To launch plant cell fermentation tech lab
Herbalife has signed an agreement with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras to establish the Herbalife-IITM Plant Cell Fermentation Technology Lab at the campus under Herbalife’s CSR initiative.
The agreement signing ceremony took place at IIT Madras in the presence of Ajay Khanna, MD, Herbalife India and Prof Ashwin Mahalingam, Dean - Alumni & Corporate Relations, IIT Madras and other IITM representing members.
The lab will serve as a catalyst for innovation, capacity building, and industry collaboration in the wellness sector while also fostering entrepreneurship.
The Centre of Excellence – Herbalife Plant Cell Fermentation Technology Lab, is focused on pioneering sustainable solutions for high-quality herbal raw materials and phytochemicals. The facility will be a centre to produce sustainable herbal raw materials using plant cell fermentation technology, ensuring high-quality phytochemicals and driving innovation in nutraceuticals, cosmeceuticals, and Ayush formulations, contributing directly to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG3 - Good Health & Well-Being).
Ajay Khanna, MD, Herbalife India, said, “Herbalife is committed to drive innovation that contributes to sustainability. Our partnership with IIT Madras, yet again this year is an effort towards transforming the nutraceutical and wellness sectors. Herbalife Plant Cell Fermentation Technology Lab at IIT Madras will be a catalyst for innovation and capacity building, and enhance industry collaboration in the wellness sector. Aligned with India’s Bio-E3 Policy (2024) and the National Biotechnology Development Strategy (2022-25), this initiative will position India as a leader in biomanufacturing while contributing to the Prime Minister’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.”
Prof Smitha Srivastava, Department of Biotechnology, Bhupat and Jyoti Mehta School of Biosciences, IIT Madras said, “The Herbalife-IITM Plant Cell Fermentation Technology Lab represents a significant milestone in sustainable innovation. This state-of-the-art facility will drive pioneering research, foster academic training, and enable impactful technology development for industry applications. I sincerely thank Herbalife for their generous support and unwavering belief in this initiative. Together, we are poised to transform the landscape of plant cell fermentation, creating meaningful outcomes for science, industry, and society."
Prof Ashwin Mahalingam, Dean - Alumni & Corporate Relations, IIT Madras, said, “It is heartening to see the IITM-Herbalife partnership growing from one milestone to another. Through their support for the establishment of the Plant Cell Fermentation Technology Lab, Herbalife has emerged as a leader in the field of sustainable solutions for high-quality herbal raw materials and phytochemicals. This partnership has indeed come at the right time, not only for IITM and Herbalife but also for our nation’s goals towards a brighter, sustainable future."
