Mr. C.V. Jacob was the visionary founder and chairman of Kochi based Synthite Industries.
Born in 1933, Mr Jacob embarked on his entrepreneurial journey at the tender age of 16, taking over the family’s civil engineering business. His entrepreneurial spirit, led him to explore new avenues. In 1972, he ventured into the uncharted territory of spice oleoresins, establishing Synthite Industrial Chemicals (later renamed Synthite Industries). With a turnover of Rs. 1600 crore, Synthite contributes significantly to India’s spice exports.
A multifaceted entrepreneur, Mr Jacob’s influence extended beyond the spice sector. He served as a director of Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) and was a former vice-chairman of the Spices Board. Beyond the spice industry, Jacob’s business acumen led to the establishment of diverse ventures including real estate, hospitality, and infrastructure. His legacy includes the creation of thousands of jobs and the upliftment of rural communities.
Mr C.V. Jacob’s entrepreneurial spirit and business acumen have inspired generations of entrepreneurs. Synthite, under his guidance, has become a symbol of India’s manufacturing prowess and a testament to the power of human ingenuity.
In a fitting tribute to Mr C.V. Jacob, a new research center dedicated to synthetic biology and biomanufacturing has been launched at CUSAT, Kochi. This pioneering initiative is poised to propel India to the forefront of biomanufacturing, building upon the legacy of a visionary who transformed the nation’s spice industry. By merging science and enterprise, the center aims to create a sustainable future, fulfilling the pressing unmet needs of the society.
Reg No: EKM/TC/667/2023 | Registered under The Travancore-Cochin Literary Scientific and Charitable Societies Registration Act 1955