MAPS Enzymes has successfully utilized DBT funding to develop import substitute for phytase enzyme

The Phytase enzyme  has numerous  industrial applications including animal feed applications, dietary supplements and food processing among others. To provide an alternative to the imported version of the enzyme, Ahmedabad-based MAPS Enzymes has successfully utilized the funding received from the Small Business Innovation Research Initiative (SBIRI) scheme of the Department of Biotechnology (DBT).

The project, on the development of a cost effective process for phytase production and its application studies handled by MAPS Enzymes, aims to produce cost-effective phytase enzyme. The aim was to cater to the needs of the animal & poultry feed market and also to provide import substitute of phytase enzyme products to meet the upcoming market requirements.  The company received SBIRI funding through the Biotech Consortium India Limited (BCIL), New Delhi, as per the requirements of the project. Funds worth $22,991 (10.24 lakh) were provided as grant and $19,085 (8.50 lakh) was given as a loan for the project.

From its humble beginning in 1975, today MAPS Enzymes is one of the top 1,000 national private business groups and is amongst the top 50 biotech companies in India. With a current turnover of $4.4 million (20 crore) coming from its biotech business, MAPS has emerged a pioneer in producing enzymes and microorganisms. MAPS provides biotech solutions for various industrial applications using the most sophisticated fermentation technologies to develop innovative and effective enzymes and microorganisms.

With an advanced production plant and a dedicated R&D center, MAPS is India’s one of the largest producer and exporter of enzymes and microorganisms and a leading player in the global market.

Appreciating the support of DBT’s SBIRI scheme, Mr Piyush Palkhiwala, chairman & managing director of MAPS, says, “We appreciate the PPP initiatives to facilitate the biotech industry. We believe that it will strengthen those existing private industrial units whose product development is based on in-house innovative R&D and also encourage other smaller businesses to increase their R&D capabilities and capacity. It will create opportunities for starting new technology-based or knowledge-based businesses by science entrepreneurs. The funding definitely helped in increasing the pace of efforts to create an indigenous product.”

The Way Forward
The company has concluded a project on the cost effective process for phytase production and its pilot level application studies. Now looking forward to the higher plans, Mr Palkhiwala says, “Currently, we are marketing and commercializing the product in Indian and global markets.”

Today, MAPS works with industries worldwide in providing advanced biochemical treatment technologies and extensive technical services for providing innovative solutions, increasing productivity, improving profitability and safeguarding the environment. With a sales network spread across 20 countries, MAPS provides biotech solutions to improve industrial performance and quality while at the same time saves water, energy and raw materials.

Rahul Koul in  New Delhi