IIT Madras releases first-of-its-kind genome database to transform cancer research in India

Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras, announced the Indian cancer (leukaemia, colorectal and pancreatic) genome sequence generation and released at the campus on 4th Feb 2026). The institute has made this database publicly accessible at bcga.iitm.ac.in to researchers and clinicians in India and abroad.

Elaborating on this initiative, Project Coordinator Prof. S. Mahalingam, Head, Centre of Excellence on Cancer Genomics and Molecular Therapeutics and the Hyundai Centre for Cancer Genomics, IIT Madras, said, “This database will be an invaluable resource to identify cancer-specific biomarkers in India, which will enable early detection of leukaemia, colorectal and pancreatic cancers. Additionally, it will facilitate the identification of novel therapeutic targets to support the design of more effective, population-specific treatment strategies for India.”

The Bharat Cancer Genome Grid (BCG2) is a clinician-centric national initiative designed to accelerate the responsible adoption of Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) in routine oncology practice in India. Conceived as a functional and clinical adjunct to the Bharat Cancer Genome Atlas (BCGA), BCG2 aims to bridge the critical gap between large-scale cancer genome data generation and its meaningful application at the patient bedside.

The research was led by the Institute’s Centre of Excellence on Cancer Genomics and Molecular Therapeutics, which was funded under the Government of India’s ‘Institutions of Eminence’ initiative and Hyundai Centre for Cancer Genomics with a support of Rs 56 crore by Hyundai Motors India Foundation.