Saint-Gobain India collaborates with IIT Madras to establish next-generation research labs

(LtoR) Sreedhar N., CEO – Asia Pacific and India Region, Saint-Gobain, and V. Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras, inaugurating the research labs

Saint-Gobain India in partnership with Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) has decided to establish two research laboratories focused on accelerating innovation in sustainable construction materials and technologies for the built environment.

The collaboration is supported through a grant of ₹3.8 crore over a three-year period. The outcomes planned from the labs include developing practical solutions for the built environment, supporting the construction industry’s transition towards smarter infrastructure and lower-carbon building materials.

The collaboration will help set up a Digital Real-Time Sensing Technologies for Infrastructure (DRSTI) Laboratory and Concrete Admixture Research for Engineering Next-gen Construction (CAREN) Laboratory at the Centre of Excellence on Technologies for Low-carbon and Lean Construction (TLC2).

The two labs aim to address critical challenges facing the construction sector, including productivity, material efficiency, structural durability, sustainability and digital transformation.

Speaking on the occasion, Sreedhar N., CEO – Asia Pacific and India Region, Saint-Gobain, said, “By bringing together academic research and industrial expertise, we can turn scientific discoveries into practical construction solutions built for India’s hot and humid climate. Together, we are strengthening the research capabilities for low-carbon materials, smart infrastructure and innovations for the built environment.”

Prof. V Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras, said, “The establishment of these two advanced laboratories, with generous support from Saint-Gobain India, will strengthen our capabilities in developing next-generation construction materials and intelligent infrastructure technologies.”

Published on November 2, 2026