MAHE, GHCL Sign MoU to Develop AI-Powered Real-Time Fuel Quality Monitoring

Mr Sanjay Gupta, Vice President (Commercial) at GHCL, participated in discussions with the MAHE team and exchanged the signed MoU with Dr P. Giridhar Kini, Registrar of MAHE.

The collaboration will combine advanced spectroscopy with artificial intelligence and machine learning to develop a rapid, on-site system for fuel quality assessment. The initiative aims to bridge the gap between laboratory research and industrial applications by replacing conventional, time-intensive fuel-testing methods with a data-driven solution that can support proactive operational decision-making.

GHCL, one of India’s leading chemical manufacturing companies, relies extensively on carbon-based fuels for energy generation and process heating requirements. Recognising the importance of fuel quality for operational efficiency and cost competitiveness, the company is working to strengthen fuel quality assurance through faster and more reliable real-time monitoring systems.

Carbon-based fuels account for a significant share of operational costs in energy-intensive industries. Conventional quality verification depends on laboratory analysis, which can result in delays and restrict timely corrective action. Through the partnership, GHCL Limited and the Manipal Institute of Applied Physics (MIAP), MAHE, aim to develop an intelligent monitoring system capable of providing immediate insights into fuel quality at the point of receipt. The system is intended to improve operational efficiency, enhance quality assurance and optimise fuel utilisation.

Speaking on the collaboration, Mr Mayuresh Hede, Operations Head, Sutrapada Plant, GHCL Limited, said, “This partnership reflects GHCL's commitment to adopting advanced technologies that improve operational excellence and sustainability. By integrating real-time analytics into fuel quality management, we aim to strengthen process efficiency while reducing uncertainties associated with conventional testing methods. We believe this initiative has the potential to set new benchmarks for quality assurance in industrial operations.”

Commenting on the collaboration, Dr Sharath K. Rao, Vice Chancellor, MAHE, said, “This project exemplifies how academic research can directly address complex industrial challenges. By combining LIBS technology with artificial intelligence and machine learning, we are developing an innovative solution with significant scientific and commercial potential. The collaboration also provides an excellent platform for translational research that can benefit multiple energy-intensive sectors.”

The project is being led on behalf of MAHE by Dr Unnikrishnan V. K. from the Manipal Institute of Applied Physics as the Principal Investigator. Prof. Karunakar Kotegar, Pro Vice Chancellor - Technology and Science, assured full support from MAHE.

Dr Sajan Daniel George, Director of Manipal Institute of Applied Physics, and Dr Harishkumar, Director, Corporate Relations, MAHE, were also present during the event.

The collaboration also aims to generate intellectual property and develop scalable technology solutions with commercial potential. Upon successful implementation, the LIBS-based monitoring system could serve as a replicable model for industries that rely on carbon-based fuels, strengthening the innovation ecosystem and demonstrating the value of industry-academia partnerships.

Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) is an Institution of Eminence Deemed to be University. MAHE offers over 400 specialisations across the Health Sciences (HS), Management, Law, Humanities & Social Sciences (MLHS), and Technology & Science (T&S) streams through its constituent units at campuses in Manipal, Mangalore, Bengaluru, Jamshedpur, and Dubai. With a remarkable track record in academics, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and significant contributions to research, MAHE has earned recognition and acclaim both nationally and internationally. In 2020, the Ministry of Education, Government of India, awarded MAHE the prestigious Institution of Eminence status. Currently ranked 3rd in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2025 rankings, MAHE is the preferred choice for students seeking a transformative learning experience and enriching campus life, as well as for national and multinational corporations seeking top talent.

GHCL Limited is the largest manufacturer of soda ash at a single location in the country. Soda Ash (Anhydrous Sodium Carbonate) is a major raw material for the detergent & glass industries and Sodium Bicarbonate (baking soda). It is an important raw material for solar glass and lithium batteries as well. The company has a state-of-the-art manufacturing plant of soda ash at Sutrapada, Gujarat, with an installed production capacity of 1.2 million tons per annum. Sustainability is a core element of business strategy as defined by the ‘GHCL Way’ with its four pillars, i.e. Responsible Stewardship, Social Inclusiveness, promoting relationships and adding value. GHCL Limited remains committed to working closely with stakeholders for promoting the agenda of sustainability underpinning on the core values of Respect, Trust, Ownership and Integrated Teamwork.