Dr. Markandeya Gorantla (PhD Plant Sciences during 2001-06), Chairman & Managing Director and Dr. V.B. Reddy (MSc. Plant Sciences during 2000-02 and PhD. Plant Sciences during 2003-09) Executive Director, of ATGC Biotech and alumni of the School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad (UoH) were conferred the Innovation Leadership Award 2025 by Shri Piyush Goyal, Hon’ble Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, during the prestigious 16th Agriculture Leadership Conclave organized by Agriculture Today held at The Oberoi, New Delhi on July 9, 2025.
The Agriculture Leadership Award 2025 is presented to ATGC Biotech Pvt. Ltd for Innovation Leadership in sustainable pest management with cutting edge pheromone technologies. The award was selected by the National Awards Committee, under the Chairmanship of Former Chief Justice of India, Justice P. Sathasivam, recognizing ATGC’s pioneering role in IP-led, BioE3-aligned biomanufacturing, a transformative leap toward ultra-low-dose, waterless, and residue-free crop protection powered by synthetic biology and material science. With 26 patents, and 50+ commercial-stage products, the ATGC is driving India’s emergence as a global biotechnology powerhouse and a BioE3-compliant leader in climate-resilient agriculture. With strategic R&D support from BIRAC and the Department of Science and Technology (DST), ATGC is powering India’s transition from volume-based agrochemicals to precision, carbon-smart crop protection.
On receiving the award, Dr. Markandeya Gorantla, Chairman & Managing Director, and Dr. V.B. Reddy, Executive Director, of ATGC Biotech said, “This award is a celebration of Indian science and its capacity to lead with purpose. We thank Agriculture Today for honoring deep-tech innovation, and express our sincere gratitude to BIRAC, DBT, and DST for enabling our platform to go from bench to field, from grams to global.” They further added, “This recognition reinforces the critical role of agri-innovation in advancing India’s strategic priorities—where food security, climate resilience, and global competitiveness converge through science and sustainability.”
Both Dr. Gorantla and Dr. Reddy completed their PhDs in Plant Sciences at the School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, under the mentorship of Prof. Arjula R. Reddy, a renowned scientist and currently President of Research at ATGC Biotech.
The University of Hyderabad extends its heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Markandeya Gorantla, Dr. V.B. Reddy, and Prof. Arjula R. Reddy for their scientific excellence, innovation-driven leadership, and lasting contributions to sustainable agricultural transformation.