Overview

Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), an Institution of Eminence deemed university, has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with GHCL Limited, a leading Indian chemical manufacturer, to develop a laser‑induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) based solution for real‑time monitoring of the gross calorific value (GCV) of carbon‑based fuels.

Project Details

The proposed system will integrate LIBS technology with artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) algorithms to deliver rapid, on‑site assessment of fuel quality, replacing conventional laboratory analysis that is time‑intensive and delays corrective actions. The collaboration is intended to provide immediate insights at the point of fuel receipt, thereby enhancing operational efficiency, quality assurance and fuel utilisation for GHCL’s energy‑intensive processes.

Participants and Roles

  • The MoU was signed by Mr Sanjay Gupta, Vice President (Commercial) of GHCL, and Dr P. Giridhar Kini, Registrar of MAHE.
  • Dr Unnikrishnan V. K., Principal Investigator from the Manipal Institute of Applied Physics (MIAP), will lead the technical development.
  • Prof. Karunakar Kotegar, Pro Vice‑Chancellor – Technology and Science, confirmed full institutional support.
  • Dr Sharath K. Rao, Vice‑Chancellor of MAHE, highlighted the translational research potential.
  • Mr Mayuresh Hede, Operations Head of GHCL’s Sutrapada plant, emphasized the expected gains in process efficiency and sustainability.

Strategic Rationale

GHCL relies heavily on carbon‑based fuels for energy generation and process heating across its manufacturing facilities, including its 1.2 million‑ton‑per‑annum soda‑ash plant at Sutrapada, Gujarat. By adopting a data‑driven, real‑time monitoring solution, GHCL seeks to reduce uncertainties associated with traditional fuel‑testing methods, lower operational costs, and set new benchmarks for quality assurance in industrial operations.

Expected Outcomes

The partnership aims to generate intellectual property, develop a scalable technology platform with commercial potential, and create a replicable model for other industries that depend on carbon‑based fuels. Successful implementation is expected to strengthen the innovation ecosystem and demonstrate the value of industry‑academia collaborations.

About the Entities

  • Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE): An Institution of Eminence with over 400 specialisations across health sciences, management, law, humanities, social sciences and technology & science, ranked 3rd in the NIRF 2025 rankings.
  • GHCL Limited: India’s largest single‑location soda‑ash manufacturer, producing 1.2 million tons per annum, with sustainability embedded in its “GHCL Way” strategy.