The Hindu–VIT Conclave explores advances in biotechnology and healthcare

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Dr. Maneesh Paul, CEO, Microvioma, Lead Co-Inventor and Program Director of the Anti-infective Enmetazobactam, Orchid Pharma, Dr. Vasan Sambandamurthy, Senior Vice President, Bugworks Research India Pvt Ltd, Dr. M.M. Balamurali, Professor, Centre for Healthcare Advancement, Innovation and Research, VIT, Chennai in conversation with Athira Elssa Johnson, at The Hindu’s Bio Tech Conclave 2026 in Chennai on September 11, 2026 | Photo Credit: B. Velankanni Raj

The Hindu –VIT Conclave 2026, hosted by VIT Chennai in partnership with The Hindu , brought together experts across academia, research, and investment to discuss advancements in biotechnology and healthcare.

The session on technology application explored its use in medical education, healthcare, biobanking, and neuroinformatics. A second session focused on gene editing and precision medicine, highlighting their potential to better understand and manage diseases.

A panel addressing India’s position as a global biopharma hub covered drug discovery, new anti-infective therapies, and the role biotech firms and academic institutions play in driving research and innovation. Panelists also examined the ecosystem needed to support drug development in India.

Additionally, the conclave addressed funding for biotechnology research and the importance of making new treatments more affordable and accessible. Experts evaluated India’s research and innovation ecosystem — focusing on the connections between scientific research, drug development, precision medicine, and clinical care — and emphasised that healthcare advances must reach a wider population.

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