The Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (BRIC-inStem) celebrated its 17th Foundation Day on 29 August 2025, highlighting a legacy of scientific excellence and a strong commitment to future innovation. Established in 2009, BRIC-inStem remains India’s foremost institution dedicated to stem cell science, regenerative medicine, and translational research.

This year, the celebration was marked by the presence of Dr. V. Narayanan, Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and Secretary, Department of Space, Government of India, as Chief Guest. A distinguished aerospace engineer, Dr. Narayanan has led several critical ISRO missions, including the development of the C25 cryogenic stage for the GSLV Mk III, a key component of India’s Chandrayaan-2 and Chandrayaan-3 missions.

A key highlight this year was BRIC-inStem’s foray into space biotechnology. Under the DBT-ISRO Joint Collaboration, Dr. Arvind Ramanathan’s lab developed a myogenesis experiment—one of seven Indian life sciences experiments sent to the International Space Station (ISS). Conducted by Gaganyatri Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the study examines how muscle stem cells respond to microgravity and whether nutrient supplements support muscle regeneration. The lab also presented Gravisim, an indigenously developed microgravity simulator that mimics space-like conditions on Earth.

The celebrations also coincided with BioE3 Pakhwada, commemorating one year since the launch of the National BioE3 Policy. BRIC-inStem showcased its work aligned with the policy’s vision, particularly in space biotechnology and personalized medicine. The institute’s leadership in cell and gene therapy, and its contributions to India’s growing biotech landscape, were highlighted during the event.

Dr. Narayanan visited key research facilities, including the state-of-the-art Stem Cell Facility, and was briefed on BRIC-inStem’s major programmes: CReATE, WoRtH, and ESCORT. He also interacted with faculty members and leadership from the Bangalore Life Sciences Cluster (BLiSC).

The Foundation Day ceremony began with a Welcome Address by Prof. Inamdar, who thanked the Chief Guest and welcomed Dr. Rajesh S. Gokhale, Secretary, Department of Biotechnology (DBT), who joined virtually. She reflected on the institute’s journey and highlighted key achievements from the past year, including the launch of Kisan Kavach by the Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Science and Technology (I/C) and the first successful in-human gene therapy trial for Hemophilia A, conducted at CSCR, a unit of BRIC-inStem.

In his remarks, Dr. Rajesh S. Gokhale commended BRIC-inStem’s contributions to India’s research landscape, calling on the institute to become a “lighthouse” that inspires the broader scientific community.

In his Foundation Day address, Dr. Narayanan provided an inspiring account of ISRO’s journey and its role in positioning India as a global space power. He stressed the critical importance of foundational biomedical research for building a healthy, developed nation and encouraged BRIC-inStem researchers to engage actively in emerging space biotechnology initiatives.

The Foundation Day celebration stood as a powerful reminder of the institute’s growing role at the intersection of biology and technology. With new frontiers opening in space biotechnology, gene therapy, and regenerative medicine, BRIC-inStem is poised to play a transformative role in shaping India’s scientific and bio-economic future. We thank our students, researchers, staff, faculty and our collaborators and partners from across India and the world for their seminal contributions in making this journey possible.