In a significant step towards strengthening India’s self-reliance in the oil and gas sector, the SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST) has partnered with Chennai-based Pon Pure Chemicals to establish the country’s first indigenous oil field laboratory fully supported through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funding. The new facility, named the SRMIST–Pon Pure Chemicals Lab, will focus on research and development in drilling fluids and oilfield chemicals.
The laboratory is being set up at SRMIST’s main campus with an investment of ₹75 lakh, of which ₹20 lakh has been contributed by Pon Pure Chemicals under its CSR initiative, while the remaining amount is being funded by the university. The initiative marks a rare and strategic collaboration between academia and industry, aimed at reducing India’s long-standing dependence on imported oilfield chemicals.
The lab is expected to provide students and researchers direct exposure to real-world challenges faced by the oil and gas industry. By integrating industry practices with academic research, the facility will help develop indigenous solutions for drilling operations and chemical formulations used in oil extraction.
Pon Pure Chemicals has a strong presence across international markets including the United States, Europe and the Gulf region, along with operations in 24 Indian states. Through this collaboration, the company will share its global technical expertise with students and faculty members, allowing them to work on live industrial problems rather than purely theoretical models.
Speaking on the occasion, SRMIST Vice-Chancellor Prof. C. Muthamizhelevan said the lab would open new research avenues for students and faculty, enabling advanced work in oilfield chemistry and drilling technologies. He highlighted that the initiative aligns with the national vision of building domestic capabilities in strategic sectors such as energy and chemicals.
Pon Pure Chemicals’ Executive Director Surya Prakash emphasised the importance of chemical engineering in modern drilling operations. He noted that specialised training in drilling fluids and mud engineering has remained limited in India, and the new lab would help bridge this gap by equipping students with industry-relevant skills.
Beyond research, the facility will also function as a training and skill-development centre. Plans are underway to introduce industry-oriented certificate, diploma and degree programmes in mud engineering, a niche but critical discipline within the oil and gas sector. These programmes aim to prepare a skilled workforce capable of supporting domestic and global energy projects.
Experts believe the initiative could play an important role in nurturing future professionals who can contribute to India’s energy security and reduce reliance on foreign technology. By combining education, research and industrial training under one roof, the SRMIST–Pon Pure Chemicals Lab is expected to become a model for CSR-driven academic infrastructure in India.
As the country continues to push for Atmanirbhar Bharat, such collaborations demonstrate how targeted CSR investments can support innovation, skill development and long-term national priorities beyond conventional philanthropy.
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