IndiaAI and ICMR Partner to Advance Ethical AI in Healthcare

IndiaAI and ICMR have signed a landmark MoU to build a nationally coherent AI ecosystem for healthcare, combining IndiaAI’s compute and dataset platforms with ICMR’s biomedical expertise. This collaboration is expected to accelerate ethical, scalable AI adoption in public health across India.

Key Highlights of the MoU

• Partnership Entities: IndiaAI (MeitY initiative via Digital India Corporation) and ICMR (India’s apex biomedical research body).
• Objective: Establish a structured framework to advance healthcare outcomes through responsible AI, ensuring interoperability and national coherence.
• Core Collaboration Pillars:
  • AIKosh Dataset Platform: ICMR will contribute anonymised, ethics-approved datasets and AI models via its MIDAS framework.
  • Compute Access: IndiaAI will provide subsidised GPU-based high-performance computing infrastructure to ICMR.
  • Collaborative AI Use Cases: Joint development of AI-powered solutions targeting priority public health challenges.

Ethical and Regulatory Context

• ICMR Guidelines: Ethical Guidelines for AI in Biomedical Research and Healthcare (2023) ensure accountability, privacy, and fairness.
• Global Recognition: IndiaAI and ICMR’s NIRDHDS recognised as Pioneer Countries under the HealthAI Global Regulatory Network in 2025.

Strategic Significance

Dimension	Impact
National Impact	Bridges AI infrastructure with biomedical research to catalyse innovation in diagnostics and treatment.
Global Positioning	Positions India as a leader in responsible AI governance for healthcare.
Innovation Catalyst	Provides startups and researchers access to datasets and compute resources, reducing barriers to entry.

Outlook

This MoU is expected to accelerate AI-driven healthcare innovation in India, while safeguarding patient rights and data privacy. It builds on prior collaborations and global recognition, marking India’s intent to lead in ethical AI governance for healthcare.

IIT Bombay’s BETIC Gets ₹70 Cr Boost from ICICI Foundation to Advance Biomedical R&D

Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay and ICICI Foundation for Inclusive Growth (ICICI Foundation), the CSR arm of ICICI Bank, have forged a partnership to expand the biomedical innovation hub at the country’s premier technology and engineering institute. Under this partnership, ICICI Foundation has pledged ₹70 crore to set up additional floors at the Biomedical Engineering and Technology Innovation Centre (BETIC) at IIT Bombay and equip this area with advanced facilities.

The MoU was signed by Prof. Shireesh Kedare, Director, IIT Bombay and Mr. Sanjay Datta, President, ICICI Foundation in presence of Mr. Pradeep Kumar Sinha, Chairman, ICICI Bank.

The new floors, named ‘IIT-ICICI BETIC Hub’, will significantly expand IIT Bombay’s capabilities in biomedical engineering, increasing its space five-fold to 19,700 sq. ft. The hub will foster collaboration among researchers, clinicians, and industry leaders to develop affordable, cutting-edge medical devices and diagnostic solutions. It will be equipped with state-of-the-art resources for product development, medical grade manufacturing, safety testing, inspection, and packaging. This enhanced ecosystem will support med-tech startups and companies, train professionals in healthcare innovation, and generate high-value jobs, ultimately benefiting millions of patients.

Speaking on the collaboration, Prof. Shireesh Kedare, Director, IIT Bombay, said, "This partnership exemplifies how industry-academia alliances can drive innovation towards real-world impact. With ICICI Foundation’s generous support, IIT Bombay is poised to revolutionise biomedical research and technology, addressing critical healthcare gaps in India, fostering home-grown solutions that are accessible, affordable, and scalable.”

Commenting on the partnership, Mr. Pradeep Kumar Sinha, Chairman, ICICI Bank, said, “Healthcare is a key focus at ICICI Foundation’s CSR initiatives. India’s unique healthcare challenges -- high disease burden, vast rural populations, and affordability constraints—demand indigenous innovations in biomedical, tailored to its needs. Homegrown advancement will not only reduce dependency on imports but also foster cost-effective, cutting-edge medical solutions that can empower healthcare professionals and benefit millions across the country. The partnership between ICICI Foundation and IIT Bombay aims to meet this objective. The ‘IITB-ICICI BETIC Hub’ will facilitate the development of indigenous medical innovations ensuring affordable healthcare solutions to patients. We are delighted to collaborate with IIT Bombay to drive a meaningful change in the healthcare ecosystem.”

So far, ICICI Foundation has positively impacted over 2.5 million lives to receive treatment in 550 hospitals across the country through its initiatives in the healthcare sector. This includes building capacity in curative care, including cancer care, cardiac care, eye care, trauma and emergency care.

About BETIC:

BETIC is the only lab in an academic setting in India with ISO 13485 certification—an internationally recognised quality management system standard for medical devices. It has identified 450 unmet needs after detailed discussions with hundreds of doctors across various specialisations, created 240 novel prototypes, and has filed 70 patents. It has developed 43 medical devices, out of which 23 have been taken to market by startups formed at BETIC; while the remaining 20 devices have been licensed to Indian companies. A recipient of 61 prestigious awards, BETIC has impacted several million lives till date. For more details on BETIC’s work, visit Medical Device Innovation –BETIC, Mumbai

Hillchol®: Bharat Biotech’s Oral Cholera Vaccine Demonstrates Success in Phase III Clinical Studies

Bharat Biotech’s Oral Cholera Vaccine Hillchol® has demonstrated against both Ogawa and Inaba serotypes, proving non-inferior in healthy Indian adults and children, supporting its potential as an effective OCV.

The above study findings have been published in the ScienceDirect, Vaccine journal 126998 to assess a double-blind, randomized phase III clinical trial to evaluate safety, immunogenicity, non-inferiority & lot-to-lot consistency of single component oral cholera vaccine Hillchol® in comparison to a comparator vaccine in a diverse participant group of 1,800 individuals, from infants to adults, across 10 clinical sites in India. In this study, participants were divided into three age groups: adults over 18 years, children aged 5 to under 18 years, and infants aged 1 to under 5 years. They were randomized in a 3:1 ratio to receive either Hillchol® or a comparator vaccine.

The primary endpoint focused on the proportion of participants achieving >4-fold increase in vibriocidal antibody titres against Ogawa and Inaba serotypes 14 days after two doses. While secondary endpoints included Geometric Mean Titre (GMT) measurements and safety.

Key highlights from the findings:

• Robust Immunogenicity: Hillchol® demonstrated a greater than 4-fold rise in vibriocidal antibodies against both Ogawa (68.3%) and Inaba (69.5%) serotypes, proving non-inferiority to licensed vaccines.
• Strong Safety Profile: Adverse events were mild and comparable between the two vaccines. Broad Age Coverage: The vaccine was well-tolerated and immunogenic across all age groups—including infants (≥1 year), children, and adults.

"This publication reaffirms our commitment to advancing vaccines built on rigorous research, thorough clinical trials, and reliable clinical data. It highlights our continued commitment to providing affordable, effective, and accessible vaccines for the populations who need them the most,” said Dr. Krishna Ella, Executive Chairman of Bharat Biotech.

Dr. Ella added, “Cholera is a vaccine-preventable disease that has faced a surge in outbreaks along with a huge shortage of vaccines. The new generation Oral Cholera Vaccine Hillchol®, featuring a simplified single stable O1 Hikojima strain, inducing robust antibodies against both Ogawa and Inaba serotypes, aims to enhance production efficiency and affordability, particularly in lower- and middle-income countries where waterborne diseases continue to pose serious health threats.”

Cholera is an acute diarrhoeal infection caused by ingesting food or water contaminated with Vibrio cholerae bacteria. Studies have estimated that 2.86 million cases and 95,000 deaths occur annually.

HillChol® Pack

With Hillchol®, Bharat Biotech strengthens its commitment to combating global infectious diseases through innovation and clinical excellence. As cholera continues to threaten communities lacking clean water and sanitation, Hillchol® provides a streamlined, scalable solution designed to support global health programs and ensure equitable access to life-saving vaccines.

Global demand for OCVs is close to 100 million doses a year, and given that only one manufacturer supplies them, there is a global shortage. Bharat Biotech's facilities in Hyderabad and Bhubaneswar have a capacity to produce up to 200 million doses of Hillchol®.

Published in the ScienceDirect, Vaccine journal: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0264410X25002956?via%3Dihub

About Bharat Biotech:

Bharat Biotech has established an excellent track record of innovation with more than 145 global patents, a wide product portfolio of more than 19 vaccines, 4 biotherapeutics, registrations in more than 125 countries, and the World Health Organization (WHO) Pre-qualifications. Located in Genome Valley in Hyderabad, India, a hub for the global biotech industry, Bharat Biotech has built a world-class vaccine & bio-therapeutics, research & product development, Bio-Safety Level 3 manufacturing, and vaccine supply and distribution. Having delivered more than 9 billion doses of vaccines worldwide, Bharat Biotech continues to lead innovation and has developed vaccines for influenza H1N1, Rotavirus, Japanese Encephalitis (JENVAC®), Rabies, Chikungunya, Zika, Cholera, and the world’s first tetanus-toxoid conjugated vaccine for Typhoid.

Bharat’s commitment to global social innovation programs and public-private partnerships resulted in introducing path-breaking WHO pre-qualified vaccines BIOPOLIO®, ROTAVAC®, ROTAVAC 5D®, and Typbar TCV® combatting polio, rotavirus, typhoid infections, respectively. HILLCHOL®, an oral vaccine against cholera, was launched in 2024. The acquisition of Chiron Behring Vaccines has positioned Bharat Biotech as the world's largest rabies vaccine manufacturer with Chirorab® and Indirab®. To learn more about Bharat Biotech, visit www.bharatbiotech.com.

Faridabad Gets India’s First Ferret Research Facility, for Vaccines R&D

Representative Image

The newly inaugurated Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI) Ferret Research Facility is a significant milestone for India's biomedical research capabilities. 

Being India’s first ferret research facility, this state-of-the-art research facility is located in Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI), Faridabad, Haryana, and was inaugurated on February 3, 2025. It's designed to adhere to global biosafety and research standards and will serve as a critical resource for vaccine development, therapeutic testing, and infectious disease research.

This facility will enable critical research on viral pathogens like influenza and SARS-CoV-2, bolstering India's pandemic preparedness.

The facility will enable studies on viral pathogens that require ferrets as an experimental model, such as influenza, SARS-CoV-2, and emerging zoonotic. This positions India at the forefront of global health security efforts and strengthens its ability to respond to future pandemics.

This pioneering facility will serve as a crucial resource for vaccine development, therapeutic testing, and research into emerging infectious diseases, significantly bolstering India's pandemic preparedness strategy and positioning the nation at the forefront of global scientific endeavors.

Ferrets

Ferret Research involves using ferrets as animal models to study various diseases, particularly those affecting the respiratory system. Ferrets are small, domesticated mammals that belong to the weasel family, Mustelidae.

Ferrets are especially valuable in research on influenza and other respiratory viruses because their respiratory system is similar to humans. Ferrets are susceptible to many human pathogens, including SARS-CoV-2 and human influenza viruses.

Ferret research is crucial for advancing our understanding of infectious diseases and developing effective treatments and vaccines. It's a fascinating field that plays a significant role in global health security efforts

It's an important development for India's biomedical research capabilities.

However, Ferret research, like any animal research, raises important ethical considerations regarding animal welfare.

Research involving ferrets is subject to strict ethical standards and regulations to ensure humane treatment. These standards are designed to minimize pain and distress for the animals. Research facilities are often required to have oversight by Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees (IACUCs) or similar bodies to ensure compliance with ethical guidelines and to monitor animal welfare.

Researchers are encouraged to use alternative methods whenever possible and to reduce the number of animals used in experiments. This includes using in vitro (test tube) methods, computer modeling, and other non-animal techniques.

While ferret research is valuable for advancing medical knowledge and developing treatments, it is essential to balance scientific progress with the ethical treatment of animals.

IIT Hyderabad and DST's Sree Chitra Tirunal Inked MoU to Collaborate in the Field of Biomedical Engineering

IIT Hyderabad and Sree Chitra Tirunal Collaborate on Exchange of Faculty-Students and Research of Mutual Interest

The two institutes of National Importance will focus on the following aspects in principle, not in total:

• Students Exchange
• Faculty Exchange
• Exchange in Research
• Joint Programs
• Centre of Excellence

Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology ‘SCTIMST” (An Institute of National Importance, Dept. of Science and Technology, Govt. of India) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on May 17, 2023 (Virtually) with IIT Hyderabad “IITH”, to collaborate in the field of Research of Mutual Interest along with Faculty & Student Exchange. The two institutes of National Importance were already working together for some time in the field of Bio-medical Engineering, Medical Device Innovation and related area. This step confirms the strong connection between the two institutes and paves the wave for path-breaking innovation both in the Academics & Research front.

Virtual Signing Ceremony

Prof B S Murty, Director, IIT Hyderabad, expressed his compliments to Prof Renu John, the key person behind formalizing this collaboration and said, “Inventing Innovating in Technology for Humanity” drives every effort IITH endeavours. Since our inception, we have had a strong focus on healthcare, be it the Department of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Biotechnology, Centre of Healthcare Entrepreneurship, Interdisciplinary MTech in Medical Device Innovation with AIG Hospital, MTech in Ophthalmic Engineering with LVPEI and MSc in Medical Physics with Basavatarakam. I am confident that this strategic collaboration with SCTIMST will increase our reach towards healthy humanity.”

Virtual Signing Ceremony

Dr Sanjay Behari, Director, SCTIMST, welcomed the Team IITH to explore their state-of-the-art facilities and said, “We have been working with IITH now for quite some. Optimizing the opportunity that this collaboration has brought, we would be glad to offer facilities to validate the various innovations IITH is working on. In addition, we also look forward to the joint program to develop skilled human resources in the field of Biomedical Engineering."

Dr P V Mohanan, Scientist-G & Head, Division of Toxicology, Head, Department of Applied Biology, Biomedical Technology Wing, SCTIMST, witnessed the occasion along with Prof Renu John, Chair – Centre of Interdisciplinary Program, Prof Chandrashekhar Sharma, Dean (SRC) and Prof V Kanchana, Dean (Faculty), IITH. 

Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IITH) is one of the eight IITs established by the Government of India in 2008. In a short span of 15 years, the institute has become a one of the top ranked institutions in the country and has received global recognition. It has 300+ full-time faculty, ~4,200 students, 18 Departments + 1 Centre for Interdisciplinary Programs, nearly 200+ state-of-the-art laboratories, and five research and entrepreneurship centres. The institute has a strong research focus with approx. Rs ~880 crores of sanctioned research funding, with PG+PhD students accounting for about 60% of total student strength. IITH has more than 8700+ research publications with 1,30,000+ Citations, 190+ Published Patents, 2,200+ sponsored/consultancy projects with 500+ running projects, and about 125+ startups that have generated 1000+ jobs and a revenue of Rs. 800+ Cr. To know more, please visit https://www.iith.ac.in/.