BioNEST @ SRM MCH & RC
March 2026

March 2026 | 12 mins read

BioNEST @ SRM MCH & RC is a dynamic platform supporting innovation in healthcare, biotechnology, and medtech. Established with support from national funding agencies, BioNEST aims to bridge the gap between research and commercialization by empowering startups and innovators.

One of the key benefits of BioNEST is its comprehensive incubation support. Startups gain access to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities, co-working spaces, mentorship from experienced clinicians and researchers, and guidance in regulatory approvals and intellectual property. This ecosystem enables innovators to transform ideas into viable products and solutions addressing real-world healthcare challenges.

BioNEST also fosters collaboration by connecting entrepreneurs with industry experts, investors, and academic researchers. Regular workshops, training programs, and networking events help startups refine their business models and scale effectively. Its location within a medical college hospital provides a unique advantage — direct clinical validation and real-time feedback from healthcare professionals.

Additionally, BioNEST promotes translational research, encouraging the development of affordable and accessible healthcare technologies. By supporting early-stage ventures and facilitating funding opportunities, it plays a crucial role in strengthening India's startup ecosystem. Overall, BioNEST at SRM MCH & RC stands as a catalyst for innovation, driving impactful solutions in healthcare while nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs.

Welcome to our BioNEST facility — AKTA PURE CYTIVA

Are you working with proteins? Do you wish to purify your protein and learn its activity or crystallise it? We present to you a one-stop solution for protein purification available at our facility. The ÄKTA pure system by Cytiva is a versatile chromatography platform widely used in research and biopharmaceutical laboratories for protein purification. Designed for flexibility and precision, the system supports multiple chromatography techniques, including affinity, ion exchange, and size exclusion, making it ideal for purifying proteins, antibodies, and other biomolecules.

One of the key advantages of the ÄKTA pure system is its user-friendly interface combined with advanced automation, allowing researchers to design, monitor, and optimize purification protocols efficiently. The system ensures high reproducibility and scalability, which is essential for both academic research and industrial applications.

Additionally, the ÄKTA pure system is equipped with sensitive detectors and real-time monitoring capabilities, enabling accurate analysis of sample purity and concentration. Its modular design allows customization based on specific research needs, enhancing productivity and reliability. Overall, the ÄKTA pure system is a powerful tool that streamlines the purification process, supporting high-quality research and innovation in life sciences and biotechnology.

Advanced Workshop on Western Blotting & Interpretation

On March 5th and 6th, BioNEST hosted an intensive hands-on workshop in collaboration with Aneuva Bioscience, led by Dr. Selvamurugan N, Professor, School of Biosciences and Technology. The workshop focused on Western Blotting techniques and data interpretation, providing participants with both theoretical understanding and practical exposure.

The sessions covered:

• Principles and workflow of Western blotting
• Sample preparation and protein quantification
• SDS-PAGE and transfer techniques
• Blocking, antibody incubation, and detection methods
• Troubleshooting common issues
• Interpretation of band patterns and result validation

Participants gained valuable insights into optimizing experimental conditions and improving reproducibility. The interactive format allowed attendees to clarify technical challenges and refine their lab practices.

Startup Milestone: Mugenics Office Launch

A significant highlight this month was the progression of Mugenics, a faculty-led startup from the School of Biosciences and Technology, which successfully initiated its office operations from BioNEST. Dr. Ramya M and Dr. Rathna Sabapathy, faculty from the School of Biosciences and Technology, work on point-of-care diagnostics. This marks an important milestone in their journey from incubation to operational establishment.

BioNEST continues to support startups like Mugenics by providing infrastructure, mentorship, and a collaborative environment to accelerate innovation and commercialization.

Participation in ISB Pitching Event

Startups in the ideation stage incubated at BioNEST actively participated in a prestigious pitching event conducted by the Indian School of Business. This opportunity enabled emerging entrepreneurs to:

• Present their ideas to industry experts and investors
• Receive constructive feedback
• Enhance their pitching and communication skills
• Explore potential funding and collaboration opportunities

Such engagements are crucial in bridging the gap between early-stage ideas and market-ready innovations.

Expert Session on Phage Therapy

On March 18th, BioNEST hosted an insightful and specialized workshop on phage therapy, conducted by Dr. Shobana, Associate Professor in the Department of Genetic Engineering and founder of Swastha Phage Solutions. The session focused on the emerging role of bacteriophages as a promising alternative to antibiotics, particularly in combating antimicrobial resistance. Dr. Shobana provided an in-depth overview of phage biology, mechanisms of action, and their therapeutic applications in modern medicine.

Key highlights of the workshop included:

• Fundamentals of bacteriophages and host specificity
• Isolation and characterization of phages
• Applications of phage therapy in clinical and environmental settings
• Challenges and future scope in phage-based therapeutics
• Case-based discussions and real-world applications

The session was highly interactive, encouraging participants to engage in discussions, ask questions, and explore practical aspects of phage research. It significantly enhanced the understanding of attendees in this rapidly advancing field and emphasized the importance of innovative approaches in addressing global healthcare challenges.

Conclusion

March 2026 showcased BioNEST's vibrant ecosystem, blending scientific learning, startup growth, and entrepreneurial exposure. From advanced technical training to startup achievements and external collaborations, the month significantly contributed to building a strong innovation-driven community. BioNEST remains committed to empowering researchers, students, and startups through continuous learning opportunities, infrastructure support, and industry engagement.