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 of the "CRISPR-Cas-12a-based assay and kit for detecting the presence of Burkholderia pseudomallei (Melioidosis)" (MelioGlowPCR), a diagnostic assay/kit for the detection of Burkholderia pseudomallei, the causative agent of melioidosis.

Overview

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – RMRCNE, one of its constituent institutes, has developed a technology titled "CRISPR-Cas-12a-based assay and kit for detecting the presence of Burkholderia pseudomallei (Melioidosis)," referred to as the Technology. ICMR is lawfully entitled to enter into exclusive or non-exclusive agreements with eligible manufacturing companies for the licensing and commercialization of this technology, governed by the ICMR IP Policy.

MelioGlowPCR is a multiplex PCR and CRISPR-Cas12a-based diagnostic kit that combines precision PCR amplification with ultra-sensitive CRISPR-based detection. It simultaneously targets two highly specific regions of the T3SS gene for improved diagnostic accuracy, high sensitivity (~1 copy/µL limit of detection), and elimination of cross-reactivity. When integrated with the in-house RapidBact DNA extraction kit and RapidGlow detection device, it enables accurate, rapid (~3 hours), and cost-effective diagnosis of melioidosis.

Technology Details

• Technology: CRISPR-Cas-12a-based assay and kit for detecting Burkholderia pseudomallei (MelioGlowPCR)
• Technology Readiness Level (TRL): TRL 4 – In-house Validation completed
• Validation Status: Internal validation using 153 clinical samples demonstrated 100% sensitivity, 100% specificity, 100% positive predictive value (PPV), 100% negative predictive value (NPV), and 100% accuracy, with Cohen's Kappa of 1.0 indicating almost perfect agreement with culture. No cross-reactivity with other organisms was observed.
• Intellectual Property: Indian Patent Application Number 202611027382

Funding and Benefits

Qualified companies/manufacturers shortlisted through this EoI will be eligible to execute a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA)/Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)/Agreement for partnership, collaboration, or technology transfer. Following the execution of the Agreement, the selected company shall be responsible to pay a royalty of 2% on net sales, as applicable according to the ICMR Guidelines for Technology Development Collaboration.

Eligibility

Applicants must meet the following minimum Pre-Qualification Criteria (PQC):

• Legal Entity: Must 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 by promoters from India.
• Registration: Must be registered in India with taxation and other administrative authorities (GST Registration or GST 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 must have marketed similar products with a good track record.
• Financial Standing: Must be profitable and should not have incurred overall loss in the past three years (applicable to commercial firms/organizations only).
• Track Record: Must not be blacklisted/barred by any Central/State Government, Public Sector Undertaking, or Government of India.
• Manufacturing Unit: Must have a manufacturing unit in India.
• Certifications: GMP/quality certification (ISO or approved Indian certification) of manufacturing facility and GLP/necessary certifications for R&D.
• Laboratory Facility: Must have a functional laboratory to carry out R&D for product development.
• Production Capacity: Must have the capacity to produce a minimum quantity per week (to be specified in the undertaking).
• Conviction Status: The proponent and its promoters must not have been convicted for any offence in India by any competent court or judicial body during the past 3 years.

Application Process

Interested applicants are required to submit their Expression of Interest (EoI) through the Medical Innovation Patent Mitra portal at https://patentmitra.icrm.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.

Documents to be furnished include:

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

Deadline and Timeline

• EoI Document Number: ICMR/EoI/PM/26/CRISPR Melioidosis Diagnostic/2026
• Date of Publication: 4th August 2026
• Last Date of Submission: 25th August 2026

Contact Information

For scientific queries:
Dr. Atique Ahmed
Email: ahmed.atique@icmr.gov.in
Mobile: 6901967427

For technical queries:
Medical Innovations Patent Mitra Team
Email: patentmitra.hq@icmr.gov.in

ICMR reserves the right to cancel this EoI and/or invite afresh with or without amendments, without liability or any obligation, and without assigning any reason.