“CSR-Driven Industry–Academia labs can bridge India’s specialised chemistry gap,” says Pon Pure executive director as SRMIST signs MoU for joint oil-field chemicals research lab

SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Pon Pure Chemicals Pvt. Ltd., Chennai, to establish a Joint Laboratory for Oil-Field Chemical Product Development and Analytical Testing, with a focused emphasis on drilling fluids and related formulations. The initiative marks a first-of-its-kind industry–academia collaboration in India in the domain of oil-field chemicals.

The joint facility, to be named the “SRMIST–Pon Pure Chemicals Lab,” will be established at the SRMIST main campus. The tentative cost of equipment for setting up the Oil Field Testing Laboratory is estimated at ₹75 lakh. As part of the collaboration, Pon Pure Chemicals will contribute ₹20 lakh towards equipment procurement through its CSR funds, while SRMIST will support the remaining cost for establishing the laboratory infrastructure.

The collaboration aims to strengthen applied research, promote indigenous product development, and bridge the gap between academic research and industrial application in the oil and gas sector.

Pon Pure Chemicals Pvt. Ltd. is a leading chemical manufacturer and distributor with operations across 24 states in India and a global presence spanning the USA, Europe, the Gulf region, Australia, Sri Lanka, and Singapore. The company’s portfolio includes performance chemicals, specialty chemicals, active pharmaceutical ingredients, food ingredients, and oil-field chemicals.

Speaking on the collaboration, Mr. Surya Prakash, Executive Director, Pon Pure Chemicals Pvt. Ltd., said: “Globally, innovation in chemistry is where real progress happens. In India, especially in specialised areas such as oil-field chemistry, there is significant scope for research-led innovation. The way drilling operations are carried out today can be improved substantially through scientific intervention and indigenous product development.”

Highlighting the motivation behind funding the project through CSR, he added: “By establishing this CSR-supported drilling and oil-field chemicals laboratory at SRMIST, we believe a large number of students will benefit. While students may study chemical engineering, opportunities for specialisation, particularly in oil and gas, are limited. This initiative will help bridge that gap and create focused expertise.”

Emphasising the long-term academic and research impact, Mr. Surya Prakash noted: “With strong chemistry faculty and a research-driven ecosystem, meaningful and industry-relevant products can emerge from this collaboration. Sustainability and applied research will be key focus areas moving forward.”

The joint laboratory will support research and development activities, industry-oriented training for students and faculty, and technology transfer of newly developed products. SRMIST also plans to offer certificate, diploma, and degree programmes in relevant areas, including mud engineering, aligned with industry needs.

The collaboration reinforces SRMIST’s commitment to fostering impactful industry partnerships, advancing applied research, and preparing students for emerging sectors within the global energy and chemicals landscape.