India has taken another significant step towards strengthening its biotechnology and sustainable manufacturing ecosystem with the Technology Development Board (TDB), under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), extending financial assistance to Hyderabad-based K. N. Biosciences (India) Private Limited. The support will help commercialise an indigenous technology for producing C-phycocyanin, a high-value natural blue pigment derived from Spirulina.
The initiative is expected to reduce India’s dependence on imported natural colourants while creating new opportunities in the food, nutraceutical, agriculture, aquaculture, poultry feed and biostimulant industries. It also reflects the government’s broader focus on promoting indigenous innovation, sustainable manufacturing and the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
Technology Developed by IIT Guwahati
The technology has been developed by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati using an indigenous Spirulina strain, NCIM 5143. Following successful research and development, the institute transferred the technology to K. N. Biosciences through a formal Transfer of Technology (ToT) agreement, enabling the company to take the innovation from the laboratory to commercial production.
The project demonstrates how publicly funded scientific research can be transformed into commercially viable products with strong industrial and economic potential.
Green Manufacturing Process
The production process combines advanced cultivation techniques with an environmentally responsible extraction and purification system.
The upstream process involves controlled photoautotrophic cultivation of Spirulina under carefully optimised light and nutrient conditions to generate high-density biomass rich in phycocyanin. This is followed by a solvent-free extraction and a single-step purification process that efficiently produces high-purity C-phycocyanin.
Unlike many conventional extraction methods, the indigenous technology significantly reduces chemical usage, making the production process more sustainable while maintaining high product quality. The resulting pigment is a stable, water-soluble blue powder suitable for both food-grade and analytical-grade applications.
The technology has also been benchmarked against internationally available commercial products, demonstrating its capability to meet global quality standards.
Meeting Rising Demand for Natural Ingredients
The global shift towards natural food ingredients and clean-label products has increased demand for naturally derived pigments in recent years. C-phycocyanin, known for its vibrant blue colour and antioxidant properties, has emerged as an important ingredient across multiple industries.
Beyond food and beverages, the pigment has applications in dietary supplements, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, agriculture, aquaculture and poultry nutrition. Its growing popularity creates strong market opportunities for Indian manufacturers capable of producing high-quality, naturally sourced alternatives.
Commercial production within India is expected to strengthen domestic supply chains while opening avenues for exports in the expanding global market for natural ingredients.
Strengthening India’s Bio-Manufacturing Ecosystem
The project is expected to establish commercial-scale production capacity for C-phycocyanin in India, creating an indigenous value chain for natural pigments and specialty bioproducts.
Besides reducing import dependence, the initiative is likely to encourage value addition in algal biotechnology, generate new business opportunities and support the growth of India’s bioeconomy. It also reinforces efforts to develop environmentally sustainable manufacturing processes that minimise waste and reduce the use of harmful chemicals.
The project aligns with national priorities of promoting innovation-driven manufacturing, expanding biotechnology-based industries and improving India’s competitiveness in high-value global markets.
TDB Reaffirms Commitment to Indigenous Innovation
Highlighting the importance of commercialising home-grown technologies, TDB Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Pathak said India’s bioeconomy offers immense opportunities to convert indigenous research into globally competitive products.
He noted that technologies such as the C-phycocyanin production platform provide sustainable alternatives to imported specialty ingredients while advancing green manufacturing practices. He reaffirmed TDB’s commitment to supporting the commercialisation of innovative technologies that strengthen India’s self-reliance and leadership in the global bio-based economy.
Industry Looks Ahead to Commercial Expansion
K. N. Biosciences welcomed the financial support from TDB, stating that it will enable the company to establish commercial-scale manufacturing facilities and accelerate the introduction of high-quality indigenous C-phycocyanin into the market.
According to the company, the project will help build a stronger domestic ecosystem for bio-based products while catering to rising demand in both Indian and international markets. The commercialisation of the technology is expected to position India as a significant producer of natural blue pigments, supporting sustainable industrial growth and reinforcing the country’s ambitions to become a global biotechnology manufacturing hub.
Author: Shivam
Shivam Dwivedi is a senior journalist with extensive experience in research-driven journalism, policy communication, and multi-platform storytelling. His areas of interest include international relations, defence, science & technology, education, urban development, agriculture, spirituality, and environmental sustainability. His work focuses on in-depth analysis, public discourse, and impactful narratives across governance and development sectors, with a strong commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Contact: [email protected]
