Presently, NEIST is a fullfledged multidisciplinary research institution having research areas like Medicinal Chemistry, Natural Products Chemistry, Synthetic Organic Chemistry, Biotechnology, Medicinal, Aromatic and Economic plants, Geoscience, Petroleum and Natural Gas, Applied Civil Engineering, Chemical Engineering, General Engineering, Cellulose, Pulp and Paper, Material Science, Coal, etc. Over the years, the laboratory has produced more than 100 technologies in the areas of Agrotechnology, Biological and Oil Field Chemicals. In the last couple of decades, the institute has also produced more than 200 Ph.Ds. to cater the skilled human resource needed for this region. Many Ph.Ds. of this institute are doing well in industry and academia in India and abroad. Currently the institution is equipped with state-of-the-art instruments and infrastructure to carry out research in frontier areas of science and technology.
Some major achievements of NEIST
Development of know-how for "Arteether", a potent new generation anti-malarial drug active against Chloroquine-resistant malaria strains. The know-how has been transferred to M/s FDC Ltd., a Mumbai base pharmaceutical company, for commercial production.
Development of Vertical Shaft Kiln mini cement plants. Currently 35 mini cement plants are in operation in the country based on RRL, Jorhat technologies. A modified VSK technology for 30,000 TPA plant has also been developed to cater to the national and international needs.
Development of a series of pour point depressants for transportation of high waxy crude oils.
Development of oil field chemicals/materials like high and medium-strength cc, proppants, chrome free lignites, oil-well formation stabilizer, etc.
Development of agro-technologies for important medicinal and aromatic plants. The laboratory's contribution to extensive cultivation of citronella grass and extraction of oil has led to the establishment of a major citronella based agro-industry in the North-eastern region. The current production of citronella is about 500 tonnes and this has generated employment for about 22,000 persons in the rural sector.
Development and introduction of Agro-technologies for mushroom cultivation and popularisation of several protein-rich edible mushroom varieties in different areas of North-East India.
Process development for pesticides, isolation and characterisation of compounds of plant origin having insecticidal and antifeedant properties.
Process development for speciality papers and boards including thermographic paper, carbon less copy paper, direct copy paper, carbon paper, gummed paper tape and ceiling boards.
Development of a new process for utilization of Banana plants for production of fibres useful for making twines and fabrics in the conventional jute processing machines and also for making eco-friendly products like Carpets, Doormats, Bags, Flower vase, Table mats, Purse, Flower basket, Wallhangings, Shopping bags, etc.
Establishment of a network of digital 3D seismic station along with a Central Recording Observatory equipped with remote dial-up facility for on-line data transmission and processing.
