National Biobank

Inauguration & Location: On July 6, 2025, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh inaugurated the state-of-the-art Phenome India “National Biobank” at the CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (CSIR-IGIB) in New Delhi.Core Purpose: This facility serves as a comprehensive repository of genomic data, lifestyle details, and clinical information from a diverse, longitudinal cohort of around 10,000 individuals across India.Part of a Larger Initiative: The Biobank is integral to the Phenome India Project, officially known as Phenome India–CSIR Health Cohort Knowledgebase (PI-CHeCK), which began in December 2023.Long-Term Health Tracking: A longitudinal approach allows researchers to monitor health trajectories over time, uncover disease patterns, gene–environment interactions, and therapy responses—all within India’s unique context.Inclusive and Representative Data: Inspired by the UK Biobank, but uniquely designed for Indian diversity, accounting for differences in geography, ethnicity, socio-economic background, and more.Enhanced Research & Public Health: The Biobank is expected to advance research into major chronic and complex diseases—such as diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular conditions, and rare genetic disorders—by enabling earlier diagnosis and precision-targeted treatments.Cutting-Edge Tools & Collaborations: The high-resolution data will power AI-driven diagnostics, support gene-guided therapies, and complement India’s work in areas like CRISPR, quantum tech, and antimicrobial resistance.Foundation for Self-Reliance: This infrastructure strengthens India’s capability in healthcare analytics and genomic research—potentially positioning it to rival global biobanks.Dr. N. Kalaiselvi described the Biobank as a “baby step with the DNA of a giant leap,” emphasizing that the depth and diversity of the data could one day surpass international standards.

Source: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2142726