India has established its first dedicated animal stem cell biobank in Hyderabad, a move aimed at strengthening the country’s veterinary medicine, livestock health, and biomanufacturing capabilities.
The NIAB (National Institute of Animal Biotechnology) has set up a biobank to store and preserve high-quality stem cells from multiple animal species. It will be a pipeline for industry stakeholders for supplying quality-controlled samples and indigenous cell culture media to veterinary clinics, research institutions, hospitals, and industry stakeholders. The facility, set up under the Department of Biotechnology’s Biotechnology Research Innovation Council was inaugurated by Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh at NIAB’s Gachibowli campus.
According to The Economic Times, the initiative is expected to support advancements in regenerative therapies, animal disease research, and alternative protein production, while reducing reliance on imported materials. By providing a cost-effective, domestic source of stem cell resources, it aims to accelerate both clinical and industrial applications in animal health.
Officials noted that the facility aligns with national priorities such as the BioE3 Policy – focusing on economy, employment, and environment – and contributes to broader goals under ‘Viksit Bharat 2047.’ The innovations are also positioned to address challenges such as zoonotic diseases, which account for a significant share of emerging infectious threats worldwide.
Industry observers see the development as a strategic step for India’s veterinary and biotech sectors, creating new opportunities for research collaborations, product development, and rural economy support through improved livestock productivity. By integrating stem cell technology into mainstream veterinary practice, the biobank could influence future approaches to disease control, sustainable protein sources, and animal-based agriculture.
