BRIC-THSTI Hosts SYNCHN 2026 to Boost Healthcare Innovation
BRIC-THSTI Hosts SYNCHN 2026 to Boost Healthcare Innovation
CNB WORLD TIMES
Faridabad, 15th July: The Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI), an institute under the Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (BRIC), Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, organised the third edition of its annual industry business meet, SYNCHN 2026 (Synergistic Collaboration in Healthcare Innovation) at the NCR Biotech Science Cluster campus in Faridabad.
The event brought together global healthcare leaders, biotechnology experts, venture capitalists, startups, researchers and policymakers. The meeting focused on strengthening collaboration and speeding up the translation of scientific research into commercial healthcare products and patient solutions.
Chief Guest Dr. Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Executive Chairperson of Biocon, addressed the gathering virtually. She said the 21st century will be driven by biology, biotechnology and artificial intelligence. She stressed that India has strong scientific capabilities, but greater efforts are needed to convert research into market-ready innovations. She highlighted the importance of THSTI and the SYNCHN platform in promoting collaboration between academia and industry.
THSTI Executive Director Prof. Ganesan Karthikeyan welcomed the delegates and highlighted the growth of the SYNCHN initiative. He said the first edition in 2024 resulted in 13 Letters of Intent, while the 2025 edition led to 19 strategic agreements. He reaffirmed THSTI’s commitment to supporting research translation, reducing commercialization risks and strengthening industry partnerships.
Prof. Karthikeyan also highlighted THSTI’s advanced facilities, including the Medical Research Centre (MRC) and the Accelerated Productisation and Epidemic Preparedness (APEX) initiative. The MRC houses an early-phase clinical trial unit, an advanced CAR-T cell research unit and India’s first Controlled Human Infection Studies (CHIS) facility. The APEX platform supports the development and large-scale production of biologics.
Dr. Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi, Drugs Controller General of India (CDSCO), said the organisation is developing a modern regulatory framework for biologics with participation from industry experts. Prof. M. Srinivas, Member of NITI Aayog, emphasised the need to convert scientific discoveries into affordable and accessible healthcare solutions through stronger collaboration between research institutions and clinical centres.
Speaking on the biotechnology sector, Dr. Manish Diwan highlighted the newly launched BIRAC Research Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund, which aims to support startups, industries and research laboratories by addressing funding gaps. Amit Pandey of the Indian Venture and Alternate Capital Association (IVCA) said India’s bioeconomy is growing at around 18 per cent annually.
SYNCHN 2026 also featured several panel discussions. Experts discussed India’s growing role in global healthcare, the need for stronger manufacturing and research partnerships, faster pathways for early clinical trials, and better collaboration among innovators, investors and industry to support biotechnology startups.
The event concluded with interactive sessions between industry representatives and THSTI scientists. Delegates also toured THSTI’s advanced research infrastructure and core technology facilities, providing opportunities for future collaborations in healthcare innovation.
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