inStem (Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine)
inStem (Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine)
iBRIC-Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (inStem), Bengaluru, is pleased to announce that the Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Science and Technology (I/C), Dr. Jitendra Singh, visited BRIC-inStem on the 24th April 2025. Established in 2009, BRIC-inStem is the first national research institute dedicated to studying stem cells and regenerative medicine, emphasising translating scientific research into technologies that serve society.
Hon’ble Minister reviewed two key national initiatives to advance the Institute’s research capabilities that will benefit the biotechnology R&D sector in India. These initiatives align with the recently announced BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment, and Employment) Policy, approved by the Union Cabinet on August 24, 2024, to foster high-performance biomanufacturing in India.
CReATE, hosted at iBRIC-inStem, aims to provide a platform that advances our understanding of embryology and early human development. The innovative studies conducted here will provide insights into developmental disorders and congenital anomalies. These findings will have applications in technology development and designing new therapeutic interventions. The Centre will also provide training and facilitate collaborations. To support activities of the Centre, inStem has established the inStem Pluripotent Stem cell Biobank initiative, aimed to create a repository of high-quality pluripotent stem cells ethically sourced from diverse Indian populations. Stringent quality control guidelines and ethical standards have been given the utmost importance. The advanced infrastructure and trained researchers at inStem Pluripotent Stem cell Biobank will support research and open avenues for global engagement, commercialisation, and enhanced stem cell capabilities.
Built as part of the National One Health Mission, this state-of-the-art facility will play a key role in India’s preparedness for future pandemics and epidemics. Located within the BRIC-inStem campus, it will allow expert personnel to handle high-risk pathogens in a secure environment. Designed to meet world-class biosafety standards, it has advanced equipment to support cutting-edge research and provide rapid, accurate diagnostics for infectious diseases. The facility is also envisioned to develop animal infection models for research into vaccines, antimicrobials, and antivirals.
The Hon’ble Minister was accompanied by Prof. Rajesh Gokhale, Secretary, Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Ministry of Science and Technology, Govt. of India, Senior officials from DBT, Prof. Maneesha S. Inamdar, Director of BRIC-inStem and other distinguished scientists and academicians.
The Hon’ble Minister while delivering the lecture emphasized that initiatives and highlighted the importance and values of the CReATE centre. He emphasized the importance of stem cells and explained how this area will change the future of health care. After reviewing the facilities and work at inStem, Hon’ble Minister recommended that joint Ph.D and other training programs between clinicians and inStem should be developed. He said that, as there is “Continuing Medical Education” (CME) for clinicians, there should be “Continuing Stem Cell Education”. Hon’ble Minister gave the example of London School of Economics (LSE) where programs incorporating stem cells and regenerative medicine in Economics have been initiated. He congratulated inStem Scientists and leadership for embarking on this journey and called for greater visibility for inStem.
Livestream of Hon’ble Minister’s Visit: https://www.youtube.com/live/HkFLpxxfTeI?feature=shared
Media Coverage
Press Release by Press Information Bureau, 24 Apr 2025 – https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2124073
The New Indian Express, 25 Apr 2025 – ‘Biotech shaping future economy, public health’: Union Minister Jitendra Singh – https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/karnataka/2025/Apr/25/biotech-shaping-future-economy-public-health-union-minister-jitendra-singh
Express Healthcare, 25 Apr 2025 – BRIC-inStem conducts first gene therapy trial for Haemophilia – https://www.expresshealthcare.in/news/bric-instem-conducts-first-gene-therapy-trial-for-haemophilia/448912/
The Hans India, 24 Apr 2025 – India achieves breakthrough in gene therapy for haemophilia: Minister – https://www.thehansindia.com/news/national/india-achieves-breakthrough-in-gene-therapy-for-haemophilia-minister-965536
Devdiscourse, 24 Apr 2025 – India’s Biotech Leap: Dr. Jitendra Singh Hails BRIC-inStem’s Key Innovations – https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/science-environment/3357602-indias-biotech-leap-dr-jitendra-singh-hails-bric-instems-key-innovations
Voice of Healthcare, 25 Apr 2025 – Dr. Jitendra Singh Lauds BRIC-inStem’s Role in India’s Bio-Economy Growth – https://voiceofhealthcare.org/updates/Dr.-Jitendra-Singh-Lauds-BRIC-inStem%E2%80%99s-Role-in-India%E2%80%99s-Bio-Economy-Growth~RpemVVmPEj-zrEld0BByo
Quotes from Hon’ble Minister’s Address
“What’s being done here (at BRIC-inStem) should echo across the country—not for publicity, but because the nation needs it”
“We have a BioE3 policy – if the economists believe that the next revolution is going to be bioeconomy driven, we are already into it”
“Like we have continuing medical education (CME) (for medical professionals), we could have continuing stem cell education”
“(Bio-)wealth is going to be discovered by biotechnologists. So, you can understand how important your role is going to be in the years to come in the building of national economy as well”
“An institute like this (BRIC-inStem) is going to be perhaps one of the torchbearers of the new (bio-economy) revolution”
Institute for Stem Cell Science
and Regenerative Medicine
GKVK – Post, Bellary Road,
Bangalore 560065, Karnataka, India
