Government of Guyana • Est. 1977

Solutions for Sustainable Growth Through Science & Technology

The Institute of Applied Science and Technology (IAST) is Guyana’s industrial research authority dedicated to developing, adapting, and commercializing technologies for the effective utilization of Guyana’s natural resources.

15,000+ Samples Tested
42+ Accredited Parameters
47 Years of Innovation
IAST Guyana Emblem Seal
Bioenergy
Biodiesel & Biomass
Bioprospecting
Botanicals & Essential Oils
Food & Feeds
Morning Glory & Pakaraima
Indigenous Materials
Eco-Shingles & Clay
100%
Guyanese Resource Focus
Sustainable value-added natural research
90+
Dedicated Specialists
Scientists, engineers & lab technicians
GGMC
Endorsed Mining Tech
Mercury-free gold recovery processes
42
Testing Parameters
Soil, water, food & industrial effluents
About The Institute

Resuscitation & Commercialization of Applied Research

Operating under the mandate to bridge scientific research with market viability for Guyana’s socio-economic growth.

Empowering Guyana Through Applied Technology

Established in 1977 at the University of Guyana Turkeyen Campus, the Institute of Applied Science and Technology (IAST) provides high-tier laboratory testing, custom equipment development, and commercial product formulation.

Our long-term target is generating 70% of funding from private-sector research partnerships, tech transfer, and analytical quality control services.

"Our long term goal is to generate 70% of our funding from the private sector, through the provision of research, technology transfer and analytical services."

Deonarine Jagdeo • Director, IAST Guyana

State-of-the-Art Labs

Full wet chemistry laboratories and thermo-mechanical testing equipment.

Technology Transfer

Local commissioning support for imported manufacturing production lines.

Indigenous Value Addition

Collaborating with indigenous communities for sustainable products.

Accredited Testing

Rigorous environmental, water, food, and heavy metal testing protocols.

Research & Innovation Pillars

Explore Our Specialized Departments

Multidisciplinary research groups working towards green technology, food security, and materials engineering.

Renewable Energy

Bioenergy Department

Converting waste streams into high-energy fuels, reducing national fossil fuel dependence and protecting local waterways from waste oil contamination.

Biodiesel Production
Converts recycled restaurant cooking oil into high-grade biodiesel powering IAST's vehicle fleet and industrial generators.
Mobile Biomass Briquetting
Compresses abundant forestry and agricultural waste into high-density clean fuel briquettes (tackling >300% diesel equivalent waste).
Dormant Biogas Bioreactors
Anaerobic digestion technology for converting agricultural waste into monetization-ready biogas energy.

Key Output Highlights

Waste Oil Biodiesel Forestry Briquettes Anaerobic Bioreactors Clean Fleet Fuel
Botanical Science

Bioprospecting Department

Bridging 7,000+ years of indigenous botanical knowledge with modern extraction science to create high-value cosmetics, essential oils, and bioactive formulations.

Indigenous Botanical Anthropology
Scientific validation of Guyana's coastal and hinterland medicinal flora for bio-availability and efficacy.
Rupununi Essence & Cosmetics
High-end lotion, soap, and skin treatment formulations co-developed with the Macushi Research Unit (MRU).
Essential Oil Distillation
Pure steam distillation of local plants for fragrances, medicines, and food flavors.

Key Output Highlights

Rupununi Essence Crabwood Oil Soaps Botanical Extraction Essential Oils
Materials Engineering

Indigenous Materials Department

Synthesizing functional building materials and eco-friendly mining processes using Guyana's abundant clay, mineral, and recycled plastic feedstocks.

Mercury-Free Gold Recovery
GGMC-endorsed mobile processing units using coconut-shell activated carbon for eco-friendly gold extraction.
High-Strength Clay Materials
Compressed clay blocks and extruded fired clay aggregates stronger and cheaper than standard concrete blocks.
Recycled Composite Shingles
Durable, non-degradable roofing shingles and ceiling tiles from recycled plastics and quarry waste stone dust.

Key Output Highlights

GGMC Gold Recovery Compressed Clay Blocks Eco Composite Shingles Injection Molding
Agro-Processing

Food & Feeds Department

Transforming Guyana's agricultural harvest into vertically integrated, value-added food products for domestic consumption and export.

Morning Glory Brand
Commercialized Rice Breakfast Cereals & Nutrition Bars powering Guyana's National School Feeding Program.
Rice Thread & Vermicelli Noodles
Value-added rice processing technologies creating nutritious pasta and noodle alternatives.
Pakaraima Flavours
Organic Sun-Dried Tomato Salad Dressings empowering hinterland farming communities in the Pakaraima Mountains.

Key Output Highlights

Morning Glory Cereal Pakaraima Dressings Rice Vermicelli School Feeding Program
Laboratory Services

Analytical Services Division

A revenue-generating service unit providing comprehensive physical, chemical, environmental, and thermo-mechanical testing for public & private clients.

42+ Parameter Testing
Rigorous analysis for soil, drinking water, industrial wastewater, and commercial food safety.
Heavy Metal & Toxicity Testing
Spectroscopic screening for Lead, Mercury, Cadmium, Arsenic, and Copper contamination.
Custom Quality Control Protocols
Tailor-made QA/QC systems eliminating client need for expensive in-house equipment duplication.

Key Output Highlights

Soil Analysis Water Potability Heavy Metal Screening Effluent Compliance
Commercial Portfolio

Landmark Products & Technology Projects

Proven, market-ready technologies and products developed at our Turkeyen Headquarters.

Morning Glory Rice Cereal
Food & Agro-Processing

Guyana’s flagship value-added rice breakfast cereal and nutrition bar line. Produced in a commercial processing facility and deployed in the National School Feeding Program.

Rupununi Essence Cosmetics
Bioprospecting

High-end natural cosmetic line co-developed with the Macushi Research Unit (MRU) utilizing indigenous Crabwood oil, botanical extracts, and essential oils.

Mercury-Free Gold Recovery
Indigenous Materials

Mobile processing units employing coconut-shell activated carbon for clean gold extraction. Fully endorsed by the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC).

Pakaraima Flavours
Organic Foods

Organic Sun-Dried Tomato Salad Dressings and seasonings empowering hinterland indigenous farmers in the Pakaraima Mountains through vertical integration.

Waste Composite Shingles
Sustainable Construction

Weather-resistant, non-degradable roofing shingles and ceiling tiles manufactured from recycled plastics and quarry stone waste dust.

Waste-Oil Biodiesel
Bioenergy

Conversion system processing used restaurant cooking oil into clean biodiesel fuel used to power IAST’s vehicle fleet and industrial power generators.

Interactive Service Menu

Analytical Testing & Quality Control Portal

Select required testing parameters below for an instant turn-around & cost estimate.

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Institute Leadership

Experienced Scientific & Technical Staff

Motivated scientists and department heads leading Guyana’s technological resuscitation.

DJ

Deonarine Jagdeo

Acting Director
Executive Leadership & Strategic Direction
RH

Rayann Hinckson

Administrator
Operations & Institutional Administration
KL

Kumar Latchman

Analytical Laboratory Head
Quality Control & Chemical Analysis
MR

Mahendra Rampersaud

Bio-Prospecting Head
Botanical Extracts & Rupununi Cosmetics
SM

Sewpersaud Manohar

Product Development Specialist
Materials Engineering & Commercialization
MB

Maityrie Bridgemongal

Acting Accountant
Financial Management & Project Logistics
Get In Touch

Contact Us & Sample Submission

Reach out for analytical service inquiries, tech transfer collaboration, or product partnerships.

Location & Headquarters
University of Guyana, Turkeyen Campus,
Greater Georgetown, Guyana
Telephone / Fax
Phone: +592 222-4212 to 222-4215
Fax: +592 222-4229
Direct Email
info@iast.gov.gy
Lab Operating Hours
Monday – Thursday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM