NewsNutricircle Limited Signs Rs. 39.51 Lakh Research Agreement with CSIR-CFTRI for Fermented Chickpea Ingredients DevelopmentNutricircle Limited Signs Rs. 39.51 Lakh Research Agreement with CSIR-CFTRI for Fermented Chickpea Ingredients Development
Nutricircle Limited has signed a Rs. 39,51,525 research agreement with CSIR-CFTRI on April 2, 2026, for developing fermented chickpea ingredients with enhanced protein bioavailability. The six-month project follows a three-phase approach covering strain screening, process optimization, and comprehensive characterization. Payment is structured in two installments, with the first 60% due upon signing and the remaining 40% by November 31, 2026.
*this image is generated using AI for illustrative purposes only.
Nutricircle Limited has announced a strategic research partnership with the Central Food Technological Research Institute (CSIR-CFTRI) through a Sponsored Project Agreement signed on April 2, 2026. The collaboration aims to develop fermented chickpea ingredients with enhanced protein bioavailability and improved techno-functional properties, representing a significant step in the company's research and development initiatives.
Project Overview and Objectives
The agreement establishes a comprehensive research framework for developing advanced chickpea-based ingredients through fermentation technology. CSIR-CFTRI will utilize its specialized expertise in microbiology and fermentation to create ingredients with superior nutritional profiles and functional characteristics.
| Parameter: | Details |
|---|---|
| Agreement Type: | SSP Project Agreement |
| Partner: | Central Food Technological Research Institute (CSIR-CFTRI) |
| Execution Date: | April 2, 2026 |
| Project Duration: | Six months for completion |
| Agreement Validity: | Twenty-four months |
Three-Phase Development Approach
The research project follows a structured three-phase methodology designed to optimize the fermentation process and ingredient characteristics:
Phase I - Strain Screening: This initial phase involves selecting superior microbial strains based on their proteolytic activity, probiotic potential, and ability to degrade anti-nutritional factors including phytic acid and RFOs (Raffinose Family Oligosaccharides).
Phase II - Process Optimization: The second phase focuses on establishing key fermentation parameters to achieve maximal anti-nutritional factor reduction and soluble protein/peptide release.
Phase III - Comprehensive Characterization: The final phase involves detailed assessment of the optimized ingredient, including determining enhanced In Vitro Protein Digestibility (IVPD), analyzing the proteolysis profile through SDS-PAGE, and measuring improved techno-functional properties such as emulsifying and foaming stability, along with desirable sensory characteristics.
Financial Structure and Payment Terms
The total project value amounts to Rs. 39,51,525, structured with sponsorship charges and applicable taxes:
| Payment Component: | Amount |
|---|---|
| Sponsorship Charges: | Rs. 33,48,750 |
| GST (18%): | Rs. 6,02,175 |
| Total Project Value: | Rs. 39,51,525 |
The payment is divided into two installments:
| Installment: | Amount | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| First (60%): | Rs. 23,70,915 | On or before agreement signing |
| Second (40%): | Rs. 15,80,610 | On or before November 31, 2026 |
Agreement Terms and Responsibilities
CSIR-CFTRI commits to completing the research activity and submitting the final report within six months of agreement signing and receipt of project charges. The institute will provide interim reports throughout the project duration and deliver a comprehensive final report upon completion.
The agreement includes strict confidentiality provisions requiring both parties to treat all exchanged information and generated data as confidential during the agreement tenure and for three years thereafter. Additionally, Nutricircle Limited will cover travel charges, TA/DA, and provide boarding, lodging, and local transport for CSIR-CFTRI personnel deputed outside their workplace in connection with the project.
Strategic Implications
This collaboration represents Nutricircle Limited's commitment to advancing nutritional science and developing innovative food ingredients. The partnership leverages CSIR-CFTRI's established research capabilities in food technology while supporting the company's product development objectives in the functional foods sector. The agreement allows for potential extensions through mutual consent and includes provisions for modification through written amendments by both parties.
How will this fermented chickpea ingredient development impact Nutricircle's competitive positioning in the plant-based protein market?
What commercial applications and target markets is Nutricircle considering for these enhanced chickpea ingredients once development is complete?
Could this partnership model with CSIR-CFTRI lead to additional research collaborations on other legume-based ingredients?
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