The Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur (IITKGP), a premier national institution, has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Organic Recycling Systems Ltd. (ORSL), a leading company in sustainable waste management and bioenergy solutions. This collaboration aims to accelerate applied research and technological advancements in catalysis, carbon utilization, and waste valorisation.
This partnership sets the foundation for joint research, capacity building, technology transfer, and commercialization of innovative solutions. By integrating IITKGP’s advanced research expertise with ORSL’s industrial experience, the initiative is poised to drive breakthroughs in clean energy and circular economy technologies. The agreement identifies six primary technical domains to guide the joint research agenda.
One of the key areas of focus is developing advanced catalysts for transforming carbon dioxide (CO2) into high-value products. The collaborative teams will explore catalytic processes for CO2 methanation and conversion into mixed alcohols—offering a dual benefit of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and generating usable fuels. Research will also cover methane cracking and reforming, utilizing both experimental methods and computational tools. Machine learning will be leveraged to speed up catalyst discovery, optimize reaction mechanisms, and enhance overall efficiency in carbon utilization.
In the bioenergy space, efforts will target the production of BioCNG, bioethanol, and biohydrogen. Research will emphasize catalysis for converting waste into renewable dimethyl ether (rDME), a clean fuel alternative. The valorisation of biochar-enriched digestate is another critical focus—aiming to convert it into soil enhancers or catalytic support materials. The collaboration also includes designing advanced reactors and performing detailed kinetic modeling for fixed-bed and fluidized-bed catalytic systems. These initiatives will be complemented by techno-economic and life cycle assessments to determine feasibility, scalability, and environmental impact. Artificial intelligence and machine learning will be embedded in process modeling to enhance accuracy, reduce trial-and-error, and support predictive design.
Analytical and characterization studies will also be central to the collaboration, involving catalyst synthesis, testing, and performance evaluation. Standardized protocols will be developed for analyzing biochar, wastewater, and solid waste to ensure reliability and applicability of the technologies developed. A particularly promising avenue is the development of biomass-based activated carbon using materials like coconut shells and agricultural residues. This high-performance activated carbon will be tailored for applications in water and gas purification, with research into functionalization techniques to boost its adsorption capacity for heavy metals and organic pollutants. These developments will span lab-scale research to pilot studies and eventual commercial deployment.
Human resource development will play a key role in the partnership. Faculty, students, and researchers from both institutions will engage in knowledge exchange and collaborative learning. Joint training programs, workshops, and conferences will foster interdisciplinary dialogue and nurture innovation. The partnership also aims to bring research closer to commercialization through technology scale-up, patenting, and market deployment.
“At ORSL, we believe that research must result in real-world, scalable solutions,” said Mr. Yashas Bhand, CEO and Director of Organic Recycling Systems Ltd. “Our collaboration with IIT Kharagpur reflects this belief—merging scientific depth with industrial practicality. Together, we aim to co-create technologies that are both scientifically sound and commercially viable, accelerating the path from lab to market.”
This collaboration between IIT Kharagpur and ORSL exemplifies the power of academia-industry partnerships in addressing pressing environmental and energy challenges. By combining cutting-edge research with practical industry experience, the alliance is set to make significant contributions to India’s sustainable development goals in the coming years.