Godavari Biorefineries Limited (GBL) , has been honoured at the 60th Annual ICC Awards, 2025, held at Taj Lands End, Mumbai on 19th September 2025. The company was awarded the prestigious ICC – K. V. Mariwala Award for Effective Chemical Industry–Academia Partnership, along with the Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT), Mumbai. This recognizes GBL’s leadership in forging strong industry-academia linkages, advancing green technologies, and fostering innovation in India’s chemical sector.

The technology converts CO₂ into di-methyl ether (DME) using ICT’s breakthrough single-step catalytic conversion process, which is more efficient and cost-effective than conventional methods. DME is a clean fuel and versatile chemical feedstock, serving as a substitute for LPG and diesel while also supporting chemical synthesis applications. The technology has been jointly developed by Godavari Biorefineries Ltd. (GBL) and the Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT), Mumbai, under the strong guidance of Prof. G. D. Yadav and the personal commitment of Samir Somaiya, CMD, GBL. GBL’s ethanol fermentation generates Biogenic CO2 that can be usefully converted to DME.

Commenting on the recognition, Samir Somaiya, Chairman & Managing Director, GBL, said, “We are honored to receive this recognition and extend our sincere thanks to the Indian Chemical Council. This award reflects our longstanding collaboration with ICT Mumbai—a valued partner in research, innovation, and knowledge creation. At GBL, we remain firmly committed to sustainability, renewable chemistry, and the principles of a circular economy. We believe that strong industry–academia partnerships are key to enhancing India’s competitiveness and tackling global sustainability challenges. We will continue to invest in research, innovation, and collaborations that pave the way for a greener, more sustainable future.”

The ICC – K.V. Mariwala Award, granted by the Indian Chemical Council (ICC) identifies transformative partnerships between industry and academia that initiate innovative solutions, stimulate technology transfer, and enable practical applications. By linking research to industrial practice, the award fuels the creation of advanced processes, future leadership pipelines, and sustainable technologies. GBL’s partnership with ICT Mumbai was highlighted at the Awards seminar by Ramnath Kadam, Sr. Manager–Process Engineer, GBL, and Padmashri Prof. Dr. G. D. Yadav, Emeritus Professor of Eminence, ICT Mumbai.

GBL is at the forefront of renewable chemicals, green technologies, and biofuels, transforming agro-based raw materials into sustainable products. The company also fosters knowledge networks and develops emerging talent through collaborations with academic institutions, driving sustainability and responsible growth for industry and society.