The TERI-Deakin Nano-biotechnology Centre (TDNBC) was established in 2010 by collaboration between India’s biggest think-tank for sustainability, TERI and Australia's Deakin University. TDNBC integrates the complementary competencies of TERI (in Agricultural Biotechnology) and Deakin University (in Material Sciences). The state-of-the-art green building that now harbors one of the best laboratory facilities in Asia for end-to-end development of Nanotechnologies for achieving sustainability in Agriculture, Energy and Environment was inaugurated in 2017 by the Prime Ministers of India and Australia. Researchers at the Centre are engaged in carrying out translational research using Next Generation methodologies to create innovative and green solutions. Smart materials that enhance efficacy, reduce chemical usage and GHG emission are being developed at TDNBC for attaining agricultural sustainability and environmental safety.
For the high-quality research work done in the unique area of Agri-nanotechnology, TERI is also highly recognized by the Government of India. DBT, Govt. of India, has awarded TDNBC the first of its kind “Centre of Excellence for Advanced research in agriculture nanotechnology”. The Centre was also made the nodal agency for drafting the Indian guidelines for regulation of Nano-agriproducts.
The Centre also harbors the mycorrhiza bio-fertilizer research facility, which is also world renowned for developing in-vitro mass production technology for synthesis of biofertilizer based formulations for sustainable agriculture.
Through training and networking programs, TDNBC is also working towards capacity building for Nano-biotechnology research in India as well as many developing/poor countries in Asia and Africa. The Centre provides a hub for 50 PhD students researching under the Deakin India Research Initiative (DIRI).