Praj Industries founder becomes first Indian recipient of Holmberg Award

23 Mar 2022 , 08:32 AM

During the recently concluded global flagship industry event – Advanced Bioeconomy Leadership Conference (ABLC) 2022 at Washington DC, USA, Pramod Chaudhari- Founder & Executive Chairman of Praj Industries Limited 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, William C. Holmberg Award is being presented to distinguished individuals around the world for their outstanding contribution to the Advanced Bioeconomy. Instituted by the US-based, Biofuels nie~st, thi<> award iE named after it3 fir3t rccipicul LL Cul. William Holmberg. lhe award is the culmination of critical evaluation by a global panel of industry experts and veterans in the field of bioeconomy.

The company said in a filing that 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 Chaudhari. With ‘ Sustainable Climate Action’ as mission, Praj develops and deploys environment-friend ly technology-led EPC Solutions globally. Praj’s innovative decarbonization and carbon recycle solutions facilitate Cl 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 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.”

Chaudhari said that “This award comes first time ever to India at a time when we are celebrating the 75th year of Independence, which gives me immense joy. lndian 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 express 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 oflndia’s rising prowess in the global bioeconomy.