NIPER Mohali Partners Novartis to Boost Pharma Research with Prestigious Grant

National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Mohali, has signed a landmark agreement with Novartis Healthcare Private Limited (NHPL) to strengthen academia‑industry collaboration in pharmaceutical research. The partnership includes the prestigious Development Pioneer Grant, awarded to a NIPER Mohali faculty member, positioning India’s pharma education ecosystem closer to global innovation standards.

The signing ceremony, held in New Delhi, was witnessed by Shri Manoj Joshi, Secretary, Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, along with senior officials and representatives from Novartis.

The Development Pioneer Grant

• Agreement signed between NIPER Mohali and Novartis Healthcare Private Limited (NHPL) in New Delhi.
• Witnessed by Shri Manoj Joshi, Secretary, Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers.
• One faculty member from NIPER Mohali awarded the Development Pioneer Grant for NIPERs, supported by Novartis.
• Out of 42 proposals submitted across seven NIPERs, one was chosen after rigorous evaluation by an independent jury.
• Grant aims to promote cutting‑edge research, encourage innovation‑driven partnerships, and align academic work with industry requirements.

Government’s Vision

The Department of Pharmaceuticals has consistently highlighted the need for stronger industry‑academia linkages. Senior officials including Shri Awadhesh Kumar Choudhary, Dr. Kinny Singh, Prof. Dulal Panda, Prof. Joydev Kumar Laha, Mr. Amitabh Dube, and Ms. Sadhna Joglekar were present during the ceremony, underscoring the government’s commitment to nurturing innovation in India’s pharmaceutical sector.

• Shri Manoj Joshi emphasized the importance of moving beyond pilot projects to ensure research is effectively integrated with industry needs.
• The Department of Pharmaceuticals envisions stronger industry‑academia linkages to enhance India’s role in global healthcare innovation.
• Senior officials including Shri Awadhesh Kumar Choudhary, Dr. Kinny Singh, Prof. Dulal Panda, Prof. Joydev Kumar Laha, Mr. Amitabh Dube, and Ms. Sadhna Joglekar attended the ceremony.

About Novartis

Novartis, headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, is one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies, consistently ranked among the top five globally by revenue. The company has undergone a strategic transformation into a pure‑play medicines firm, focusing exclusively on innovative therapies while divesting non‑core businesses such as generics and vaccines.

In recent years, Novartis has reported strong growth driven by breakthroughs in oncology, immunology, cardio‑renal‑metabolic disorders, and neurology. It has also invested heavily in advanced platforms including radioligand therapy, gene and cell therapy, and xRNA technologies. Beyond commercial success, Novartis maintains a strong commitment to global health challenges, working on treatments for malaria, sickle cell disease, Chagas disease, and leprosy. This global positioning makes Novartis a powerful partner for Indian institutions like NIPER, enabling knowledge transfer, research collaboration, and integration into international innovation networks.

Significance for India

• Strengthens NIPER Mohali’s role in India’s pharmaceutical innovation ecosystem.
• Provides faculty with global exposure and competitive platforms to advance research.
• Drives pioneering healthcare advancements that benefit both academia and industry.
• Reinforces India’s ambition to become a global hub for pharmaceutical innovation.

The partnership between NIPER Mohali and Novartis marks a milestone in India’s pharma education and research landscape. By combining academic expertise with industry resources, the initiative is set to accelerate innovation, nurture talent, and reinforce India’s position in global pharmaceutical research.