Research & Development is an integral part of DNL's growth. Many of its products has been developed through in-house R&D. The company has moved beyond the dictates of mere quality to the even more challenging task of providing customised chemicals to its customers. It believes that only by introducing new technology, expanding applications and developing new products can it satisfy the needs of its customers. This objective of value addition is pursued at each of DNL's division as well as at its central R&D facility at Pune - the Deepak Research & Development Foundation (DRDF).

Approved by the Government of India., Dept. of Science & Technology, the centre is primarily engaged in research and process development for new products as well as optimisation of the manufacturing process for existing products. The pilot plant of the company ensures solutions for extremely demanding customers. It fulfils the corporate philosophy to continuously experiment and evolve pioneering solutions.

Situated at Pune, it encompasses a sophisticated analytical laboratory and facilities for testing new technologies and new products. A team of over 30 persons, including 8 PhDs and 3 Chemical Engineers are ably supported by a technical services group of 15 Chemists / Chemical Engineers at the manufacturing divisions. The Centre works in close association with reputed universities and research institutes of India like the University Institute of Chemical Technology – Mumbai, National Chemical Laboratory - Pune and the Indian Institute of Chemical Technology – Hyderabad.

DNL has spent Rs. 224.11 lacs on its R&D activities in the year 2002-03, which constitutes around 1% of its turnover. It has concentrated on expanding analytical facilities as well as application of Information Technology to provide research and patent information to scientists working in R&D.

While the centre has helped the company develop many process technologies for import substitution in the past, it continues to support the company's efforts towards the development of internationally competitive processes.