Invented by scientists from IIT Bombay, InStem and NCBS, the technology comprises methods and systems for determining viruses in biological samples using a single-round pooling system. Samples from multiple individuals are collected and are assigned to multiple pools according to a pooling matrix while ensuring that the number of pools is far fewer than the number of individuals. The samples are clinically tested (RT-qPCR) and correlated with the pool results. The feedback helps the algorithm learn and to refine the results eventually increasing the accuracy of its predictive value. The immediate benefit of the invention is to be able to reduce the number of tests that will be required to screen populations for Covid19. This may be adapted for testing for other viral diseases like Dengue, Tuberculosis, and HIV too. This technology has been licensed to Algorithmic Biologics Private Limited for further development, trial, and commercialization.

A vast majority of farm workers get exposed to pesticides through the dermal route, by inhalation, or both. Organophosphate pesticides (methyl parathion, malathion, paraoxon, and chlorpyrifos) are acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors. Acetylcholinesterase is found in both the central and peripheral nervous systems of humans and its inhibition can lead to the accumulation of acetylcholine (a neurotransmitter) which in turn can result in neurological disorders, suffocation, paralysis, and in severe cases, death. Researchers at InStem have prepared a formulation that can deactivate the toxic agents that are organophosphate-based or carbamate-based pesticides, insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, and chemical warfare agents, among others. The formulation is a reactive nucleophilic agent that rapidly cleaves/hydrolyzes toxic agents before they can enter the subject and cause adverse effects. This technology has been licensed to Sepio Health Pvt. Ltd.