Dr. C. Anandharamakrishnan, Director of CSIR-National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (CSIR-NIIST), has been recognized as one of the “2026 Top Agri-Food Pioneers” by the prestigious World Food Prize Foundation which was announced on June 17, 2026. The recognition places him among an exclusive global cohort of innovators acknowledged for their outstanding contributions towards transforming agriculture and food systems through science, innovation and sustainable solutions.
The Top Agri-Food Pioneers (TAP) initiative of the World Food Prize Foundation celebrates visionary leaders from across the globe who are advancing food and nutrition security through pioneering research, technological innovation, entrepreneurship and collaborative leadership. In its landmark 40th anniversary year, the Foundation has selected 40 pioneers from 30 countries, highlighting individuals whose work is creating measurable impact across the global agri-food ecosystem.
Dr. Anandharamakrishnan has been internationally recognized for his pioneering contributions to food engineering, advanced food processing, 3D food printing, functional foods, sustainable food technologies and nutrition-focused innovations. A distinguished scientist in agricultural sciences and food engineering, his research is widely acclaimed for its scientific excellence, industrial relevance and societal impact, particularly in empowering farmers and entrepreneurs.
Among his notable innovations is the development of Designer Rice—a high-protein, low-glycaemic index rice fortified with iron, folic acid and vitamin B12 to help address diabetes, anaemia and malnutrition. He also developed India’s first indigenously designed 3D and 4D food printer for customized foods, personalized nutrition and advanced food packaging. A national expert in spray-freeze-drying and electrospray-freeze-drying technologies, he has pioneered novel processes for the production of food and nutraceutical ingredients. In addition, he developed India’s first engineered human stomach and small intestinal model system to replicate the human digestive tract for food and nutrition research.
Several of his innovations, including Designer Rice, Coffee Crema technology and non-dairy dessert formulations, have been successfully transferred to industry, demonstrating the translational impact of his research. He has authored 224 highly cited research publications and holds 17 patents. As Director of CSIR-NIIST, he has further strengthened the institute’s focus on translating interdisciplinary research into market-ready technologies, advancing innovations in sustainable food processing, biodegradable materials, circular bioeconomy and nutrition security.
Expressing his gratitude, Dr. Anandharamakrishnan said, “I am deeply honoured to be recognized among the 2026 Top Agri-Food Pioneers by the World Food Prize Foundation. This recognition reflects the collective efforts of the dedicated scientists, researchers, students and collaborators with whom I have had the privilege to work. It further motivates us to continue developing science-driven, sustainable technologies that benefit industry and society while contributing to global food and nutrition security.”
The World Food Prize Foundation’s recognition adds to Dr. Anandharamakrishnan’s distinguished list of honours, including the Vigyan Shri under the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar and several international recognitions for his contributions to food engineering and agricultural innovation.
Dr. Anandharamakrishnan’s inclusion among the 2026 Top Agri-Food Pioneers reflects India’s growing leadership in science-led agricultural innovation and highlights CSIR-NIIST’s commitment to developing transformative technologies for a resilient, sustainable and nutrition-secure future.
