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About Us

Industrial Biotechnology, Sweet Sorghum, Algae for biodiesel, ignocellulose to ethanol, Matrix Research, Organic Synthesis, Chemistry laboratory, Process Engineering, Advanced Biology Laboratories, Microbiology Laboratory, Molecular Biology Laboratory, Plant Biotechnology

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	PRAJ-Matrix - The Innovation Center
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PRAJ-Matrix - The Innovation Center

At Praj, we see great promise in sustainable development - be it in the context of technology, business or society. We are in constant pursuit of solutions which will lead us to a more balanced world, a more sustainable world. Sustainability fosters innovative ideas and products. It enables us to add value to our customer's business. PRAJ-Matrix - The Innovation Center is designed along the principles of sustainability, providing environmentally friendly solutions for a future-perfect world. Praj Matrix applies multi-disciplinary experience and expertise, and utilizes world class laboratory and pilot scale facilities to accelerate the development of bio-based technologies.

PRAJ-Matrix - The Innovation Center (a division of Praj Industries Limited), was inaugurated on April 21, 2008. Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, Government of India has certified Praj Matrix as a recognized In-House R&D laboratory unit. The R&D Campus has received status of Private Sector BioTech Park by the Government of Maharashtra. Located in the picturesque Pirangut Valley near Pune (India), Praj Matrix is built on a 5 acre property with a built-up area of about 85,000 square feet.

Growth

Praj Matrix will enable the growth of Praj in:

BioFuels
- Cellulosic Fuels such as Ethanol and Butanol
- Oil based fuels such as BioDiesel and Green Diesel
- Algal Fuels
BioChemicals or BioMaterials based on:
- Pentose Sugars
- Hexose Sugars
- Lignin
- Oil
- Glycerol
- Algae
Health and Wellness products such as:
- Cosmetic Ingredients
- Functional Food Ingredients and Nutraceuticals
- Probiotics and Prebiotics
- Dietary Supplements
- Phytochemicals
Advanced Strain Development
- Pathway Engineering and Genetic Modification of micro-organisms for the production of BioFuels and BioChemicals

Vision

"To be a Global Leader in Break-Through, Sustainable and Commercializable Technologies for Renewable Energy and Biobased Chemicals and Materials, Environment and Health Solutions while enhancing Societal and Stakeholder Value."

Centers of Excellence

Praj Matrix employs a Centre of Excellence (COE) model as its operating mechanism. Each of the nine COEs brings a particular technology specialization to the fore. Technology programs utilize resources from various COEs at any given time.

I) Molecular Biology, Genetic Engineering and Biochemistry:

The Molecular Biology, Genetic Engineering and Biochemistry COE operate in a 9,000 sq.ft. 10000 class clean room facility. The activities relate to fundamental as well as applied research in Molecular Biology and Protein Chemistry. The team is highly skilled in modern techniques of biology such as PCR, RT-PCR, Genetic sequencing and cloning techniques. The work is supported by experts in protein technology.

The team is backed by a top class instrumentation facility that includes thermocylcers, Electrophoresis and Electroblotting units, Gel Documentation systems, Electroporation and Cell Fusion Systems. The facility also houses Chromatography systems, Ultra Centrifuges, Spectrophotometers, Anaerobic glove box, Lyophilizers, and Ultra deep freezers.

Key research programs underway:

Development of high ethanol tolerant (stress tolerant) yeast strains
Development of yeast strain for efficient utilization of pentose and hexose sugars from biomass
Genetic modification of High Energy Biofuel producing Bacterial strain
Metabolic pathway engineering for Biochemicals production
Random, Directed and rational mutant strains for speciality chemicals production


Positions open - Select from the list below and apply for the job that interests you

II) Ethanol Fermentation and Microbiology:

The Ethanol Fermentation and Microbiology COE has a 1,000 sq.ft. process laboratory along with a 4500 sq.ft. Multi-feed Pilot Plant fermentation facility.The team focuses on enhancing Praj's competitive position and develops innovative processes to efficiently and effectively convert various first generation sugar and starch based feed stocks into ethanol. The team has successfully developed ethanol technologies with process stream recycles that lead to zero discharge in distilleries.

The COE has experienced professionals having core expertise in alcohol and fermentation technology. The microbiologists are experts in yeast biology and strain preservation techniques. The group has expertise in applied enzymology that enables the development of different pretreatment processes on diverse starch based feed stocks across globe.

The equipment available includes Biosafety cabinets, Laminar air flow chambers, state-of-the-art Microscopes, and equipment for Pre-treatment, Hydrolysis, Fermentation, Evaporation, and Distillation.

Ongoing research programs:

Development and standardization of complete ethanol production process including pretreatment processes for various feed stocks
Feasibility and validation studies for commercial bioethanol projects
Development of fermentation nutrient product "MashTone" to enhance productivity and yield


Positions open - Select from the list below and apply for the job that interests you

III) Chemical Fermentation and Microbiology:

The Chemical Fermentation and Microbiology COE is responsible for developing sterile microbial fermentation processes for the production of biochemicals, specialty chemicals, and health and wellness products. The programs are led by Ph.D & M.Sc fermentation technologists having extensive experience in a variety of industrial fermentations.

The team possesses expertise and technological capabilities to develop complex microbial fermentation processes from bench scale to commercial scale. The group has technologists specializing in down stream processing, recovery and purification of high end fermentation products.

The COE has world class infrastructure spread across a 2,500 sq.ft. Process Development Laboratory equipped with all necessary utilities. The Laboratory has fermentors ranging from 2 Liter glass fermentors to 100 Liter fermentors which are sterilizable in place. All fermentors are equipped with vent gas analyzers, and SCADA systems for data acquisition, archival, process monitoring and control. Downstream processing facilities include high speed tubular centrifuge, filtration systems including ultra filtration, nanofiltrations and tangential flow filtration systems.

Some of the key research programs include:

Process development for the production of carbohydrate biopolymer for medical applications
Process development for the production of high energy biofuels
Process development for the production of Organic Acids
Process development for the production of essential amino acids, steroid intermediates and immuno-suppresants


Positions open - Select from the list below and apply for the job that interests you

IV) Chemical Sciences:

The Chemical Sciences COE brings chemistry perspectives to address various issues in on going projects. It is also actively involved in development of new technologies and products. The team comprises Ph.D, M.Sc and M.Tech degree holders specializing in various disciplines of Chemistry such as Organic Chemistry, Oleo chemistry, Natural Products chemistry and Catalysis.

The 1,000 square foot modern laboratory set up includes multipurpose glass reactor system, SS high pressure reactors, Fractional distillation systems along with analytical equipments including flash point testing, Viscocity testing, and Rancimat testing.

Key research programs include:

Technology development for production of chemicals from Lignocellulosic Biomass
Development of novel catalysts for pyrolysis, esterification reactions
Development of value added chemical from glycerol
Technology development for Oleo chemicals and phytochemicals
Porcess development and scale up for Biodiesel production


Positions open - Select from the list below and apply for the job that interests you

V) Chemical Engineering:

The Chemical Engineering COE is focused on Modeling and Simulation, Reaction Engineering and Reactor Design, Downstream Processing, BioTreatability, and Thermochemical Processes. The COE works in an inter-disciplinary fashion with other COEs and is represented on all programs.

Some of the key research programs include:

Life Cycle Analysis of BioFuel and BioChemical processes
Energy Integration in BioFuel and BioChemical processes
Effluent Management for Zero Liquid Discharge in BioFuel and BioChemical processes
Thermochemical Processes for BioFuels and BioChemicals
Reactor design for BioFuel and BioChemical unit operations


Positions open - Select from the list below and apply for the job that interests you

VI) Analytical Sciences:

The centralized analytical facility at Praj Matrix plays a key role in supporting all the research programs through analytical and process development support as well as R&D activities for standardization of testing protocols and the development of new product testing protocols. The Analytical Sciences COE has extensive expertise in wet chemistry analysis as well as in sophisticated instrumental analysis. The group is also responsible for internal Quality Control as well as in the validation of analytical equipment in other COEs. The world class, high end Instrumentation facility includes:

Chromatography: Gas Chromatography with FID, TCD, detectors, HPLC, FPLC with RI, UV detectors, Gas Chromatograph with Mass Spectroscopic Detectors (GCMS)
Spectroscopy : UV- Vis Spectrophotometer, Fourier Transform Infra Red (FTIR),
Inductively Coupled Plasma Spectrometer (ICP)
Thermal Analysis : Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC), Thermogravimetric Analyzer (TGA)

VII) Algal Sciences:

Algae are considered as most efficient in converting Solar energy to Organic Matter. Some of them are known to accumulate high levels of lipids while others are known for their high starch content. The Algal Sciences COE focuses on identification, cultivation and harvesting of such algal resource and turn them in value added products such as Biofuels, Biochemicals as well as using them as a means for Bioremediation.

The Algal Sciences COE possesses core expertise in the isolation, characterization, preservation, cultivation and harvesting of algae. The COE leverages cross functional expertise in the fields of Chemistry, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, and Engineering from other COEs. The team has created a facility that enables algal cultivation in from 15 Liter tanks to 10,000 Liter raceway ponds. Algal biomass harvesting systems such as pumps, flocculation tanks, gas sparging systems along with PLC based automation and control systems are provided at the cultivation facility.

Some of the research programs include:

Development of novel cultivation techniques for lipid and carbohydrate production
Application of algal technology for Bioremediation of polluted environments
Integration of algal systems with existing plants
Production of Value added Chemicals, Nutrients, Minerals from algal resources

VIII) Process and Systems Engineering:

The core focus for the Process and Systems Engineering COE is to transform Laboratory and Bench scale Technologies to Pilot and Demonstration Plants. The team utilizes laboratory scale results to design, engineer, construct and operate pilot and demonstration plants. The team has technological expertise for integrating the entire technological package including energy, effluent, and water management. The COE conducts techno-commercial feasibility studies to help all programs in the selection of appropriate unit operations and processes and associated operating performance conditions. The team comprises experienced Chemical and Process engineers. The COE operates the 2 metric ton per day lignocellulosic ethanol pilot plant, two 750 kg/day biodiesel demo plants, a 10,000 liter algal raceway pond, and a multi-feed grain ethanol pilot plant. The COE also operates all the associated utilities such as boiler, hot water heaters, thermic fluid unit, chillers, compressors, gas tank farms, fuel and solvent storage units, inlet water treatment and process water plant, and the effluent treatment plant.

Scale up Facilities (Pilot Plants) for Bioprocess Development

Lignocellulose to BioEthanol Pilot Plant

Capacity: 2 metric ton per day of feedstock
Feedstock: Sugarcane Bagasse, Corn Cob, Grasses, Corn Stover, Rice Straw, Wheat Straw, Wood Chips and other agricultural biomass residues.

Initial trials at the pilot plant operations have demonstrated the feasibility of producing ethanol from two agricultural residues - corn cob and sugarcane bagasse.
The pilot plant trials have validated the work done at the laboratory scale and have validated the scale up criteria used to design the pilot plant.
A five thousand fold scale up was involved from the laboratory to the pilot plant
Praj Matrix is working on optimizing the pilot plant operating parameters with corn cob and sugarcane bagasse, and is developing the basic engineering package for a commercial demonstration plant.

Biodiesel Pilot Plants

Capacity: 750 kg per day of Biodiesel each
Feedstock: Corn Stillage oil, Refined Soy Oil, Raw Soy Oil, Palm Fatty Acid Distillates, Safflower Oil, Acid Oils and Waste Oils

Continuous processing plant capable of demonstrating proof of concept.
Capable of handling multiple feedstocks.
Flexibility to alter sequence of unit operations at different stages for Biodiesel production.
Capacities to demonstrate conventional Biodiesel process as well as non-conventional processes employing heterogeneous catalysts, accelerated plug flow reactors etc.
Various types of reactors available for processes are:
- Continuous Stirred Tank Reactor
- Plug Flow Reactors
- Fixed Bed Reactors


Positions open - Select from the list below and apply for the job that interests you

IX) Intellectual Property and Business Analytics:

The Intellectual Property and Business Analytics COE plays a critical role in bridging the gap between customer, market needs and technology development.

The team comprises professionals with techno-commercial background each having expertise in their core business domain. The experts in this COE are involved with the selection and funding of programs, creation and management of IP portfolio and product portfolios, and development and implementation of a commercialization roadmap. The team supports other COEs and programs in the following activities.

Technology and Competitive Landscape Studies
Patent and Technical Literature Search and Mapping
Conducting novelty, patentability, freedom to operate, invalidity analysis
In-house patent drafting and managing IP portfolio
Customer and Market needs analysis and techno-commercial inputs in product development
Scenario Planning and impact analysis of external and internal business environment
Formulating entry strategy in different business domains
Designing commercialization road map for various products and processes.

At Praj Matrix, we understand that the technology development begins with early stage innovation. However, the journey of idea to market is always challenging. We employ rigorous market research, techno-commercial feasibility studies before initiating new research programs. These protocols enable us to de-risk from uncertainties in new technology development. This structured procedure also ensures development of robust technology packages that exceeds customer expectations of performance, cost and quality.


Positions open - Select from the list below and apply for the job that interests you

Prospective Collaborations and Partnerships

For companies seeking opportunities in bio-based technologies and bioproducts, we have a portfolio of technologies, products and processes in various stages of development. We offer flexible partnership approaches. We are looking forward to collaborate with like minded partners in our pursuit of excellence and commercialization of new technologies.

Health, Safety & Environment

At Praj Matrix, we pride ourselves in complying with the highest standards related to health, safety and environment. The center is designed to provide a safe and healthy environment for professionals to carry out the highest quality of research. All health, safety and environment processes meet global standards.

Work Culture

Our Human Capital mission is to:

Be the employer of choice by creating a culture of innovation, openness, teamwork, empowerment & risk taking ability adhering to the highest standards of integrity & HSSE resulting in a balanced professional & personalized environment for our employees.
Attract, retain, challenge, motivate, nurture and foster the best talent while creating professional & personal growth and ensuring transparent performance management, reward, and recognition practices.

Recent Awards and Recognition

Praj Matrix is a recognized research centre by DSIR, Government of India

The Campus at Praj Matrix is a recognized Private sector BioTech Park by the Government of Maharashtra .

2009: Bioexcellence Award- Industrial Biotechnology

Praj Industries Ltd. was awarded with Bioexcellence award for it's brilliant performance in Industrial Biotech Sector at international conference Bangalore Bio 2009.

2007: The Innovation Award IIT Bombay/ Tie Pune Chapter

Praj was awarded by The Innovation Award for development of technology for Production of Ethanol from alternate feedstock Sweet Sorghum

2005: National Award for outstanding In-House R&D Achievements" DSIR, Govt. of India

Praj was awarded for the contribution in the field of Multi feed ethanol production technology- Smart Distillery

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	PRAJ-Matrix - The Innovation Center