Hyderabad, June 18, 2025 – In a significant step toward empowering life sciences research in India, global biotech leader Thermo Fisher Scientific, in collaboration with the Atal Incubation Centre – Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (AIC-CCMB), has launched a first-of-its-kind on-campus supply centre. The facility was inaugurated by Dr. Vinay Kumar Nandicoori, Director of CCMB, at the CCMB Annexe 2 in Hyderabad.
Fast-Tracking Scientific Research with On-Site Access
The supply centre aims to resolve a persistent challenge faced by researchers and startups—delays in procuring critical lab supplies such as reagents, antibodies, cell culture media, and chemical consumables. With an in-house stock of these essential materials, research teams at CCMB and surrounding institutes can now gain immediate access to the tools they need, eliminating weeks-long procurement delays and enabling faster scientific progress.
“By putting essential materials right on campus, we’re enabling faster scientific breakthroughs,” said a senior executive from Thermo Fisher. He emphasized how the new centre would help scientists move past operational bottlenecks and focus on their core research.
Dr. Nandicoori highlighted the significance of the launch, noting, “With essential supplies now available within our premises, the pace of research will accelerate significantly—not just at CCMB but also in nearby research institutions.”
A Strategic Move for the Ecosystem
This on-campus supply centre is more than a distribution point; it is part of a broader strategy to build an integrated ecosystem for life sciences and biotech innovation. The centre is situated adjacent to the Centre for Innovation (CFI), an advanced facility supported by Thermo Fisher, and serves both as a logistical hub and a point of collaboration among scientists, entrepreneurs, and startups.
This is not the first time Thermo Fisher and CCMB have collaborated to enhance infrastructure. In April 2024, the two organizations had partnered to install high-tech platforms, including automated nucleic acid purification systems and high-content imagers, boosting the R&D capabilities of the CCMB community.
Together, these initiatives reinforce a shared vision of transforming Hyderabad into a global hub for cutting-edge life sciences research and product development.
Hands-On Learning: A Cell Health Analysis Workshop
To mark the launch of the supply centre, a three-day workshop on “Cell Health Analysis” was also held from June 18 to 20. Conducted by AIC-CCMB in partnership with Thermo Fisher, the workshop catered to researchers, post-graduate students, and biotech startups.
The curriculum included both theoretical and practical modules. Using instruments like the Attune NxT Flow Cytometer and the Evos M7000 Imaging System, participants learned to perform key tasks such as:
- Cell viability testing
- Apoptosis and necrosis detection
- Immune cell profiling
- Oxidative stress analysis
- Live-cell imaging and morphological studies
The workshop aimed to build local capacity in the latest techniques used in drug discovery, immunology, and regenerative medicine.
“Cell analysis is critical in understanding and developing therapies for diseases like cancer,” said Dr. Madhusudhana Rao, CEO of AIC-CCMB. “This training helps our young scientists and startup founders work with advanced tools that are commonly used in global research labs.”
A Game-Changer for Researchers and Startups
1. Faster Turnaround Times
The most immediate benefit of the supply centre is speed. With critical reagents and tools available on-site, scientists no longer have to pause projects due to supply chain delays.
2. Cost Efficiency
Centralized stocking and procurement create cost advantages, particularly for smaller labs and early-stage startups that operate on tight budgets.
3. Collaborative Ecosystem
By placing the centre at the heart of an innovation hub, the facility fosters greater collaboration between academic researchers, biotech firms, and translational science teams.
4. Skill Development
In addition to providing materials, the partnership emphasizes training and upskilling through regular workshops, seminars, and access to expert guidance.
Looking to the Future
The supply centre is only the beginning. Plans are underway to integrate digital inventory tracking and predictive analytics for stock management. There is also talk of launching mobile supply units to support satellite research centers and rural incubation programs.
Future training programs are likely to expand into other critical areas such as:
- Genomics and proteomics
- Bioprocess engineering
- Artificial intelligence in life sciences
- Regulatory and quality management for biotech products
These efforts align closely with national missions to support research, innovation, and entrepreneurship, particularly through initiatives such as the Atal Innovation Mission.
Shaping India’s Biotech Landscape
India’s growing reputation in biotechnology is built on its ability to combine deep academic knowledge with industry-ready innovations. Facilities like the new supply centre ensure that the country’s research community can maintain momentum in areas such as:
- Vaccine development
- Stem cell therapies
- Diagnostic innovation
- Agricultural biotechnology
- Personalized medicine
By bridging the gap between discovery and deployment, the new facility ensures that Hyderabad continues to lead the way in life sciences and biotechnology.
In Conclusion
The launch of the Thermo Fisher–AIC-CCMB on-campus supply centre marks a significant step forward in India’s journey toward becoming a global life sciences powerhouse. By reducing operational delays, cutting costs, and building talent, this partnership has created a blueprint for accelerating innovation across India’s biotech ecosystem.
As Hyderabad continues to attract global attention for its scientific capabilities, initiatives like this will play a key role in shaping the future of research and development in India.
