AP: Biodesign Research Initiative to Collaborate with Ratan Tata Innovation Hub
Naidu noted that by integrating global and local expertise, the BRAIN programme has the potential to bring significant changes in public health.
Vijayawada: Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has announced the launch of the Bharat Biodesign Research and Innovation (BRAIN) Programme to introduce innovations in healthcare.
He said the initiative would operate as part of the Ratan Tata Innovation Hub at Amaravati.
The programme is being established under the leadership of AI & MedTech Alliance Foundation in collaboration with the Asia-Pacific Biodesign Alliance and the Stanford Biodesign in the United States. Its focus would be to encourage cutting-edge research and innovation in healthcare, particularly in Artificial Intelligence and Medical Technology, opening new pathways for breakthrough solutions.
The CM noted that by integrating global and local expertise, the BRAIN programme has the potential to bring significant changes in public health.
On Monday, he interacted with medical experts from various countries affiliated with the Asia-Pacific Biodesign Alliance at the state secretariat. He observed that this initiative would promote research, foster new medical technology start-ups, and nurture professional expertise, helping Andhra Pradesh emerge as a hub for knowledge economy and innovation.
Experts from Australia, the USA, Israel, Japan, Singapore, Taiwan and Ireland gave presentations to the CM on biodesign activities in their countries.
Participants included Dr Rakesh Kalapala, president of AI & MedTech Alliance Foundation; Prof Anurag Mairal from the Stanford Centre for Biodesign; Dr Yona Weisbach, co-chair of Asia-Pacific Biodesign; Prof Kevin Pfleger, chair of Biodesign Australia; Yuriyon Kobayashi representing Tokyo Biodesign; James Chien-Hia Tseng from Taiwan Biodesign; associate prof Mark Chong from the National University of Singapore; and Colin Forde, co-founder of Mirai Medical.
During the meeting, Naidu discussed a roadmap for developing Andhra Pradesh into a centre for medical innovation and MedTech research. An MoU was signed between the state government and global experts to collaborate in areas such as research, training, technology transfer, start-ups, and incubation. A specific MoU was finalised with the AIM Foundation of the University of Western Australia.
Through this agreement, Bharat Biodesign and Biodesign Australia would work jointly. The partnership would support technology transfer, specialised training programmes for students, and innovation-driven collaboration in the healthcare sector.
The CM explained that the state has been adopting advanced technologies to strengthen healthcare services. A DigiNerve Centre has been set up at Kuppam in Chittoor district in collaboration with Tata and the Gates Foundation. The centre connects PHCs to area hospitals, thereby extending medical services to citizens.
He added that the government plans to expand DigiNerve services across the state. Along with modern medical services, traditional Indian practices such as Yoga and Naturopathy are also being integrated into public healthcare.
The CM said the AP MedTech Zone in Visakhapatnam is playing a crucial role in the production of advanced medical devices.
Naidu expressed confidence that the present MoU will pave the way for revolutionary innovations in healthcare.
The meeting was attended by health minister Satya Kumar Yadav, special chief secretary Krishna Babu, health commissioner Veerapandian and EDB CEO Saikanth Varma.
