Department of Dyestuff Technology was established in 1944 under the stewardship of Professor K. Venkataraman, the then director of Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT, formerly known as UDCT), University of Mumbai. The quality of training in chemistry and engineering imparted to the students is reflected in the progress they make in their individual careers in industry or academia, locally or globally. The Department not only pursues high quality research but also maintains a healthy academia industry interaction by organizing an international conference “Convention on Colorants” (COC) along with Dyestuff Manufacturers Association of India (DMAI) every alternate year. The Department of Dyestuff Technology at Institute of Chemical Technology is a unique department providing Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctoral degrees in Dyestuff Technology.

The Department participates in interdisciplinary M. Tech. as well as Doctoral programs in Perfumery & Flavor Technology and Bioprocess Technology. The Department also offers a Doctoral degree programme in Science. Currently there are 3 recognized guides for doctoral programs. As many as 72 research fellows, significantly more than the number (47) last year are currently working on various projects – colorants for hi-tech applications, fluorescent dyes, lasers, ink jet printing, optical recording devices, solar cells, high performance pigments, green technology, carbohydrate chemistry, synthesis of natural products, etc.

Under the successive leadership of highly experienced, talented and hard-working scientists and scholars such as Professors B. D. Tilak, S. V. Sunthankar, S. Seshadri, D. W. Rangnekar and V R Kanetkar the Department has trained more than 1000 undergraduate students and over 450 postgraduate students.

MISSION- “To build world class programmes of excellence in education and research in specialized areas of Dyestuff Chemistry and Technology for the benefit of society through problem solving competencies”

VISION 2020- The Department aspires to be one of the world’s top ten colour chemistry departments by 2020.

It will do so by:
• Providing knowledge and skill based training at the undergraduate level by designing, teaching and periodically upgrading a colour chemistry and technology syllabus in line with current and anticipated trends in industry and academia
• Pursuing world-class research in the colourants and related areas – basic textile and leather coloration,functional colourants, organic process technology and specialty chemicals
• Proactively developing and maintaining close interaction with national and international research laboratories, universities and chemical industries