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 a DNA-based Test for HIV-2 Diagnosis, a diagnostic assay or kit useful in the detection of HIV-2.

Overview

ICMR-NITVAR, a constituent institute of the Indian Council of Medical Research, has developed a technology entitled “DNA based Test for HIV-2 Diagnosis.” The test is a molecular DNA PCR assay that identifies the proviral genome of HIV-2 from whole blood cells and amplifies it by polymerase chain reaction. It provides definitive confirmation of HIV-2 infection with high sensitivity and specificity, showing no cross-reactivity with HIV-1. The test is intended as a cost-effective alternative to expensive commercial Western Blot assays for HIV-2 confirmation and can support the National AIDS Control Program as a confirmatory diagnostic tool.

The technology is at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 5. Validation was conducted on stored whole blood HIV-2 samples confirmed by Western Blot (N=100), of which 91 samples were successfully amplified. Specificity testing on HIV-1 samples (N=100) showed 100% specificity with no non-specific amplification. An Indian patent application has been filed (Application Number: 202611051908).

Scope of Work

ICMR is willing to collaborate with eligible organizations, companies, and manufacturers for undertaking Transfer of Technology and commercialization of the product. Selected companies would be granted rights to undertake further development, manufacture, sale, and commercialization of the technology on a non-exclusive basis with single or multiple companies to enable wider outreach for societal benefit and public health use.

Role of ICMR: ICMR-NITVAR will provide expert guidance and technical support for production in all phases, including study planning, product development, protocol development, data analysis, safety and efficacy assessment, and product improvement. ICMR may also facilitate validation and provide support for R&D or clinical studies through its affiliates and institutes.

Role of the Company: The company shall provide all necessary infrastructure, material, and manpower for product development, validation, and scale-up; undertake manufacturing and commercialization; share technical data with ICMR; allow ICMR authorized personnel to visit designated facilities; and obtain all regulatory approvals required for commercialization.

Eligibility

Applicants must meet the following pre-qualification criteria:

• 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 by promoters from India.
• The proponent must be registered in India with taxation and other administrative authorities (GST registration or exemption certificate, PAN card).
• The proponent should have 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 same or similar products with a good track record.
• The proponent must be profitable and should not have incurred overall loss in the past three years (applicable to commercial firms or organizations only).
• The proponent should have a good track record and currently not be blacklisted or barred by any Central or State Government, Public Sector Undertaking, or Government of India (applicable to commercial firms or organizations only).
• The proponent should have a manufacturing unit in India.
• The proponent and its promoters should not have been convicted for any offence in India by any competent court or judicial body during the past three years.
• The proponent must hold GMP or quality certification (ISO or approved Indian certification) of the manufacturing facility and GLP or necessary certifications for R&D.
• The proponent should have a functional laboratory to carry out R&D for product development.
• The proponent must demonstrate capacity to produce a minimum quantity per week (to be specified in the undertaking).

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

Application Process

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 are required to complete and submit the e-EoI form available on the portal.

The following documents must be furnished as part of the submission:

• 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 five pages) covering R&D, clinical studies, planning and execution, production, marketing, and timeline
• Any other information the proponent may wish to provide in support of the EoI

Royalty: Qualified companies shall be responsible to pay royalty at 2% on net sales, as applicable, according to the ICMR Guidelines for Technology Development Collaboration.

Deadline and Timeline

• EoI Document Number: ICMR/EoI/PM/20/HIV-2 Diagnostic/2026
• Date of Publication: 4th August 2026
• Last Date of Submission: 25th August 2026

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.

Contact Information

For scientific issues:
Dr. Swarali Kurle
Email: skurle@nariindia.org
Mobile No.: 9881155250

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