Source: Hindu

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Context

• The Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms (C-CAMP) in Bengaluru has partnered with the Blockchain for Impact (BFI) Biome Virtual Network Program to accelerate transformative healthcare solutions through biomedical innovation.
• This collaboration aims to nurture cutting-edge biomedical science and leverage blockchain technology to address key healthcare challenges in India.

Details

Objective of the Partnership

• The BFI-Biome Virtual Network Program aims to accelerate the impact of transformative scientific advances in healthcare by fostering collaborations among incubators, research institutes, and stakeholders in the translational pipeline.
• C-CAMP has a robust pipeline of biomedical innovations in critical areas such as infectious disease diagnostics, antimicrobial resistance, cell therapy, immuno-oncology, regenerative tissues, and digital health technologies.
• At least 10 of these solutions are already in clinical trials or at the pre-IND stage with regulatory bodies such as the FDA or the CDSCO.

Role of BFI in Supporting C-CAMP

• With the support of BFI, C-CAMP plans to accelerate the commercialization of these emerging solutions by providing access to state-of-the-art infrastructure, regulatory networks, funding, and scale-up opportunities.
• BFI-Biome Virtual Network Program: this initiative unites various incubators and research institutes under a single umbrella to foster collaborations and streamline the translational process from research discoveries to real-world applications.
• BFI will allocate over $200,000 over three years to support essential programs for healthcare-based startups, leveraging C-CAMP's expertise in developing innovative solutions.
• C-CAMP emphasizes that the partnership with BFI aligns with its goals of fostering deep science research and innovation for societal impact.
• Both partners aim to blur disciplinary boundaries, promote cross-integration of expertise, and provide multidisciplinary insights into addressing healthcare challenges.

Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms (C-CAMP)

• The Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms (C-CAMP) is an initiative of the Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science, Technology and Earth Sciences, Government of India.
• Established in 2009, C-CAMP serves as a dynamic hub for life sciences innovation, fostering collaboration between academia, industry, and the startup ecosystem.

Vision:

• C-CAMP is dedicated to enabling cutting-edge bioscience research and innovation through its two major arms: state-of-the-art platform technologies and facilitation of life sciences innovation and entrepreneurship.
• It aims to provide high-end technologies and support systems to researchers and entrepreneurs, allowing them to overcome technological barriers and pursue challenging scientific questions.

Technologies and Services: C-CAMP offers a range of high-end platform technologies and expertise to academic and industrial researchers across India. Some of its key functions and facilities include:

• Confocal and fluorescence microscopy
• Flow cytometry
• Mass spectrometry and biomolecular characterization
• Genomic sequencing and bioinformatics
• Protein technology core
• High-throughput screening
• Transgenic fly facility
• Microfluidics and microfabrication facility
• Mouse genome editing
• Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy
• Electron microscopy
• Medtech rapid prototyping facility for microfluidic diagnostic devices

Innovation and Entrepreneurship:

 As part of its core mandate, C-CAMP actively nurtures entrepreneurs in the biosciences sector by providing comprehensive support and resources. Some of the support facilities offered by C-CAMP include:

• Seed funding schemes
• Incubation facilities
• Mentorship programs
• C-CAMP Startup Advancement Program (C-SAP)
• C-CAMP Agri Innovation Centre
• Intellectual Property Management Office and Technology Transfer Office
• Innovation Accelerator: Discovery to Innovation Accelerator
• BIRAC Regional Entrepreneurship Centre (BREC)

Awards:

• C-CAMP's efforts in fostering entrepreneurship and innovation have been recognized with the National Entrepreneurship Award 2017 from the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Government of India.

Sources:

Hindu

PRACTICE QUESTION Q.  Discuss the role of biomedical engineering in advancing healthcare and addressing global health challenges. Provide examples of innovative biomedical engineering solutions and their impact on healthcare delivery and outcomes. (250 Words)