NEWS
Gurukulites Meet the Mastermind Behind the RT-PCR Kit that saved millions !
Event Details:
- Date: 4th March 2025
- Time/ Duration: 10am to 11:30am and 1pm to 2:30pm
- Venue: Chanakya Auditorium
- No. of Participants: 40 students
Dr. Utpal Tatu, a distinguished professor in the Department of Biochemistry at IISc for 27 years, has spent over two decades researching the disease pathogenesis of neglected pathogens like Plasmodium, Giardia, Trichomonas, Entamoeba, and Trypanosoma. He was the visionary who pioneered an RT-PCR kit for the coronavirus in 2015, initially designed for cattle and later adapted for human testing during COVID-19. His social entrepreneurial initiative, Equine Biotech, developed the ICMR-approved GlobalTM RT-PCR diagnostic kit, reducing testing costs from Rs.3,000 to less than Rs.800, making it highly sensitive, rapid, and affordable. The startup is recognized by the Government of India and Karnataka for its contributions to diagnostics for emerging infectious diseases
Gurukulites met the real hero indeed.One who often shuns the limelight
On National Science Week celebrations, Gurukulites had the rare opportunity to engage with Dr. Tatu at Visvesvaraya Technological Museum, where he led an interactive session on ‘Science-Backed Strategies to Mitigate Infections.’ The young minds posed a volley of insightful questions, delving deep into the world of infectious diseases and modern diagnostics. Impressed by their sharp analytical thinking and scientific curiosity, Dr. Tatu congratulated them and praised their intellect.
They met the real hero indeed—one who often shuns the limelight!
Event planned& executed by
Science Department of NHG
On the occasion of National Science Day Celebrations 2025
