Thanjavur: Fermenta Biotech Limited, manufacturer of Vitamin D3, has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Institute of Food Technology, Entrepreneurship and Management – Thanjavur (NIFTEM-T).
This collaboration, facilitated by the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), is set to accelerate innovation in food fortification technologies and bridge the gap between industry and academia.
The partnership was formalized during the symposium titled “Harnessing Innovation for Health: Novel Molecules and New Technologies in Vitamin D Fortification”, held on July 10, 2025.
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The event was attended by leading policymakers and experts, including G Kamala Vardhana Rao (IAS), CEO of FSSAI, Dr R S Sodhi, Chairperson, BOG, NIFTEM-T, and senior officials from Fermenta, FSSAI, GAIN, and the food processing sector.
Fermenta to Support CEFF
Through this collaboration, Fermenta will support NIFTEM-T’s Centre of Excellence for Food Fortification (CEFF) by contributing technical know-how, product innovation, and infrastructure support.
The CEFF will serve as a hub for developing, validating, and disseminating fortified food technologies, particularly focusing on essential staples like edible oil and wheat flour.
“This partnership reflects our commitment to addressing micronutrient deficiencies through science-backed solutions,” said Prashant Nagre, Managing Director, Fermenta. “By combining industry experience with academic expertise, we aim to deliver scalable solutions that improve public health.”
The MoU also outlines avenues for student internships, sponsored research projects, and technology transfer initiatives. It aims to promote hands-on exposure, entrepreneurship, and capacity-building in nutrition science, supporting India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat mission for self-reliance in food security and health.
Prof V Palanimuthu, Director, NIFTEM-T, added, “The Centre of Excellence for Food Fortification will serve as a catalyst for impactful, evidence-based interventions in nutrition and public health.”
“This initiative is a model of how academia, government, and industry can collaborate to create sustainable nutrition solutions,” said Dr Bhuvaneswari Balasubramanian, India Country Director, GAIN. “It is a step forward in ensuring safe, affordable, and fortified food reaches all.”
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Founded in 1951, Fermenta Biotech Limited is a diversified biotechnology and pharmaceutical company with a strong footprint in nutrition, green chemistry, APIs, and environmental solutions.
It is a global leader in Vitamin D3 production and offers a growing portfolio that includes Fortified Rice Kernels (FRK) and customized premixes. With state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in Kullu, Dahej, and Tirupati and a world-class R&D center in Thane, Fermenta serves over 400 clients in 60+ countries.
