Cumulative Patents filed
Plant Variety Protection (PVP) in the process of registration under PPV & FRA
Publications in peer reviewed journals
Agri-Biotech R&D Facility (Seeds), Bengaluru, Karnataka
Realigning and renewing IT systems to meet the evolving business needs
System simplification and creating synergistic platforms
Strengthening Cyber Security
Strengthening capabilities in data analytics
Theme-based initiatives at Mithapur to facilitate effective utilisation of inventory and streamlining logistics
Setting up Smart Labs with automation
Digitisation of the finance function
Strengthening Core IT for availability, reliability, security and optimising cost
Set-up of common team to service SAP support and IT Security across entities
Digitise all the functions
a) Core IT: To deliver predictable and consistent performance of IT systems
b) Business Enablement: Exploring and implementing multiple solutions to business problems leveraging digital solution
Rolled out supplier collaboration and sourcing platform across group
Prepared IT Roadmap & Enterprise architecture to leverage industry standard digital technologies
Initiated work on Laboratory Information Management System (for R&D labs), Transportation / Dealer (at Rallis) / Human Resource Management System modules
Strengthening internal capability in digital and data analytics
We have successfully piloted Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) technology for a few processes at Mithapur plant and are replicating it across other equipment and processes. The new Nutrition business Mambattu plant was designed with state-of-the-art digital systems that meet global quality standards. To evolve to an insightful organisation and unlock the power of data, a data maturity assessment was done; implementation of recommendations is underway.
Cyber Security is a critical aspect. We are continually strengthening it through training, data loss prevention and war room exercises, etc.
IT function is fully geared up for tackling the challenge of COVID-19. Employees are enabled to work from home securely. All the critical transactions including financial closures are completed without any challenge. IT roadmap has been revisited and projects are prioritised based on challenges and opportunities considering COVID-19 impact.
We are driving transformational change with IT to have smart factories, smart labs, smart offices along with a KPI-driven digital and insights mindset. This will create a digital and analytics led enterprise and will help us drive the productivity of various business functions. It will further aid in reimagining the business model for organisational transformation.
Chief Innovation & Digital Officer
Progress on the R&D long-term plan
Drive synergies between all the R&D centres
Balance innovation focus with 70% business-led and 30% science-led projects
Build CoE to cater the computational and analytical requirements of R&D centres and enhance their efficiency
Acquire and develop technology from Indian academic ecosystem
Innovation leading to business growth through new products and new applications
Creating R&D infrastructure for new areas of business focus
Deployment of In-house developed technologies and products
Advancing technology in seed space
We successfully developed TAVERSIL A50, a specialty grade precipitated Silica that is used as an abrasive agent in toothpaste for better cleaning and polishing performance with tailormade abrasive properties. It also assists effective removal of pellicle film from teeth surface.
Malnutrition or lack of micronutrients is a key challenge in India. To address this issue, the FSSAI (through FFRC) has recommended fortification of common staple food items. While TCL has been at the forefront of this with its pioneering iodised salt, it has stepped up by developing food fortification premixes for all recommended categories. We have already launched micronutrient premixes for fortification of milk, oil, flour and rice.
Leveraging digital and analytics
Synergising competencies of the three R&D centres to work on cross-cutting opportunities
Hosting iNNCOTECH symposium to drive new ideas and promote thought leadership
Open Innovation with partnership by partnering global Research labs
S&G for prioritising and tracking progress of projects
Enhancing competencies of the scientists
Meeting customers to enhance end-customer need understanding
Strengthen IP strategy
We are focussed on developing sustainable and new technology solutions in line with the business strategy to benefit society and improve the Company competitive edge. This is being done through internal and external collaboration, focussing on creating platform technology competencies and improving innovation index for the Company.
Innovation Turnover Index (ITI) increased to over 16% in FY 2019-20 as compared to 10% in the previous year
Three new formulations launched - Zygant and Ayaan in Paddy and Sarthak in Potato and Chilli
Evaluate technologies to improve competitiveness and differentiation
Enhance technology to improve success rate
Innovation has led to reduced use of fossil fuel
The seeds ITI showed a score of 12.6% during the year under review
Attain leadership position in select crops and build opportunities in cotton
Advance technologies in the genetically modified space and build gene editing capabilities
Partnered with tyre companies for Silica application development
Commercialised new grades of Silica for garment and oral care applications
Internalised Lithium cell technology transferred from ISRO
Scientific support to new business
Staple food fortification Premixes
Ventured into skin domain (built new science)
Leverage Indian academic ecosystem for technology acquisition and development
Commercialise in-house developed technologies
New products and applications in material science, nutrition and energy