Equine Biotech, a social entrepreneurial initiative by Prof. Utpal Tatu, Department of Biochemistry, Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru has engineered and developed a sensitive, rapid, and affordable COVID-19 diagnostic kit that is approved by Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).

Prof. Utpal Tatu’s Lab at IISc, with over 23 years of experience in studying infectious diseases, has a social entrepreneurial initiative called Equine Biotech.

This start-up, recognised by the Government of Karnataka and Government of India, is involved in developing diagnostics for emerging infectious diseases such as COVID-19.

The company has now developed a COVID-19 RT-PCR diagnositic kit called “Global^TM diagnostic kit” for accurate and affordable diagnosis.

Equine Biotech is looking to licence the above kit for large scale manufacturing and sale. The agreement would involve tech transfer and support in manufacturing of kits.

"We are looking at Med-Tech companies with experience in distribution and marketing of diagnostic kits", said Prof Tatu.