Press Reports

Hyderabad, India – April 10, 2024
Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), a premier life science research organisation under the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has forged an alliance with Blockchain For Impact (BFI) under the BFI-Biome Virtual Network Program to accelerate biomedical research and innovation in India.

BFI-Biome Virtual Network Program is a pioneer initiative bringing together research institutes and incubators under one umbrella to foster stakeholder collaborations. Under this program, BFI will allocate over 600,000 USD during the course of three years and leverage the state-of-the-art facilities and expertise at CCMB to support interdisciplinary and collaborative translational research projects in the field of biomedical science and innovation.

CSIR-CCMB is committed to providing research and training in the most cutting-edge areas of biology and facilitating centralised national access to the most modern techniques in the interdisciplinary areas of biology. CSIR-CCMB also promotes biomedical research endeavours, which is in tandem with the BFI-Biome vision that cuts across traditional boundaries by encompassing both upstream and deep science, driving innovation that leads to transformative health solutions. This environment will encourage the exchange of ideas, network building, and the sharing of valuable experiences. This partnership aims to aid the acceleration of the translation of research discoveries into real-world life sciences solutions.

The launch event held in Hyderabad was graced by the presence of Dr. Vinay Nandicoori, Director, CCMB, other scientists from the institute and representatives from BFI including Dr Gaurav Singh, CEO; Dr Pooja Agrawal, Program Director; and Dr Satya Prakash Dash, Senior Advisor, were present.

Mr. Sandeep Nailwal, founder, Blockchain For Impact conveyed his excitement about CSIR-CCMB joining the BFI-Biome Virtual Network Program. With a dedicated USD 15 million program for advancing Biomedical Research and Innovation in India, the BFIBiome initiative integrates both upstream and deep science, fostering an environment that drives innovation leading to transformative healthcare outcomes. This programme aims to bring together leading researchers, technologists, and innovators to collaborate and innovate to drive the next generation of intervention for improved healthcare

Dr. Gaurav Singh, CEO of BFI, conveyed his pleasure about the partnership, stating, ”This partnership is exciting for BFI as it aligns perfectly with our vision for advancing research and innovation, ensuring that the benefits reach those who need them the most. As a catalyst funder, our commitment goes beyond financial support. Through our two verticals – Biomedical Research and Innovation, and District full-stack partnerships, and process-driven innovation funding and support, we are working towards addressing critical gaps in India’s healthcare sector. The BFI-Biome Virtual Network Program is a significant step in this direction.”

Dr. Pooja Agrawal, Program Director, BFI, highlighted the potential impact of the collaboration, stating, “By creating the BFI Biome Virtual Network, we hope to bring partners from different sectors to develop long-term solutions through biomedical innovation. Our partnership with CCMB is important for this effort. By leveraging the expertise at CCMB, the goal is to accelerate the translation of scientific discoveries into impactful healthcare solutions. ”

Dr. Vinay Nandicoori, Director, CSIR CCMB, expressed his delight at the partnership, stating, “We are excited about this partnership, which would allow us to attempt projects with sound science and translational value. We hope that the outcomes from these projects would benefit Indian’s healthcare needs at large.”

Dr. Satya Prakash Dash, Senior Advisor, BFI, reflected upon the achievements of CCMB, stating, “BFI is extremely glad to partner with CCMB, one of the top institutions in the country for biomedical research. We hope that through support to cutting edge biomedical research at CCMB, we would be able to accelerate translation for the benefit of the society and alleviate healthcare challenges that we face.”

This partnership of CSIR-CCMB with BFI marks a significant milestone in the BFIBiome Network Program’s ongoing efforts to advance biomedical research and innovation in India. The organisations will leverage new-age technologies in core lifesciences research to foster innovation and co-develop a resilient healthcare ecosystem.

For more information about the BFI-Biome Virtual Network Program and the collaboration with CCMB, please contact: bfi.biome@blockchainforimpact.in.

About CSIR CCMB:

CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology is a premier life science research institute based out of Hyderabad, India. It addresses fundamental questions in biology and seeks to translate their knowledge into technologies for societal needs.

About ‘Blockchain For Impact’ (BFI):

Blockchain for Impact was set up during the 2nd wave of COVID pandemic in India, was created to help support those in need of help. As the world’s most transparent healthcare fund, BFI initially worked towards strengthening the Indian healthcare system through a sustained supply of medical equipment, vaccines, and relief kits. However, after the COVID wave, the focus transitioned towards early identification and prevention activities which sufficed in capacity building, genome sequencing, adding hospital beds, vaccination, and awareness campaigns.

What started as a Samaritan in emergency response has now transitioned towards a system that is involved in introducing programmatic interventions across the public health space at micro and macro levels. BFI aims to utilise skills, commitment, and technology to address current challenges and future gaps centred around health to help the marginalised and the vulnerable. With a special focus surrounding Biomedical Research and Innovation, BFI’s District-level Full Stack Program, Process-driven Innovation, and Relief work, BFI has been devised for pre-empting, predicting, and preparing India’s healthcare system for the inevitable pandemics.

From devising emergency relief measures to bringing programmatic interventions with long-term decision-making in perspective, ‘Blockchain For Impact’ remains driven towards improving the well-being of the marginalised across various priorities in the public healthcare space and aims to become a holistic support system for the future of Indian healthcare.