Grus & Grade Pvt Ltd and Sciinv Biosciences Pvt Ltd were the winners of a startup pitch competition held during the ‘AI for Pharma & Biotech’ workshop. The workshop showcased the accomplishments of AI-based startups in the pharma and biotech sectors. Grus & Grade won for their solutions in agriculture, supply chain, and finance, while Sciinv Biosciences won for their focus on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) containment.
The competition was judged by esteemed individuals from various organizations, who highlighted the growing role of AI in different industries. Grus & Grade, led by CEO Ravi Soni, stood out for their transformative impact in agri-tech and fintech. Their platform, called ‘Upajguru’, uses advanced technologies like IoT, blockchain, and AI to revolutionize agriculture and address challenges such as reduced food income and increased use of pesticides.
Sciinv Biosciences, represented by Krishna, gained recognition for their innovative AMRx tool. This tool is a culture-free companion diagnostic tool that is transforming the approach to diagnosing and treating Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs). It streamlines and reduces unnecessary clinical investigations, making it valuable in resource-limited settings. It helps healthcare professionals prescribe the most appropriate empirical antibiotics for timely and effective treatment.
Prof Reddanna, Executive President of FABA, stressed the need for a dedicated startup ecosystem in India, especially in the pharma and biotech industries. He praised FABA for bridging the ecosystem gap and nurturing entrepreneurship and innovation among young startups. Dr. Ratnakar, Secretary General of FABA, highlighted the Department of Biotechnology’s bio-AI hubs initiative and the impact of AI in biotechnology.
Y Varaprasad Reddy, Chairman of WTC Shamshabad, discussed the collaboration between FABA and WTC in connecting startups with investors and focusing on public health. Dr Burri Ranga Reddy, President of Infection Control Academy of India (IFCAI), emphasized the importance of social impact in industry efforts and introduced PRASHO, a foundation for advancing health outcomes.
