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JUNE 12: In a significant move to boost India’s capabilities in advanced specialty chemicals, the Technology Development Board (TDB) under the Department of Science and Technology (DST) has extended financial support to M/s Clearsynth Labs Limited. The funding will aid the establishment of a bulk manufacturing facility for deuterated reagents and building blocks, a critical step toward self-reliance in this high-value niche segment.
The project is designed to address India’s current dependency on imports for deuterated solvents and reagents, which are essential in pharmaceutical R&D, medicinal chemistry, OLED displays, semiconductors, and fiber optics. Despite India’s strong pharmaceutical base, the country has lacked scalable production capabilities for isotope-labeled compounds like deuterium-based materials.
With increasing global demand for deuterated compounds and growing applications across various industrial sectors, this initiative is poised to fill a vital gap in India’s chemical manufacturing ecosystem. The facility, once operational, will enable large-scale indigenous production and significantly reduce foreign exchange outflows.
This project is also strategically aligned with the national goals of “Make in India” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat,” aimed at enhancing India’s self-sufficiency in critical technologies. It also presents a unique opportunity for India to emerge as a global supplier of deuterated compounds, backed by advanced manufacturing and quality standards.
A notable strength of the initiative lies in Clearsynth’s long-term agreement with the Heavy Water Board (HWB) under the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), ensuring uninterrupted access to heavy water—a key raw material for deuterated chemical synthesis. This partnership gives the project a distinct advantage in scalability and cost-efficiency.
Speaking on the initiative, Shri Rajesh Kumar Pathak, Secretary of TDB, stated that the project will empower India to tap into the growing global demand for these specialty materials while building a robust domestic foundation in this strategically important sector.
Mr. Vijay Ambati, MD & CEO of Clearsynth Labs, added, “With TDB’s support, we aim to create globally competitive manufacturing capabilities, delivering quality products that meet stringent international specifications.”
The initiative is expected to foster IP generation, high-skilled job creation, and India’s positioning as a reliable sourcing destination for isotopic specialty chemicals.