Dedication of India’s First Ferret Research Facility,
Launch of GARBHINI-DRISHTI,
&
Execution of Technology Transfer Agreement between THSTI and Sundyota Numandis Probioceuticals Pvt. Ltd.

India's commitment to cutting-edge biomedical research and innovation took a significant leap forward today with the dedication of the nation's first Ferret Research Facility, the launch of the GARBH-INi-DRISHTI data repository, and the execution of a key technology transfer agreement. The events, held at the Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI) in the NCR Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad, Haryana, were presided over by Dr. Rajesh Gokhale, Director General, Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council and Secretary, Department of Biotechnology on 3rd Feb 2025.
The Ferret Research Facility, is the first in India and it marks a pivotal moment in India's fight against infectious and non-communicable diseases. This facility will serve as a crucial resource for vaccine development, therapeutic testing, and research into emerging infectious diseases especially influenza and other diseases. 
Dr. Gokhale also launched GARBH-INi-DRISHTI, the DBT Data Repository and Information Sharing Hub at THSTI. This dashboard, developed under the GARBH-INi program, provides access to clinical data, images, and biospecimen collected in the GARBH-INi cohort. As one of South Asia's largest maternal and child health databases, GARBH-INi-DRISHTI will empower researchers worldwide to carry out research for improving maternal and neonatal health outcomes. 
THSTI also executed a Technology Transfer Agreement with M/s Sundyota Numandis Probioceuticals Pvt. Ltd. for commercialization of THSTI's Lactobacillus crispatus consortium. This consortium holds immense promise for nutraceutical applications, promoting overall health and well-being through targeted microbiome-based interventions.
Prof. Ganesan Karthikeyan, Executive Director of THSTI, highlighted the institute's strategic role in shaping India's biotech ecosystem, emphasizing its contributions to fostering a robust environment for research and commercialization.
Dr. Gokhale lauded THSTI's commitment to translational research, recognizing the Ferret Facility as a landmark achievement placing India among select nations with such capabilities. He commended the development of GARBH-INi-DRISHTI, emphasizing its potential to empower researchers nationwide in improving birth outcomes. Dr. Gokhale also underscored the importance of technology transfer agreements in driving the biomanufacturing ecosystem and applauded THSTI's efforts in forging industry partnerships for commercialization. These combined initiatives represent a powerful confluence of scientific advancement, data-driven research, and industry collaboration, propelling India towards a healthier and more prosperous future.
https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2099214