IIT Madras Opens Plant Cell Bioreactors to Startups Through Herbalife-Funded Accelerator

IIT Madras and Herbalife International India have launched a new accelerator programme for plant biotechnology startups, providing access to plant cell bioreactors and laboratory facilities in Chennai. The three-year programme, named Herbalife-IIT Madras Phyto Innovation Accelerator, aims to foster innovation in plant biotechnology, nutraceuticals, and botanical ingredients. Startups selected through innovation challenges and hackathons will receive technical mentorship, pre-incubation support, and help with proof-of-concept development.

The accelerator is housed at the Herbalife-IIT Madras Centre of Excellence on Plant Cell Fermentation Technology, which was established in June 2026. The centre grows plant cells in bioreactors to produce herbal biomass and phytochemicals, with additional equipment being added for research purposes. The collaboration between academia and industry through this initiative is expected to nurture the next generation of innovators and contribute to India's leadership in biotechnology and health-focused research.