Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad is a premier R&D Institute in India. The Institute had its origin as the Central Laboratories for Scientific & Industrial Research (CLSIR), established in 1944 by the then Government of Hyderabad State. After integration of Hyderabad State with the Indian Union, the laboratory expanded with its growing activities. The main building was formally opened by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the then Prime Minister of India on January 2, 1954. In 1956, the Central Laboratories came under the aegis of the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR), New Delhi and was renamed Regional Research Laboratory, Hyderabad (RRL-H). The RRL-H was rechristened as the Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT), Hyderabad in 1989, recognising the multidisciplinary activities and the expertise developed by the Institute in the field of chemical technology. It has made significant contributions in the last six decades in that field and celebrating its Diamond Jubilee. Major areas of research at IICT are: Natural Products Chemistry, Agrochemicals, Drugs & Intermediates, Speciality and Fine Chemicals, Fluoroorganics, Inorganic & Physical Chemistry (Catalysis & Material Science), Lipid Sciences & Technology, Coal, Gas & Energy, Chemical Engineering and Design & Engineering.

IICT ’s basic objectives have always been to carry out research in the chemical sciences leading to innovative processes for a variety of products necessary for human welfare such as food, health and energy and the conduct of R&D work is fully geared to meet the requirements of technology development, transfer and commercialisation. Process development work, particularly for bulk chemicals is carried out at appropriate pilot plant scale to collect technoeconomic and design data. With the help of excellent design & engineering expertise available, the Institute has been providing engineering designs for commercial plants with standard commercial guarantees. More than 150 technologies developed by IICT are now in commercial production. Its commitment to industry is reflected by way of several sponsored and consultancy projects received from the industry, year after year. The external cash flow of IICT for the year 2003-04 is around Rs.16.5 crores. With over 450 highly professional and dedicated scientists and technical officers/technicians, excellent laboratory and instrument facilities for research in chemical sciences and technology and allied sciences, IICT is known nationally as well as internationally for its contributions both in basic and applied research.