Uncovering fresh ideas, new perspectives and unique solutions
Ambalal Sarabhai Enterprises (ASE) is one of the oldest pharmaceutical health care companies in India, and today through its group companies it manufactures and markets pharmaceutical, molecular diagnostics, and electronics products in India and internationally. ASE’s strength is to lead with cutting edge technology by creating strategic technology tie-ups and collaborative partnerships through our broad national and international networks.
Decades of commitment to progress, propelled by world- transforming changes.
Mr. Ambalal Sarabhai
Serving the needs of a nascent nation.
Ambalal Sarabhai, after whom the company has been named, was the founder of the Sarabhai businesses. At the young age of 18, he took over the responsibility of the Calico Mills, then a small unit. He decided to go to England to study how the textile industry was run in Manchester, which was considered in those days to bet he most advanced. His efforts went on to make Calico an integrated textile mill with the latest textile technology. He was the first to introduce spinning, weaving, and finishing of fine counts as well as the manufacture of sewing threads in India.
By 1940, Calico had emerged as one of the leading textile mills in India. He also established trading offices in London and a cotton ginning factory in East Africa. Other businesses initiated by him included a glass factory, a sugar factory, and a railway line. By the early 1940s, he started looking at starting new ventures including the setting up of pharmaceutical operations in Vadodara, Gujarat. This was the beginning of what is ASE today. He brought in very high ethical standards in his business practices and with his sister Anasuya actively contributed to the cause of social reform and upliftment of mill workers. He was a supporter of Gandhi and the freedom movement.
By 1940, Calico had emerged as one of the leading textile mills in India. He also established trading offices in London and a cotton ginning factory in East Africa. Other businesses initiated by him included a glass factory, a sugar factory, and a railway line. By the early 1940s, he started looking at starting new ventures including the setting up of pharmaceutical operations in Vadodara, Gujarat. This was the beginning of what is ASE today. He brought in very high ethical standards in his business practices and with his sister Anasuya actively contributed to the cause of social reform and upliftment of mill workers. He was a supporter of Gandhi and the freedom movement.
Dr. Vikram Sarabhai
The trio of science, business and development.
In 1947 Vikram Sarabhai completed his Ph.D. from Cambridge University, UK, and joined the family businesses. He established the Ahmedabad Textile Industrial Research Association (ATIRA) and the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), which went on to become the cradle of India’s Space Programme. In 1950 he took over the responsibility of a small operation in Vadodara, Gujarat named Sarabhai Chemicals. Concluding a technical collaboration agreement with E.R. Squibb & Sons, USA, the company grew rapidly to become the largest pharmaceutical manufacturer in India.
Other important collaborations followed: in 1955 with J. R. Geigy, Switzerland, for the manufacture of pharmaceuticals, textiles, auxiliaries, and dyes; in 1958 with E. Merck, Germany, for the manufacture of Vitamin C and Fine Chemicals. And in 1960 he extended the collaboration with Squibb to make Bulk antibiotics using fermentation through the formation of Synbiotics. He felt that the ability to manufacture penicillin was critical at that time and in 1961 acquired a controlling interest in Standard Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Kolkata (Calcutta). The company also diversified into Electronics with the establishment of Systronics, a partnership with Sony, Japan, that endures today.
His passion for science and space research led to the formation of the Indian Space Research Organization. In 1966 he was made the Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission of India and stepped down from his role in the business. He is remembered today as a founder of many outstanding institutions including the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad, and as the Father of India’s Space programme.
Other important collaborations followed: in 1955 with J. R. Geigy, Switzerland, for the manufacture of pharmaceuticals, textiles, auxiliaries, and dyes; in 1958 with E. Merck, Germany, for the manufacture of Vitamin C and Fine Chemicals. And in 1960 he extended the collaboration with Squibb to make Bulk antibiotics using fermentation through the formation of Synbiotics. He felt that the ability to manufacture penicillin was critical at that time and in 1961 acquired a controlling interest in Standard Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Kolkata (Calcutta). The company also diversified into Electronics with the establishment of Systronics, a partnership with Sony, Japan, that endures today.
His passion for science and space research led to the formation of the Indian Space Research Organization. In 1966 he was made the Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission of India and stepped down from his role in the business. He is remembered today as a founder of many outstanding institutions including the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad, and as the Father of India’s Space programme.
Mr. Gautam Sarabhai
Design, excellence and prophecy.
Gautam Sarabhai who had been working in the Calico Mills since 1939 was instrumental in diversifying that company. Calico went into the manufacture of caustic soda, PVC, and polyester fiber. He took over the Vadodara-based Sarabhai businesses in 1965. With a view to manufacturing radio and television products, Telerad was acquired. The businesses expanded abroad to Indonesia, Mauritius, and Kenya. While the businesses were growing, most of the important collaborations came to an end. New investments in pharmaceuticals had slowed down. In 1970 he decided to merge all the privately held businesses into one company, Ambalal Sarabhai Enterprises (ASE). Synbiotics was still a joint venture with Squibb, and became a subsidiary of ASE. ASE went public in 1982.
He was the Chairman of ASE till his passing away in 1995. In addition to his contribution to the businesses, he along with his sister Gira, who was also involved in the business, were keenly interested in design. Gira had established Shilpi which at the time became the leading advertising agency. Gautam and Gira played a major role in the establishment of the National Institute of Design (NID) in Ahmedabad, in cooperation with the Government of India and the Ford Foundation. Gautam Sarabhai’s philosophy nurtured a modern design education interwoven with an understanding of India’s sociocultural and economic realities and a strong sense of social responsibility, which continues to inspire designers today.
He was the Chairman of ASE till his passing away in 1995. In addition to his contribution to the businesses, he along with his sister Gira, who was also involved in the business, were keenly interested in design. Gira had established Shilpi which at the time became the leading advertising agency. Gautam and Gira played a major role in the establishment of the National Institute of Design (NID) in Ahmedabad, in cooperation with the Government of India and the Ford Foundation. Gautam Sarabhai’s philosophy nurtured a modern design education interwoven with an understanding of India’s sociocultural and economic realities and a strong sense of social responsibility, which continues to inspire designers today.
Mr. Ambalal Sarabhai
Serving the needs of a nascent nation.
Ambalal Sarabhai, after whom the company has been named, was the founder of the Sarabhai businesses. At the young age of 18, he took over the responsibility of the Calico mills, then a small unit. He decided to go to England to study how the textile industry was run in Manchester, which was considered in those days to be the most advanced. His efforts went on to make Calico an integrated textile mill with the latest textile technology. He was the first to introduce spinning, weaving, and finishing of fine counts as well as the manufacture of sewing threads in India.
By 1940, Calico had emerged as one of the leading textile mills in India. He also established trading offices in London and a cotton ginning factory in East Africa.Other businesses initiated by him included a glass factory, a sugar factory, and a railway line. By the early 40s, he started looking at starting new ventures including the setting up of pharmaceutical operations in Baroda. This was the beginning of what is ASE today.He brought in very high ethical standards in his business practices and with his sister Anasuya actively contributed to the cause of social reform and upliftment of mill workers. He was a supporter of Gandhi and the freedom movement.
By 1940, Calico had emerged as one of the leading textile mills in India. He also established trading offices in London and a cotton ginning factory in East Africa.Other businesses initiated by him included a glass factory, a sugar factory, and a railway line. By the early 40s, he started looking at starting new ventures including the setting up of pharmaceutical operations in Baroda. This was the beginning of what is ASE today.He brought in very high ethical standards in his business practices and with his sister Anasuya actively contributed to the cause of social reform and upliftment of mill workers. He was a supporter of Gandhi and the freedom movement.
Dr. Vikram Sarabhai
The trio of science, business and the arts for development
In 1947 after completing his Ph.D. from Cambridge University, UK, Vikram Sarabhai joined the businesses. Recognizing the need for research in the textile industry, he established ATIRA, The Ahmedabad Textile Industrial Research Association, and the Physical Research Laboratory which went on to become the cradle of India’s Space Programme.
In 1950 he took over the responsibility of Sarabhai Chemicals, which had started its operations in a small way in Baroda. Concluding a technical collaboration agreement with E.R. Squibb & Sons, USA the company grew rapidly to become the largest pharmaceutical manufacturer in India. He established collaborations with other leading global companies including in 1955 with J R Geigy, Switzerland, for the manufacture of pharmaceuticals, textiles, auxiliaries, and dyes. In 1958 with E Merck, Germany for the manufacture of Vitamin C and Fine Chemicals. And in 1960 extended the collaboration with Squibb to make Bulk antibiotics using fermentation and the formation of Synbiotics. He felt that the ability to manufacture penicillin was critical at that time and in 1961 acquired a controlling interest in Standard Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Calcutta. The company also diversified into Electronics with the establishment of Systronics. His passion for science and space research led to the formation of the Indian Space Research Organization.
In 1966 he was made the Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission of India and stepped down from his role in the business. He is remembered today as a founder of many outstanding institutions including the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad, and as the Father of India’s Space programme.
In 1950 he took over the responsibility of Sarabhai Chemicals, which had started its operations in a small way in Baroda. Concluding a technical collaboration agreement with E.R. Squibb & Sons, USA the company grew rapidly to become the largest pharmaceutical manufacturer in India. He established collaborations with other leading global companies including in 1955 with J R Geigy, Switzerland, for the manufacture of pharmaceuticals, textiles, auxiliaries, and dyes. In 1958 with E Merck, Germany for the manufacture of Vitamin C and Fine Chemicals. And in 1960 extended the collaboration with Squibb to make Bulk antibiotics using fermentation and the formation of Synbiotics. He felt that the ability to manufacture penicillin was critical at that time and in 1961 acquired a controlling interest in Standard Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Calcutta. The company also diversified into Electronics with the establishment of Systronics. His passion for science and space research led to the formation of the Indian Space Research Organization.
In 1966 he was made the Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission of India and stepped down from his role in the business. He is remembered today as a founder of many outstanding institutions including the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad, and as the Father of India’s Space programme.
Mr. Gautam Sarabhai
The trio of science, business and the arts for development
Gautam Sarabhai who had been working in the Calico Mills since 1939 was instrumental in diversifying that company. Calico went into the manufacture of caustic soda, PVC and polyester fiber. He took over the Baroda-based Sarabhai businesses in 1965. With a view to manufacturing radio and television products, Telerad was acquired. The businesses expanded abroad to Indonesia, Mauritius and Kenya. While the businesses were growing, most of the important collaborations came to an end. New investments in pharmaceuticals had slowed down. In 1970 he decided to merge all the privately held businesses into one company, Ambalal Sarabhai Enterprises (ASE). Synbiotics was still a joint venture with Squibb, and became a subsidiary of the company.
He was the Chairman of ASE till his passing away in 1995. In addition to his contribution to the businesses, he along with his sister, Gira, who was also involved in the business, were keenly interested in design. Gira had established Shilpi which at the time became the leading advertising agency. Gautam and Gira played a major role in the establishment of the NID in Ahmedabad, in cooperation with the Government of India and the Ford Foundation. Gautam Sarabhai’s philosophy nurtured a modern design education interwoven with an understanding of India’s sociocultural and economic realities and a strong sense of social responsibility which continues to inspire designers today.
He was the Chairman of ASE till his passing away in 1995. In addition to his contribution to the businesses, he along with his sister, Gira, who was also involved in the business, were keenly interested in design. Gira had established Shilpi which at the time became the leading advertising agency. Gautam and Gira played a major role in the establishment of the NID in Ahmedabad, in cooperation with the Government of India and the Ford Foundation. Gautam Sarabhai’s philosophy nurtured a modern design education interwoven with an understanding of India’s sociocultural and economic realities and a strong sense of social responsibility which continues to inspire designers today.
Systronics entered a partnership with Sony more than 45 years ago which continues today, dynamically meeting the new waves of requirements for audio/visual equipment.
CoSara Diagnostics, a joint venture with Codiagnostics USA, was one of the first companies to get a manufacturing license for covid-19 molecular PCR tests in India.
Synbiotics is the sole producer of amphotericin-B with a dedicated plant in India, a product that saved lives during the mucormycosis outbreak during the covid-19 pandemic.
What pushes us forward
Sustainability & CSR
Support for Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) through projects in rural and urban development
Continuous Innovation
Emphasis on asking the simple questions to arrive at answers that fall 'out of the box'
Manufacturing Excellence
Sustainable, comprehensive and cost-effective manufacturing solutions of benchmark standard quality in a dynamic market.
Our group companies and new initiatives are poised for rapid growth
Meeting the highest standards of quality, efficacy and taste, Vovantis Laboratories has an international standard custom manufacturing facility in India with a special focus on effervescent products..
View More
Sarabhai Chemicals promotes a range of Sarabhai brand oncology and infertility products in India.
View More
Systronics manufactures high-quality precision testing and measurement equipment across numerous fields and industries in India.
View More
Synbiotics produces different grades of the approved niche fermentation based active pharmaceutical ingredient amphotericin B for people with serious fungal infections.
View More
Suvik Hitek manufactures and promotes branded and generic pharmaceutical products, and veterinary products, in India.
View More
CoSara produces patented, high quality and cost effective molecular diagnostic products that meet the need for greater access to fast and accurate diagnosis.
View More
––––– Scroll to top