphasised the role of partnerships in advancing biotechnology-based innovations. Under the collaboration, both institutions will work together to convert TERI’s laboratory-scale pigment production technology into a pilot-scale process using CSIR-IIIM Jammu’s advanced fermentation facilities and expertise in microbial biotechnology and bioprocess development. The project will focus on scaling up the fermentation process up to 500 litres, optimising key production parameters, improving pigment yield, developing efficient extraction and purification methods, and conducting characterisation and quality assessment of the final product.

TERI has developed the laboratory-scale process using a proprietary endophytic fungus strain capable of producing an anthraquinone-based pigment with potential biological applications. CSIR-IIIM will contribute its expertise in fermentation technology, process optimisation, analytical testing, and scale-up studies. The two-year collaboration will also include a techno-economic feasibility assessment to evaluate the commercial potential of the technology. Both institutions will work towards establishing standardised and reproducible processes to support future industrial production.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Vibha Dhawan underlined the importance of sharing scientific knowledge, infrastructure, and expertise to address challenges and create impactful solutions through sustainable technologies. The partnership brings together TERI’s expertise in sustainable agriculture and biotechnology with CSIR-IIIM Jammu’s strengths in fermentation sciences and natural product research, aiming to promote sustainable and science-driven industrial applications.