Innovation Centre

Pune, Maharashtra

Revolutionising chemistry through innovation

Started in 2004 in Pune, the Tata Chemicals Innovation Centre is a Department of Science and Industrial Research-approved unit. The centre aims to evolve into an autonomous and self-reliant basic and applied sciences unit serving the needs of Tata Chemicals and the Tata group.

At a glance

  • 215

    patent applications filed.

  • 146

    patent grants received.

  • 185.4 T

    CO2 emission reduced.

  • 20%

    energy consumption powered by solar energy.

A journey of innovation

Since its inception in 2004, Tata Chemicals Innovation Centre has been at the forefront of championing advancements that optimise industries, promoting environmental responsibility and setting benchmarks in green innovation; while creating breakthroughs for a better tomorrow.

Focus areas

  • Nutrition sciences

    Our in-house innovation, FOSSENCE®, is a prebiotic dietary fibre developed using patented green technology. An award-winning innovation, it offers digestive health benefits while improving taste and texture in foods. Today, it’s manufactured at a scale of 5,000 TPA, helping bring wellness to everyday diets.

  • Performance materials

    We’ve developed High Dispersible Silica (HDS) from rice husk ash, an agri-waste byproduct, offering a sustainable alternative to conventional silica. It enhances the tyre performance, leading to 10–15% longer tyre life, better fuel efficiency, and a lower carbon footprint—a step forward in circular economy practices.

  • Purifying lives

    The Tata Swach story—Our award-winning innovation, Tata Swach, delivers safe drinking water to millions using nano zinc oxide to remove bacteria and viruses. It operates without electricity and purifies water at just ₹0.30/liter, providing an affordable and sustainable clean water solution for underserved communities.

  • Bio-based surfactants for greener cleaning

    We have developed a bio-based surfactant to replace organosilane-based surfactants commonly used in construction and cleaning applications. It is non-flammable, eco-friendly, and delivers superior results, aligning with green chemistry and safer material goals.

  • Crop care solutions for sustainable farming

    Through cost-effective synthesis and process development, we focus on creating next-gen agrochemical solutions that support the four Rs of sustainable agriculture — Right source, Right rate, Right time, and Right place. Our work strengthens practices such as Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and enables a future of efficient, eco-conscious farming.

  • Next-generation agriculture platforms

    We’re enabling sustainable agriculture through aeroponics and hydroponics platforms that offer up to 80% water savings, use fewer pesticides, and allow controlled production. These systems are tailored for smallholder Indian farmers, supporting a shift towards smart, efficient, and climate-resilient farming.

Safety practices

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    Focus on process safety, risk management and sustainable operations.

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    Ensuring containment of safety hazards (behaviour, workplace, process and product).

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    Addresses safety risks that could lead to emergencies. Regular tabletop and field drills ensure preparedness for emergency situations.

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    Job Safety Analysis (JSA), Hazard and Operability Study (HAZOP), Hazard Identification and Risk Analysis (HIRA), What-if analysis and Failure Mode Effect Analysis (FMEA) to identify hazards.

Impact Stories

  • Goal

    To develop a sustainable and safer replacement for organosilane-based coupling agents traditionally used in tyre manufacturing—one that eliminates harmful emissions and aligns with green chemistry principles.

  • Solution

    A solvent-free, bio-based rubber coupling agent formulated from locally sourced agricultural inputs. This eco-conscious solution maintains performance while eliminating the need for volatile organic compounds or waste-generating processes.

  • Benefits

    Utilises agri-based raw material in a solvent-free and effluent-free manufacturing process. Does not generate solid waste, supporting clean production practices

  • Impact

    Reduces ethanol emissions during rubber compounding Offers a sustainable alternative to conventional silane coupling agents used in the rubber industry

  • Goal

    To create a more effective herbicide formulation that offers extended residual control over a broad spectrum of weeds in soybean and groundnut crops—while ensuring soil safety and reducing input frequency for farmers.

  • Solution

    Diclosulam + Pendimethalin (Mark Plus) is a suspo-emulsion formulation that synergistically combines Diclosulam and Pendimethalin to provide dual-site action (root and shoot), enhancing weed control efficacy during critical crop growth stages.

  • Benefits

    Controls a wide range of grasses and broadleaf weeds Delivers long-lasting residual activity during early crop growth stages

  • Impact

    Dual-action formulation reduces competition for nutrients, water and sunlight Maintains high soil and crop safety Achieved over 80% Weed Control Efficiency (WCE), outperforming existing herbicide combinations

Community initiatives

  • R&D

    Working closely to support schools in the tribal area of Mohal Nagar.

  • Innovation

    Company scientists regularly interact with school children, conduct experiments, and offer hygiene awareness sessions.

  • Sustainability

    The IC team has arranged camps and distributed some of the essential items (Rice, dal, cooking oil, salt, wheat flour, vegetable masala, body soap) to all the families residing at Mohul Nagar Basti.

  • Technology

    Recently, a Livelihood and Skill Development Centre at Mulshi has been set up, inaugurated on 12 July 2024.

Fostering the spirit of innovation

  • iNNCOTECH

    Our annual R&D symposium that fosters global collaboration and sustainable innovation across Tata Chemicals.

  • Innovate to lead

    Innovate to Lead: Empowering every individual to drive innovation at scale Our 2023 initiative to build a world-class, innovation-driven culture across Tata Chemicals.

Our certifications

Year Achievement
2023 5-star rating from the British Safety Council

Latest at Tata Chemicals

Get in touch

Have any questions? Our team is ready to assist you.

iNNCOTECH

iNNCOTECH

iNNCOTECH is Tata Chemicals’ annual platform for scientists to explore next-generation sustainable technologies and propose breakthrough product solutions. It encourages innovation, collaboration, and forward-thinking across global R&D teams.

The 2023 edition saw 24 impactful ideas submitted from five global locations, with over 3,000 man-hours dedicated to solving future challenges. A panel of senior leaders evaluated the submissions, and the most promising ideas were recognized and awarded.

iNNCOTECH continues to be a catalyst for cross-border collaboration and long-term value creation.
Innovate to lead

Innovate to lead

Launched in 2023, Innovate to Lead is designed to empower every Tata Chemicals employee to become a leader in innovation. The program builds innovation capability through three key platforms:

Are We @Cutting Edge
Mentorship for Graduate Engineer Trainees (GETs) at manufacturing sites, guided by site leadership to explore and apply next-generation industrial technologies.

Innovation Learning Mission
Immersive workshops for company leaders at premier institutes and with pioneering startups, focusing on disruptive technologies shaping the future.

Deep Tech Innovation Hour
Engaging sessions with top experts from industry and academia, sharing insights on transformative deep tech innovations with real-world impact.

Over 825 participants have contributed more than 6,400 man-hours, actively shaping a future-focused and innovation-led Tata Chemicals.