Saint Gobain launches R&D centre at IIT Madras

Chennai: Saint-Gobain, the world leader in the habitat and construction market and IIT Madras Research Park (IITM RP) today jointly launched Saint-Gobain Global Research Centre in India.

An MOU to this effect was signed in front of mediapersons between Prof Bhaskar Ramamurthi, Director, IIT Madras and Anand Y Mahajan for Saint Gobain. The Saint-Gobain Research India (SGRI) will be the seventh such cross-functional research and development centre for Saint-Gobain and first one in India to be based in Chennai.

Prof Bhaskar Ramamurthi, Director, IIT Madras and Anand Y Mahajan for Saint Gobain sign MOU for SGRI in Chennai on Friday.

Speaking on the occasion, Anand Y Mahadevan said, Saint-Gobain will be the ‘anchor client’ for the IITM RP’s second phase of development at the research park, which houses several small and medium enterprises working in tandem with IIT Madras for technological innovations. 

SGRI will work for all of the Saint-Gobain’s industrial activities and will drive initiatives to develop sustainable habitat solutions for the region. These are envisaged in the form of transversal programs such as energy solutions for hot climates, energy efficiency in buildings, affordable mass housing, etc, said Anand Tanikella, director, SGRI.

Acknowledging that the research centre is the major milestone for IITM Research Park, Prof Ramamurthi said, “Saint Gobain plans to harness the deep expertise available in the Institute in material science, building technology and renewable energy. This collaboration will lead to affordable and sustainable solutions to the challenges of energy and environment that India faces today.”

The MOU signing event was witnessed by among others, DR Didier Roux, chief technology officer of Saint-Gobain group, Jean –Pierre Floris, president, Saint-Gobain Innovative materials sector and  Prof Krishnan of IIT Madras. 

Anand Y Mahajan addresses media at IITM RP in Chennai.

 Speaking on the occasion, Dr Roux said, “India is a critical emerging market for Saint-Gobain and the launch of R&D centre will enable development of new products, processes and solutions for the region. SGRI is uniquely positioned to develop customized solutions for hot and humid climates toward meeting the ambition of Saint-Gobain group to be the reference company in sustainable habitat for the region.”

Answering a query, Anand said, “While SGRI will focus on leveraging local talent for regional solutions, it will also act as a key linkage for collaboration with internal and external R&D communities around the world.”

The launch of SGRI was marked by a day-long research symposium with leading research community and senior faculty from all over India on December 13 here. Till the completion of the construction process of phase II of research park, SGRI will function at a place in Mahabalipuram, near here, Anand added.