Dr. Pramod Chaudhari bestowed with prestigious Holmberg Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Bioeconomy
Pune, 22nd March 2022: During the recently concluded global flagship industry event – Advanced Bioeconomy Leadership Conference (ABLC) 2022 at Washington DC, USA, Dr. Pramod Chaudhari- Founder & Executive Chairman of Praj Industries was bestowed with the coveted 2022 William C. Holmberg Award for his exemplary contributions. The ‘Lifetime Achievement in the Advanced Bioeconomy’ honour comes first time outside the USA and that too to India, at a time when the nation is celebrating the Diamond Jubilee of Independence. Since 2014, the William C. Holmberg Award has been presented to distinguished individuals around the world for their outstanding contribution to the Advanced Bioeconomy.
Instituted by the US-based Biofuels Digest, this award is named after its first recipient Lt. Col. William Holmberg. The award is the culmination of critical evaluation by a global panel of industry experts and veterans in the field of bioeconomy. Started in the year 1983, Praj has now become one of the leading industrial Biotech companies in the world under the steadfast leadership of first-generation techno-entrepreneur Dr. Chaudhari. With ‘Sustainable Climate Action’ as its mission, Praj develops and deploys environment-friendly technology-led EPC Solutions globally. Praj’s innovative decarbonization and carbon recycle solutions facilitate CI reduction aligned with the ‘Race to Zero Campaign’.
Jim Lane, Chief Organizer of ABLC2022 said, “The transition to a net-zero carbon civilization requires steadfast leadership, technological prowess and deep commitment over a long period, and Dr. Chaudhari has shown all those qualities. He has been a leader in the first wave of technologies in fuels and chemicals and is now also a torchbearer in the new technology wave that unlocks countless new low-value feedstocks. With his optimism & positivity, Dr. Chaudhari has always been able to galvanize teams for developing products of the future.”
On this occasion, Dr. Chaudhari said that “This award comes for the first time ever to India at a time when we are celebrating the 75th year of Independence, which gives me immense joy. Indian bioeconomy is poised for exponential growth on the back of the Nation’s Net Zero commitments outlined in the recently concluded COP26 summit. As a flagbearer of the bioeconomy, Praj is in pole position to capitalize on huge emerging opportunities. I am mindful of elevated expectations and remain reassured that team Praj will leave no stone unturned to fulfil them.
Finally, I thank everyone involved in the award process and reposing their trust in me.” A five-member delegation led by Mark Brodziski, Department Administrator, USDA Rural Development complimented Dr. Chaudhari on these distinguished accomplishments and expressed keen interest in working together on sustainable bioeconomy initiatives for a better tomorrow. Chaudhari is now a part of the elite club of renowned industry top executives, distinguished politicians, and accomplished bureaucrats around the world. This award is seen as yet another demonstration of India’s rising prowess in the global bioeconomy.
The 50 Hottest projects that are shaping the Advanced Global Bioeconomy were also announced during the ABLC 2022 Conference. IOCL’s advanced biofuels refinery project at Panipat Complex based on Praj’s proprietary 2G Ethanol technology was ranked 5 th Hottest Project globally.
Praj Industries Limited: Praj, India’s most accomplished industrial biotech company, is driven by innovation, integration and delivery capabilities. Over the past four decades, Praj has focused on the environment, energy, and agri‐process industry, with 1000 ++ customer references spanning 100+ countries across all five continents. Bio‐MobilityTM and Bio‐PrismTM are the mainstays of Praj’s contribution to the global Bioeconomy. The Bio‐Mobility platform offers technology solutions globally to produce the renewable transportation fuel, thus ensuring sustainable decarbonization through a circular bio-economy. The company’s Bio‐PrismTM portfolio comprises technologies for the production of renewable chemicals and materials, promising sustainability while reimagining nature. Praj Matrix, the state‐of‐the‐art R&D facility, forms the backbone for the company’s endeavours towards a clean energy‐based Bioeconomy. Praj’s diverse portfolio comprises Bio‐energy solutions, Critical process equipment & skids, Breweries, Zero liquid discharge systems and High purity water systems. Led by an accomplished and caring leadership, Praj is a socially responsible corporate citizen. Praj is listed on the Bombay and National Stock Exchanges of India.
