Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms (C-CAMP) Launches National AMR Challenge 2024-25
Three Bengaluru-based institutions, including the Indian Institute of Science (IISc.), have been selected as winners of the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms (C-CAMP) Anti-microbial Resistance (AMR) Challenge 2024-25. The challenge, launched in August 2024, aimed to fund and support innovative solutions to tackle AMR in the environment.
The Nine Winners
- Indian Institute of Science (IISc): For developing a technology using robust catalytic enzyme mimetics to degrade residual antibiotics from effluent wastewater and exhibit antibacterial activity through advanced (photo)catalytic activity.
- Foundation for Neglected Diseases Research (FNDR): For creating a cartridge-based device with a patented mixture of activated charcoal and plant-based materials to deplete antimicrobial residues from wastewater.
- Biomoneta Research Private Limited: For a technology combining detection of air-borne total microbial load and pathogenic microbes in hospital settings using an AI/ML platform and a classic microbiological approach.
- D-NOME Private Limited: For a pocket PCR device that can rapidly and accurately detect and identify Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria (ARB) and Antibiotic Resistance Genes (ARGs) in aquaculture farms and other wastewater sources.
- Vividew Innovations Private Limited: For removing residual antibiotics and antibiotic-resistant bacteria from wastewater in hospital sewage treatment plants (STPs).
- Diagopreutic Private Limited: For detecting residual antibiotic and pathogen identification in water samples from aquaculture farm effluents using a colorimetric method based on differential nitro-reductase activity.
- Mylab Discovery Solutions Private Limited: For rapid detection of pathogens from wastewater samples and detection of environment-related ARGs using an in-house developed nucleic acid extraction kit and advanced multiplexed quantitative RT-PCR technology.
- Huwel Life Sciences Private Limited: For a Real-Time PCR detection kit for typhoid and ARGs in environmental samples.
- Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeeth: For an affordable POT (Point of Testing) device for monitoring AMR in the environment using an impedance-based microfluidic device and a lytic phage-based detection technology.
Nature of Support
The winners will receive support from C-CAMP in India in collaboration with the UK Department of Health and Social Care’s Global AMR Innovation Fund (GAMRIF) to foster the identification and development of world-class AMR-focused innovative solutions to tackle various aspects of AMR in the environment in India and for the benefit of low and middle-income countries (LMICs).
Statement from Prof. Ajay K. Sood
"Antimicrobial resistance in the environment is a serious issue due to unchecked effluents from agriculture and industry reaching our water bodies, air, and land. The problem has assumed alarming proportions across the entire world. I am heartened to see that innovators and scientists in India are developing cutting-edge innovations that hold promise not only in India and LMICs, but for the world," said Prof. Ajay K. Sood, principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India.
Reference : https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/four-bengaluru-based-institutions-among-winners-of-c-camp-amr-challenge-2024-25/article69503969.ece
