Pravriddhi, the pan-India product accelerator led by the Foundation for Science Innovation and Development (FSID) at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, has announced the launch of India’s first oil-free water-injected screw compressor, HYDRINO. The system has been developed and manufactured by Kirloskar Pneumatic Company Limited (KPCL).

The compressor technology, designed for pharmaceutical and other quality-sensitive industrial applications, was developed indigenously by KPCL with grant support from the Ministry of Heavy Industries and technical mentorship under the Pravriddhi programme.

HYDRINO is engineered to meet ISO 8573 Class 0 oil-free air standards, ensuring contaminant-free compressed air for industries such as pharmaceuticals, food and beverage processing, and electronics manufacturing. By eliminating oil from both the compression chamber and bearing system, and using water for cooling, sealing and lubrication, the system delivers reliable and energy-efficient performance. The design enables continuous oil-free operation in a compact, low-noise configuration.

According to KPCL leadership, structured technical mentorship under the Pravriddhi programme helped accelerate product development and validate the technology to global benchmarks, facilitating commercial launch.

The introduction of HYDRINO highlights India’s advancing capability in developing complex industrial technologies domestically. The initiative reduces reliance on imported equipment and strengthens national manufacturing self-reliance.

Pravriddhi, led by FSID at IISc, supports indigenous product innovation across manufacturing sectors and fosters industry-academia collaboration. The programme aligns with the Government of India’s Viksit Bharat 2047 vision to establish India as a leading global manufacturing hub.