Bengaluru-based biotech firm, Azooka, celebrated its 10 year milestone on Feb 27, hosting its user conference, Bioverse 2026, which focused on the interconnected nature of next-generation healthtech. The highly insightful event featured many industry leaders, including:
- Dr (Maj) Satish S. Jeevannavar, Founder, AI Health Highway
- Dr Prof. H.S. Savithri, Former Chairman, Department of Biochemistry, IISc (Guest of Honour)
- Laina Emmanuel, CEO, BrainSight AI
- Dr Manoj Johnson, Medical Director, Johnmarians Wellness Group
- Dr C.V. Natraj, Board of Directors, Tata Chemicals
- Kumar Sankaran, CEO, Leucine Rich Bio
- Dr Ashok Gopinath, Partner Development Head, Strand Life Sciences
Bioverse 2026 & Azooka’s 10-Year Journey
Incubated at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and founded in 2016 by Alex D Paul and Dr Fathima J Benazir, Azooka Labs Pvt Ltd is a Bengaluru-based biotech startup that makes essential products used in genetic testing and research. The company manufactures DNA and RNA extraction kits, sample collection tubes, molecular transport media, and other genomics tools using eco-friendly “green chemistry” principles.
Over the last ten years, Azooka has focused on creating affordable, non-hazardous solutions – an Indian alternative to US-dominated suppliers – that reduce chemical waste and cut down cold storage costs, which is especially important for low- and middle-income countries.
The Bioverse 2026 began with the address of Azooka’s co-founder, Alex D. Paul.
Talking about Tinto Rang, the company’s flagship product, which is a patented, food-grade safe fluorescent dye developed by Azooka Life Sciences. It is designed as a non-toxic, eco-friendly alternative to hazardous nucleic acid stains like ethidium bromide (EtBr) used in molecular biology research, DNA/RNA testing, and COVID-19 RT-PCR kits.
He said, “What began as a PhD thesis a decade ago has evolved into one of APAC’s emerging omics consumables manufacturing stories, now serving over 400 customers across research labs, hospitals, and biotech firms.”
The conference focused on themes of scientific integrity, building domestic manufacturing capacity in genomics, and sustaining long-term credibility in an R&D space.
Major discussions were around how microbiome research, artificial intelligence, molecular diagnostics, and nutrition science are increasingly interconnected.
Importance of Gut Health & How Microbiomes Impact Overall Well-being
One of the most discussed themes at the event was the growing importance of gut health and the powerful role the microbiome plays in overall well-being. Trillions of microorganisms living in our gut influence not just digestion but also immunity, metabolism, mental health, skin conditions, and even hormonal balance.
At the event, Kumar Sankaran, CEO of Leucine Rich Bio, explained the “microbiome revolution”. He said, “Healthcare needs three big changes. First, we shouldn’t see the microbiome as something limited to just the gut; it affects the entire body, including the brain, lungs and metabolism. Second, instead of taking generic over-the-counter probiotics, treatment should be personalised based on an individual’s microbiome test results. Too much or too little of certain bacteria can both cause problems, so balance is key.”
Sankaran added that India now has the ecosystem, from collection kits and sequencing to analytics, which has made it a global leader in microbiome science.
Another insightful session was conducted by Dr Manoj Johnson, Medical Director, Johnmarians Wellness Group, who stressed the importance of personalised diagnostics.
Dr Johnson said, “Supplementation strategies must be tailored based on absorption, gut dysbiosis, parasite load, genetic differences, etc., rather than general dietary advice.”
Speaking to GoodReturns, Dr Manoj Johnson addressed a question on the impact of stress and mental trauma on gut microbiota,
Dr Johnson said, “Stress and mental trauma can significantly disrupt gut microbiota even in individuals who follow proper diet, exercise, and sleep routines. The gut bacteria produce serotonin, which regulates intestinal movement and communicates with the brain through the vagus nerve. If this signalling is impaired due to dysbiosis, individuals may experience irritability, anxiety, sleep disturbances, and mood fluctuations. At the same time, elevated stress levels can further aggravate gut imbalance, creating a feedback loop involving cortisol and thyroid function.”
“We have to focus on the root cause,” he further added, adding that unless underlying gut or thyroid dysfunction is identified and treated, patients may end up relying solely on anxiety or depression medication without correcting the biochemical imbalance driving the symptoms.
Bioverse 2026: Shift Towards Smarter Healthcare
Bioverse 2026 was all about a broader shift in the Indian healthcare industry, which is now moving beyond “normal range” lab values toward optimisation and personalised medicine. The convergence of genomics, microbiome science, AI diagnostics, and integrative approaches suggests that preventive health is becoming data-driven rather than assumption-based.