The fourth Foundation Day of IIT Guwahati’s BioNEST incubator brought together a diverse group of people invested in the future of biotechnology and healthcare in North East India. Held on the IIT Guwahati campus, the event served not just as a celebration, but also as a reflection of the growth, ambitions, and collaboration that have shaped this incubation centre over the past four years. From government officials to startup founders and academic leaders, the gathering showcased a shared commitment to harnessing science and entrepreneurship to meet regional needs.
Setting the Tone: Vision for Accessible Healthcare
The day began with the presence of Dr. Siddharth Singh, IAS, Commissioner & Secretary of the Department of Medical Education & Research, Government of Assam, who was the Chief Guest at the event. Speaking to a packed hall of stakeholders, Dr. Singh focused on the potential of biotech to play a central role in addressing healthcare challenges in underserved areas.
“IIT Guwahati BioNEST has become a beacon of innovation for the North-Eastern region. Its focus on biotech solutions is well-poised to integrate with the Assam Advanced Healthcare Innovation Institute’s mission to revolutionize healthcare accessibility and medical technology deployment in rural and underserved areas,” he said. “This collaboration will be pivotal in transforming healthcare delivery across Assam and beyond.”
Dr. Singh’s remarks reflected a broader shift in policy thinking that aims to bridge the gap between high-tech innovation and rural accessibility. For him, institutions like BioNEST are not isolated entities—they are part of a larger framework to improve quality of life in the North East.
Strengthening Partnerships and Regional Investment
The North Eastern Council (NEC), a central player in nurturing the region’s innovation economy, has been actively supporting the NEC-Ignite Program which funds many of the startups incubated at BioNEST. Bamin Tarang, APCS, Director of Human Resource Development & Employment at NEC, served as Guest of Honour and echoed this sense of local ownership and promise.
“The startups showcased today reflect the ingenuity and resilience of the North Eastern youth. Our collaboration with IITG BioNEST aims to accelerate healthcare and agrotech solutions to market readiness, addressing the unique needs of rural and remote communities of entire North East “said Tarang.
The emphasis was on solutions that are not only technologically sound but also culturally and geographically relevant. For instance, startups working under the NEC-Ignite banner are exploring ways to make medical devices more portable and affordable, or to help farmers adopt biotechnology without needing complex infrastructure.
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BIRAC’s Encouragement for Regionally Anchored Growth
Another voice of support came from Dr. Chhaya Chauhan, representing BIRAC (Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council) under the Government of India. She brought attention to BioNEST’s ability to serve as a role model for other incubators across the North East.
“BioNEST is setting an example for incubation centres across North East with its focus on deeptech and sustainable solutions. Its deeptech focus, inclusive approach and commitment to regional transformation align seamlessly with BIRAC’s mission to nurture next-generation biotech enterprises” she said.
Her comments underscored a key message of the day: innovation doesn’t have to be concentrated in metro cities. With the right support structures, institutions in states like Assam can drive their own progress.
A Rural Lens: Focus on Agro-biotech and Livelihoods
For Mr. Loken Das, CGM of NABARD, the event marked an opportunity to talk about how biotech can connect with agriculture and livelihoods in meaningful ways. He acknowledged BioNEST’s efforts in looking beyond the lab to consider real-world applications for rural communities.
“IITG BioNEST is playing a catalytic role in unlocking the entrepreneurial potential of North East India. By integrating biotech innovation with grassroots livelihood solutions, it is creating sustainable impact for rural communities. NABARD looks forward to deepening collaborations that drive agro-biotech and rural innovation across the region” he said.
His perspective introduced an important dimension: the blend of science with social responsibility. For many rural regions, including those in Assam, access to biotechnology could help improve both economic and nutritional outcomes when tailored to local contexts.
Innovation on Display: A Closer Look at the Startups
At the heart of the day’s celebration was a showcase of 40 deeptech startups nurtured under the NEC-Ignite program. These ventures covered a broad spectrum—from health tech devices and biotech-based diagnostics to sustainable agricultural practices and renewable energy solutions.
Some of the standout names included Symbica, Medinnovations, Avinya Infinity, and Human Biogenesis, all of which are now on the brink of reaching wider markets thanks to support from BioNEST. Their presence at the event served as living examples of what is possible when science meets intent and when local problems are addressed with home-grown talent.
Prof. Dipankar Bandyopdhyay from the Department of Chemical Engineering at IIT Guwahati and Principal Investigator at IITG BioNEST, remarked, “The partnership with IITG BioNEST and AAHI is a step towards realising Assam’s vision of becoming a biotechnology and healthcare innovation hub.” He added that since its inception, BioNEST has supported over 70 technology companies.
Looking Ahead: Building a Bio-Manufacturing Hub
Dr. Swapnil Sinha, CEO of IITG BioNEST, spoke about the journey so far and outlined the centre’s future plans. For her, the progress is not just about numbers but about setting a foundation for long-term growth.
“In just four years, IIT Guwahati BioNEST has transformed into a leading hub for biotech innovation in North East India, empowering startups to create sustainable solutions that address local and global challenges,” she said. “Our focus remains steadfast on deeptech innovations, sustainable agriculture and healthcare technologies that can drive regional transformation.”
She also laid out an ambitious roadmap: turning North East India into a key centre for biomanufacturing. “Our mission is to transform North East India into a leading biomanufacturing destination, focusing on sustainable biotech production and cutting-edge research that can serve both domestic and global markets,” she added.
A Steady Commitment to Future Possibilities
As the event drew to a close, what stood out was not just the celebration of the past four years, but a shared commitment to the work ahead. Whether through healthcare collaborations like the Assam Advanced Healthcare Innovation Institute or by supporting startups through incubation and funding, the focus remains firmly on creating systems that are inclusive, sustainable, and regionally anchored.
The Foundation Day concluded with IIT Guwahati BioNEST reaffirming its role in pushing for technology-driven solutions that respond to the challenges unique to the North East. With plans aligned to national missions such as Viksit Bharat and Aatmanirbhar Bharat, the centre is poised to continue building a bridge between innovation and impact—one startup at a time.
