Key Points
- Atomgrid opens R&D centre in Bengaluru's Jigani industrial area with 15 scientists
- Facility aims to develop proprietary agrochemical molecules for global markets
- Company raised $7 million in Pre-Series A funding to expand R&D capabilities
Atomgrid, a specialty chemicals company focused on agrochemicals, on Monday inaugurated a research and development centre in Bengaluru‘s Jigani industrial area to develop proprietary molecules and formulations for global markets.
The facility, located in the KIADB Industrial Area, currently employs 15 scientists and researchers. The company plans to expand the team to 25 over the next 12 months, according to a company statement.
The launch comes as global chemical supply chains shift away from China, creating opportunities for Indian manufacturers. India’s specialty chemicals sector, valued at approximately ₹4 lakh crore, has historically focused on contract manufacturing rather than developing its own patented products.
What the R&D Centre Will Do
The Bengaluru facility covers the full product development cycle. This includes route scouting, which involves identifying the most efficient chemical pathways to produce a compound, and process development, which refines those pathways for large-scale manufacturing.
The centre will also handle tech transfer, the process of moving a laboratory-proven method to a commercial factory while maintaining quality and efficiency.
“India is at an inflection point in specialty chemicals,” Siddharth Gupta, co-founder of Atomgrid, said. “Global customers are actively looking for alternatives to China, but they’re looking for solution providers who combine innovation with execution.”
Gupta added that the company currently exports to more than 10 countries, with over half its revenue coming from international sales.
The R&D team will concentrate on developing active ingredients, the chemical compounds that produce the desired effect in agrochemical products such as pesticides and herbicides. These ingredients must meet high purity standards to gain regulatory approval in markets with strict requirements.
The facility will also create patented formulations, which combine active ingredients with other substances to improve effectiveness, stability or ease of application.
“Our goal is to close the gap between lab-scale innovation and large-scale manufacturing, reliably and repeatedly,” Dr Prabhu Dharmalingam, Director of Research and Development at Atomgrid, said. “India has deep chemistry talent. What’s historically been missing is the process rigour and quality infrastructure to take innovations to a global scale.”
Global Registration Programme
The R&D centre will support Atomgrid’s registration programme, which involves filing applications with regulatory authorities in different countries to gain approval for selling its products. The company currently has filings active in more than 10 countries.
Over the next five years, Atomgrid aims to build a portfolio of patents and proprietary manufacturing processes developed at the Bengaluru centre.
The R&D centre launch follows the company’s $7 million Pre-Series A funding round, which was raised to strengthen both its global presence and research capabilities. The company is backed by Merak Ventures, Siana Capital and A99.
Atomgrid, registered as Truuchem Technologies Pvt Ltd, operates manufacturing facilities across India and sells agrochemical products in more than 10 countries.
Your Questions, Answered
What will Atomgrid's new Bengaluru R&D centre do?
The facility will develop proprietary active ingredients and patented formulations for agrochemical products. It covers the full innovation cycle from identifying efficient chemical production pathways to transferring proven methods to commercial-scale manufacturing.
How many scientists work at the Atomgrid R&D centre?
The centre currently employs 15 scientists and researchers. Atomgrid plans to expand the team to 25 within the next 12 months.
Where is the Atomgrid R&D centre located?
The facility is located in the KIADB Industrial Area in Jigani, Bengaluru.
How much funding has Atomgrid raised?
Atomgrid raised $7 million in a Pre-Series A funding round. The company is backed by Merak Ventures, Siana Capital and A99.
