The intellectual journey of Lalit Chordia began in India, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras in 1980. IIT Madras, known for producing some of the world’s finest engineering minds, provided him with a rigorous academic foundation and a deep respect for applied science.
Driven by a passion for research and innovation, Lalit Chordia pursued advanced studies in the United States, earning his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University in 1985. At Carnegie Mellon, his exposure to interdisciplinary research, high-pressure systems, and emerging materials science laid the groundwork for what would become a lifelong mission: transforming supercritical fluid technology from laboratory theory into real-world industrial solutions.
Lalit Chordia: The Birth of an Entrepreneurial Vision
In 1982, while still early in his career, Lalit Chordia co-founded Suprex Corporation, serving as Vice President of Engineering and Research & Development. Suprex focused on analytical-scale supercritical fluid systems at a time when the technology was still considered experimental. This experience provided him with invaluable insight into both the technical challenges and the commercial potential of supercritical fluids.
After eight years of intensive R&D and market maturation, Lalit Chordia recognized a larger opportunity. In 1990, he founded Thar Technologies, marking a decisive shift toward scaling supercritical fluid systems for industrial and commercial use. This bold step would eventually redefine multiple industries and establish him as a global authority in high-pressure processing technologies.
The Thar Group: Building a Global Innovation Ecosystem
Under the leadership of Lalit Chordia, Thar Technologies evolved from a single-employee startup into a global technology powerhouse with operations in the United States and international subsidiaries, including a significant presence in Chennai, India.
In 2002, recognizing the need for specialization and accelerated innovation, Thar Technologies was strategically restructured into multiple focused entities:
Thar Process, Inc.
Today recognized as a global leader in supercritical CO₂ technology, Thar Process provides advanced extraction, purification, and processing solutions for natural products such as cannabis, hemp, spices, nutraceuticals, and specialty chemicals. The company’s technology is celebrated for being solvent-free, energy-efficient, and environmentally benign.
Thar Energy, LLC
Thar Energy reflects Lalit Chordia’s deep commitment to clean energy. The company develops advanced microchannel heat exchangers, compact heat pumps, and alternative electricity generation systems, significantly reducing fossil fuel dependency while improving thermal efficiency.
Thar Instruments
A separations science and instrumentation company that achieved such technical excellence that it was ultimately acquired by Waters Corporation, a global leader in analytical technologies.
Thar Pharmaceuticals
A clinical-stage drug development venture that successfully advanced novel drug delivery systems before being acquired by Grünenthal in 2016, marking a major milestone in Lalit Chordia’s entrepreneurial journey.
Additional Ventures
Lalit Chordia also spearheaded innovations through Thar Geothermal, Prayog Labs (focused on frack water treatment), and Thar Worx, which applies automation and analytics to revenue cycle management.
Lalit Chordia: Pioneering Supercritical Fluid Technology
For more than 25 years, Lalit Chordia has been at the forefront of supercritical fluid technology, particularly the use of supercritical carbon dioxide (CO₂). This technology offers a rare environmental advantage: zero ozone depletion potential and net-zero global warming impact.
His work spans a remarkable range of applications, including:
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Natural pharmaceutical and algae extraction
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Drug purification and solvent removal
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Nutraceutical and spice extraction
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Electronics cleaning and advanced cooling
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Microchannel heat exchangers
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Biodiesel and ethanol processing
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Cellulose-to-bio-oil conversion
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Ground-source geothermal heat pumps
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Power generation and water desalination
Through his leadership, these technologies moved beyond theory into scalable, commercially viable systems used across the globe.
Patents, Grants, and Scientific Contributions
Lalit Chordia is the holder of over 20 granted patents with numerous additional patents and technical disclosures to his name. His work has attracted more than $15 million in competitive grants from prestigious institutions such as the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
He has delivered over 30 technical presentations worldwide and remains deeply engaged in advancing applied research at the intersection of engineering, sustainability, and commercialization.
Awards and Global Recognition
The pioneering contributions of Lalit Chordia have been recognized internationally through numerous honors, including:
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Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year (2017)
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U.S. Small Business Administration National Exporter of the Year (2002)
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Carnegie Science Entrepreneur of the Year (2010)
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Manufacturer of the Year, Pittsburgh Business Times
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Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
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Distinguished Alumnus Award, IIT Madras