The Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT) Mumbai was established as the Department of Chemical Technology on 1st October, 1933 by the University of Mumbai, through active support of industries and philanthropists. The Institute was most popularly known as UDCT, Mumbai. Research has been an integral part of ICT since its inception and it has created over 500 first generation entrepreneurs. The UDCT grew significantly in stature and was granted autonomy under UGC regulations by the University of Mumbai and further converted in to an Institute on 26th January, 2002. Under the World Bank TEQIP programme, the Maharashtra government granted it full autonomy in June 2004. Due to the recommendations of the Government of Maharashtra and University of Mumbai, the ICT was granted Deemed University Status by the MHRD on 12th September, 2008, with all provisions of the UGC for funding and support as the state owned deemed university.
The ICT has brought kudos to India, despite being at a disadvantaged position with reference to other technological institutes of national importance, particularly the IITS, IISc, ISERS, NISERs and Central Universities.
The Institute has a glorious history of 78 years, having produced many industrialists, academics, bureaucrats, Padma awardees, secretaries to Government Departments, directors of CSIR labs and over 500 first generation entrepreneurs. The institute has very strong linkages with industry and produced some of the topmost academics and industrialists. Some of the distinguished alumni includes- Padmavibhushan Professor M.M. Sharma, Member, Scientific Advisory Committee to the Cabinet, Padmabhushan Dr. R. A. Mashelkar, former Director General, CSIR, Shri Mukesh Ambani, Chairman and Managing Director, Reliance Industries, Padmashri Dr. K. Anji Reddy, Chairman, Dr. Reddy’s Lab, Shri Ashwin Dani, Vice-Chairman, Asian Paints Ltd., Shri C.V. Gogri, Chairman, Aarti Group of Industries, Dr. K. H. Gharda, Chairman and Managing Director, Gharda Chemicals and the Late Manubhai Shah, Commerce Minister in Pt. Nehru’s Cabinet.