Startup Mahakumbh, a pioneering event uniting India’s entire startup ecosystem, took place
from March 18-20, 2024, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. Organized by ASSOCHAM,
NASSCOM, Bootstrap Incubation & Advisory Foundation, TiE, and IVCA, the event featured
sector-focused pavilions showcasing India’s most innovative startups. Themed ‘Bharat
Innovates,’ the event featured mentorship clinics, pitch competitions, leadership talks, panel
discussions, and workshops.
Numerous biotech startups such as Strand Life Sciences, String Bio, Bugworks Research India Pvt Ltd, and others took center stage. Through keynote addresses, panel discussions, and live demonstrations, they showcased groundbreaking innovations in biotechnology. The event also spotlighted agritech startups like Agrostar, Omnivore, and Cropin, emphasizing their pivotal role in shaping India’s startup landscape.
A special event called Future Entrepreneurs Day was held on March 20, aimed at fostering the entrepreneurial spirit among students. Approximately 3,000 students from various colleges and incubators across the country participated, selected for their keen interest in entrepreneurship.
They had the chance to interact with industry leaders, experienced entrepreneurs, and peers, laying the groundwork for future mentorships and collaborations, nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs.
Biotech Innovators Spotlighted at Startup Mahakumbh
The participation of biotech companies at Startup Mahakumbh highlights their significant advancements in scientific breakthroughs on a global scale. By showcasing their cutting-edge technologies, these startups not only highlight India’s prowess in the biotech sector but also attract investment, foster innovation, and create job opportunities.
Strand Lifesceinces
Strand Life Sciences, formerly known as Strand Genomics, is an Indian company founded in 2000 by professors from the Indian Institute of Science. It specializes in using computer techniques for life sciences research, focusing on genomics and precision medicine. Strand aims to make genetic testing accessible to all and become a leading company in ‘omics technologies.
String Bio
String Bio, established in 2013 in India by Ezhil Subbian and Vinod Kumar, is a pioneering biotech startup. It stands out as Asia’s first methane-to-protein producer, ranking as the third globally. The company utilizes methane, a greenhouse gas, to craft sustainable solutions including animal feed, human nutrition, agricultural products, and eco-friendly cosmetics. Their innovative platform, known as the ‘String Integrated Methane Platform’ (SIMP), drives methane bioconversion.
Bugworks Research India Pvt Ltd
Bugworks Research India Pvt Ltd is a pharmaceutical company dedicated to combating Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) through the discovery and development of biopharmaceutical assets. Founded in 2014 and incubated in C-CAMP, Bangalore, Bugworks boasts a core scientific team with over 200 years of combined experience in Drug Discovery. With its expertise, Bugworks is leading the development of novel broad-spectrum antibacterial and anticancer agents, tackling global healthcare challenges through its innovative “Go-To Globe” strategy.
C-CAMP(Centre for Cellular And Molecular Platforms)
C-CAMP, under the Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India, fosters cutting-edge Life Science Research and Innovation. As a member of the Bangalore Life Sciences Cluster (BLiSC), it offers state-of-the-art technology platforms for bioscience research and entrepreneurship. Through seed funding schemes, entrepreneur mentorship programs, and bio-incubation facilities, C-CAMP promotes an entrepreneur-friendly culture, nurturing startups and fostering innovation in biotechnology.
Molbio Diagnostics Private Limited
Molbio Diagnostics Private Limited, established in 2000, in Verna, Goa, India, specializes in molecular diagnostics, focusing on affordable diagnosis of infectious diseases like tuberculosis, H1N1 swine flu, dengue, HIV, and more. The Truelab Real Time quantitative micro PCR system from Molbio Diagnostics brings PCR technology to various healthcare settings, including laboratories, primary centers, and field locations. This makes molecular diagnostics accessible to more people, decentralizing and democratizing healthcare access.
Novonesis
Novonesis, a prominent biosolutions partner, emerged from the collaboration between Chr. Hansen and Novozymes. The name “Novonesis” symbolizes a fresh start, derived from the Greek word “genesis,” marking the dawn of a biosolutions era. This signifies the utilization of biology’s transformative potential to tackle humanity’s major challenges.
Mapmygenome
Mapmygenome is a Hyderabad-based startup that delves into the fascinating world of genomics.They specialize in creating genomics solutions for predictive diagnosis and prognosis. They accomplish this through DNA testing, unlocking the secrets hidden within our genes. Their services are tailored to offer insights into our genetic predisposition for different diseases and inherited conditions.
Genotypic Technology Private Limited
Genotypic Technology Private Limited, based in Bengaluru, India, is known for solving complex biological problems through genomics solutions. Their aim is to make understanding biological systems easier, helping with interpretation and decision-making. With over twenty years of experience, they are trusted partners for genomic projects, guiding from the initial idea to publishing, patenting, or regulatory processes.
Healthtech and medtech startups are essential for reshaping our future by introducing innovative technologies that streamline healthcare delivery, personalize medicine, improve patient care, enhance cost efficiency, and promote preventive healthcare. Events like Startup Mahakumbh provide a platform for these startups to showcase their advancements. It is imperative to incentivize budding startups so that quality healthcare becomes more accessible, affordable, and effective for individuals and communities worldwide.
