Technology Milestone

BharatRohan Airborne Innovations Limited announced an internal proof‑of‑concept that its proprietary hyperspectral imaging system can non‑destructively differentiate genuine pharmaceutical tablets from adulterated or substandard samples by analysing unique spectral signatures across visible and near‑infrared wavelengths. The system operates on a pixel‑by‑pixel basis, allowing examination without damaging the sample.

Testing Details

Initial testing demonstrated discrimination of an analgesic‑antipyretic tablet from a common adulterant. Subsequent experiments expanded to commonly used analgesic, macrolide antibiotic, anti‑diabetic tablets, as well as fixed‑dose anti‑allergy/anti‑asthma and penicillin‑plus‑beta‑lactamase‑inhibitor antibiotic combinations. The trials incorporated adulterants such as calcium carbonate (chalk), starch, talc, microcrystalline cellulose, gypsum and lactose, testing genuine‑to‑adulterant weight ratios of 100:0, 90:10, 70:30, 50:50 and 0:100. In a fixed‑dose combination, samples containing 30 % talc, corn starch or chalk produced distinct spectral signatures that were separable from genuine tablets and from each other. Another combination showed loss of a spectral feature linked to an active ingredient, suggesting possible dilution. Additional testing distinguished coated, uncoated and generic antibiotic formulations and highlighted the influence of coatings on spectral measurements. Genuine analgesic tablets from different manufacturers displayed highly similar active‑ingredient spectral profiles, indicating limited manufacturer‑related variation. Early findings also suggest that spectral signal intensity changes proportionally with adulteration level, hinting at the ability to estimate adulterant concentration beyond binary classification.

Limitations and Ongoing Work

The results are based on limited controlled internal testing and have not undergone independent validation, peer review or regulatory assessment. BharatRohan is expanding research to include more samples, formulations, coatings and packaging to further evaluate performance and reliability.

Regulatory Engagement and Collaboration

The company is engaged in discussions with multiple regulatory and scientific authorities within India’s pharmaceutical quality ecosystem to explore validation and pilot opportunities, though the nature, status and content of these discussions have not been disclosed. No formal pilot, validation, sample‑testing arrangement, commercial relationship or timeline has been assured. BharatRohan welcomes collaboration with pharmaceutical manufacturers, contract testing laboratories, distributors and technology partners under appropriate confidentiality agreements, and can share detailed technical methods and data confidentially with relevant parties.

International Support

Its Netherlands‑based research and development subsidiary, GroeiGids B.V., established in October 2024, supports hyperspectral technology development and engagement with European pharmaceutical and agri‑technology stakeholders.

Market Opportunity Estimates

Preliminary internal market sizing estimates a global total addressable market (TAM) of US$0.8–1.8 billion and an Indian TAM of US$100–200 million. The global serviceable addressable market (SAM) is estimated at US$80–350 million, with an Indian SAM of US$15–50 million. The serviceable obtainable market (SOM) over a three‑year horizon is projected at US$1.5–8 million globally and US$1–5 million in India. These figures assume a five‑year system life for TAM and SAM, and represent cumulative potential revenue for SOM over three years. The estimates are derived from internal pricing, site‑count and adoption assumptions, are unaudited, independently unverified, and do not constitute financial forecasts. For context, Mordor Intelligence valued the global infrared spectroscopy market at US$1.4 billion in 2025, with pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical users accounting for roughly 40 %; Fortune Business Insights estimated the global contract development and manufacturing market at US$243 billion in 2024; and India’s Press Information Bureau reports approximately 10,500 pharmaceutical manufacturing units.

Commercialisation Outlook

Commercialisation depends on successful technical validation, regulatory or pharmacopoeial acceptance, and industry adoption, none of which is assured. The company emphasizes a rigorous, evidence‑led path toward validation with appropriate scientific and regulatory authorities before any commercial deployment.

Company Background

BharatRohan Airborne Innovations Limited is an India‑based advanced technology firm specializing in hyperspectral imaging and AI‑powered analytics, with commercial deployments in drone‑based precision agriculture and the food supply chain. It is expanding applications to pharmaceuticals, solar energy, asset monitoring, infrastructure, freight route simulation, commercial plantations and other sectors. Through its Dutch subsidiary GroeiGids B.V., it also owns BharatRohan INC., a Delaware‑incorporated subsidiary focused on building a technology‑enabled farm‑to‑jar spice and ingredient platform for the U.S. market.

Forward‑Looking Statements

The release contains forward‑looking statements regarding technology, regulatory engagement, timelines and commercial opportunities. Actual outcomes may differ materially due to validation requirements, regulatory decisions, market acceptance, competition and other uncertainties. Market estimates are illustrative, not forecasts, and the company undertakes no obligation to update these statements except as legally required.