Union MoS Jitendra Singh Inaugurates India’s First Animal Stem Cell Biobank in Hyderabad, Telangana

On August 9, 2025, Union Minister of State (MoS) (Independent Charge), Dr. Jitendra Singh, Ministry of Science and Technology (MoS&T), Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), inaugurated India’s first-of-its-kind Animal Stem Cell Biobank and Animal Stem Cell Laboratory at the National Institute of Animal Biotechnology (NIAB) in Hyderabad, Telangana a premier institute under the Department of Biotechnology’s Biotechnology Research Innovation Council (BRIC).

• He also laid the foundation stone of a new hostel block and Type-IV quarters worth Rs. 19.98 crores at NIAB, approved by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), MoS&T.

Animal Stem Cell Biobank and Laboratory:

Budget: The facility, spanning over 9,300 square feet (sq ft), is built at a cost of Rs.1.85 crores.

Focus: The biobank will focus on regenerative medicine and cellular therapies for livestock.The laboratory comprises Stem Cell Culture Unit, Three Dimension (3D) Bioprinter, Bacteria Culture Lab, Cryostorage Units, Autoclave Rooms.

• It is equipped with advanced Air Handling systems, and uninterrupted power supply to advance research in disease modelling, tissue engineering, and reproductive biotechnology for livestock.

Support: The initiative is supported by the National Biopharma Mission (NBM) with future expansion plans to include biobanking of animal stem cells and their derivatives.

Launch of Diagnostic Tools: During the event, Union MoS Dr. Jitendra Singh also launched five innovative veterinary diagnostic tools, designed to revolutionize animal health management and support ‘One Health’ approach. It includes

• Rapid Detection of Brucellulosis, a field-deployable, Differentiating Infected from Vaccinated Animals (DIVA)- capable diagnostic kit for early and accurate detection of Brucella species.
• Mastitis Detection Technology, a cost-effective on-site diagnostic evaluation for subclinical and clinical mastitis in dairy cattle.
• Antimicrobial Sensitivity Testing Device, a portable tool providing results within two hours to promote responsible use of antibiotics.
• Toxoplasmosis Detection Kit, a sensitive and specific test for Toxoplasma gondii Infection in animals.
• Japanese Encephalitis Detection Kit, an indigenously developed rapid strip for large-scale surveillance in animals and humans.

National Biopharma Mission (NBM): The NBM, also known as “innovate in India (i3)”, is a flagship Industry-Academia Collaborative Mission, launched by the DBT. It is implemented by the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), DBT, MoS&T.

• It was launched on June 30, 2017, with a budget outlay of Rs.1500 crores, co-funded by the World Bank at 50%, for a period of 5 years.

About the Ministry of Science and Technology (MoS&T):
Union Minister of State (MoS) – Dr. Jitendra Singh (Constituency – Udhampur, Jammu and Kashmir, J&K)