The International Biobanking Conference 2026 was successfully organized by the Biobank India Foundation in collaboration with the DST–Technology Enabling Centre and ASPIRE-BioNEST at the University of Hyderabad under the theme “Technology-Driven Biobanking: Enabling Innovation from Bench to Bedside.”
The conference brought together leading national and international experts, clinicians, researchers, and industry representatives to deliberate on how advanced biobanking technologies are accelerating biomedical research, precision medicine, cancer research, and public health innovation. Biobanks play a crucial role in collecting, preserving, and managing biological samples such as blood, tissues, and DNA along with associated clinical and research data, thereby enabling scientists to develop improved diagnostics, therapies, and personalized healthcare solutions.
The inaugural session was graced by Dr. Guru N. Reddy, Chairman of Continental Hospitals, who attended as the Chief Guest. In his address, he highlighted the growing importance of collaborations between hospitals, research institutions, and biobanks in advancing translational medicine and improving patient outcomes.
Welcoming the dignitaries and participants, Prof. Rajagopal, Coordinator of the DST–UoH–TEC and Director of ASPIRE-BioNEST, emphasized the need for strengthening technology-enabled biobanking infrastructure to support research and innovation in the life sciences sector.
Other distinguished speakers at the inaugural session included Nandini K. Kumar, former Deputy Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research and President of the Biobank India Foundation; Anand K. Kondapi, Dean of the School of Life Sciences at the University of Hyderabad; Birendra Kumar Yadav, National Director of the Biobank India Foundation; and Daniel Catchpoole, Chair of the BBIF International Advisory Committee from Australia.
The scientific program featured keynote lectures by Rohit Gupta from Chronicle Bio, USA. The prestigious Prof. Shankar Oration was delivered by Anita Mahadevan from National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences and Annie Hasan from Kamineni Hospitals. Their talks highlighted the increasing role of digital platforms, brain biobanks, and genetic counseling in enabling next-generation biomedical discoveries and translating research from the laboratory to clinical practice.
A key focus of the conference was the One Health approach, which integrates human, animal, and environmental health perspectives. Experts from Europe, Australia, Africa, Indonesia, and India shared insights on emerging trends in Biobanking 4.0, including digital infrastructure, automation, advanced data management systems, and global collaboration required for next-generation biomedical research.
The conference also witnessed strong participation from the academic community of the University of Hyderabad. Notable presentations were delivered by Prof. Appa Rao Podile and Prof. Ch. Venkata Ramana, who discussed the importance of the One Health framework and the role of microbial biobanks in advancing research on microbial diversity, environmental sustainability, and biotechnology.
The event was coordinated by Dr. Sunil, Principal Scientific Officer at DST–UoH–TEC, Birendra Kumar Yadav, National Director of the Biobank India Foundation, Dr. Anil Kondreddy, CEO of ASPIRE-BioNEST; Dr. Ramakrishna, CEO of TBI; and along with a dedicated team of faculty members, researchers, and volunteers.
The conference served as an important platform for strengthening global partnerships, advancing biobanking standards, and promoting technology-driven biomedical research aimed at improving healthcare outcomes.