The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), New Delhi, invites Expression of Interest (EoI) from eligible organizations, companies, and manufacturers for the Transfer of Technology and commercialization of "Development of an encapsulated cocktail of gut-microbiota-derived metabolites as a potential therapeutic modality for Ulcerative Colitis". This technology, developed by Dr. Vineet Ahuja from AIIMS, New Delhi, is offered under the ICMR Medical Innovations Patent Mitra initiative for non-exclusive licensing to enable wider public health access.

Overview

The technology comprises a defined combination of gut microbiota-derived metabolite cocktails designed to recapitulate the anti-inflammatory effects of Faecal Microbiota Transplantation (FMT) while overcoming the risks associated with crude faecal material. Rather than targeting a single inflammatory mechanism, the formulation combines multiple metabolites in a synergistic design that simultaneously intervenes across several pathological axes of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). The technology is validated at Technology Readiness Level 5 (TRL-5), with pre-clinical testing conducted using patient-derived intestinal organoids and a DSS-induced colitis model.

Eligibility and Pre-Qualification Criteria

Applicants must meet the following minimum pre-qualification criteria:

• Legal Entity: The proponent shall be a legal entity registered as an Institution, Company, LLP, Society, partnership firm, or proprietorship firm under respective acts in India, with more than 51% of company stakes held by Indian promoters.
• Registration: Must be registered in India with taxation and administrative authorities (GST registration or exemption certificate, PAN Card).
• Experience: Proven prior experience of manufacturing and/or R&D with manufacturing during the last three years, either in-house or through agreed collaboration, and a good track record of marketing same or similar products.
• Financial Standing: The proponent must be profitable and must not have incurred an overall loss in the past three years (applicable to commercial firms only).
• Track Record: Must not be blacklisted or barred by any Central or State Government, Public Sector Undertaking, or Government of India.
• Manufacturing Unit: Must have a manufacturing unit in India.
• Legal Clearance: Proponent and its promoters must not have been convicted for any offence in India during the past three years.
• Certifications: GMP, quality certification (ISO or approved Indian certification) of manufacturing facility, and GLP or necessary certifications for R&D.
• Laboratory Facility: Must have a functional laboratory to carry out R&D for product development.
• Production Capacity: Must demonstrate capacity to produce a minimum quantity per week.

For MSMEs and Start-ups, Start-Up India, Make-in-India, and other relevant Government of India guidelines shall apply.

Application Process and Submission Details

Interested applicants must submit their Expression of Interest through the Medical Innovation Patent Mitra portal at https://patentmitra.icmr.org.in/companyeoiregistration/. Applicants must first register by providing requisite company information, including details of the authorized representative. Upon successful registration, applicants must complete and submit the e-EoI form available on the portal.

Required documents include:

• Declaration - Expression of Interest (Format 1)
• Authorization Letter (Format 2)
• Undertaking regarding Blacklisting (Format 3)
• Undertaking regarding Non-Conviction (Format 4)
• EoI document with each page duly stamped and signed by the authorized signatory
• Undertaking regarding laboratory facility (Format 5)
• Production Capacity Undertaking (Format 6)
• Supporting documents as listed in Format 1
• MSME Certificate (if applicable)
• Concept note on business plan (not more than 5 pages)

ICMR reserves the right to cancel the EoI, invite fresh submissions with or without amendments, or relax or waive any conditions as deemed necessary.

Deadline and Timeline

• EoI Document Number: ICMR/EoI/PM/16/ Ulcerative Colitis/2026
• Date of Publication: 14 May 2026
• Last Date of Submission: 20 May 2026

Applications received after the due date and time shall be rejected.

Contact Information

• For scientific issues: Dr. Vineet Ahuja – Email: vineet.aiims@gmail.com, Mobile: 9810707170
• For EoI related technical issues: Medical Innovations Patent Mitra Team – Email: patentmitra.hq@icmr.gov.in