In the Union Budget 2023-24, the Government of India announced a five-year research grant to encourage indigenous production of laboratory-grown diamond machinery, seeds and recipes. IIT Madras was selected to receive ₹242 crore for the project, which led to the India Center for Lab-Grown Diamond (InCent-LGD), set up with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
Why India needs this
India cuts and polishes most of the world's laboratory-grown diamonds, and it grows a large and rising share of them. But key inputs, such as seed plates and some CVD reactor technology, have often been imported. Building that capability at home strengthens the whole value chain.
What InCent-LGD focuses on
- Indigenous technology for growing laboratory-grown diamonds, including reactor design and process recipes
- Seed substrates, so Indian growers can rely on domestic supply
- Diamond for electronics, such as diamond wafers for high-power and high-frequency devices
- Skills and start-ups, making technology available to more companies and creating jobs
IIT Madras was chosen because of nearly two decades of diamond research, including technologies developed for industry, space and defence applications.
Why it's good news for buyers and the trade
- A stronger domestic supply chain means more stable supply and pricing.
- Research into better growth processes can improve quality and efficiency.
- Diamond technology beyond jewelry, in electronics and optics, broadens the industry's future.
The bigger picture
Together with the new Surat Diamond Bourse and the growth of lab-grown pavilions at India's trade shows, the InCent-LGD program shows a clear national commitment to making India a global leader in laboratory-grown diamonds, from reactor to ring.
Sources: PIB press release, IIT Madras, InCent-LGD
