The Department of Biotechnology (DBT), under the Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India, plays a pivotal role in advancing biotechnology research and innovation across the country. It supports the development and application of biotechnology in various sectors, including healthcare, agriculture, environment, and industry. DBT facilitates collaborations between academic institutions, industry, and government bodies to drive impactful solutions for national development. One of its key mandates is to fund high-potential research projects and build infrastructure that supports scientific excellence and innovation. By investing in strategic areas like imaging informatics, DBT seeks to strengthen India’s biomedical research capabilities. It promotes cutting-edge tools and data systems that can aid in disease diagnosis, treatment, and health management. The Department also ensures that funded initiatives have a clear framework for data sharing, long-term sustainability, and social impact. Through such programs, DBT envisions the integration of science, technology, and innovation to address critical challenges in healthcare and improve the well-being of the population. The focus remains on building multidisciplinary networks and creating ecosystems that combine scientific rigor with practical outcomes.

The Department of Biotechnology invites Letters of Intent (LOIs) for establishing Image Informatic Centers across India. These centers aim to collect, curate, and retrieve diagnostic imaging data paired with relevant clinical information to enhance biomedical research and healthcare outcomes. The project emphasizes the development of annotated Imaging Biobanks with high-quality datasets to support the creation of advanced AI-driven diagnostic tools. Proposals integrating clinical expertise, metadata, and artificial intelligence will be prioritized. The centers should provide comprehensive datasets that capture both healthy and diseased conditions, annotated by medical professionals. A focus on data sharing, IT infrastructure, and online accessibility is essential. The objective is to improve diagnostics, support predictive modeling, and contribute to advanced research in disease detection and prognosis. A total of up to 10 multi-institutional projects will be funded under this initiative. Each selected project will receive support for a duration of up to 5 years, with a maximum budget of INR 15 crore. Successful proposals must present plans for long-term sustainability and open-source tool usage. A mandatory data sharing strategy with IBDC is required. Projects lacking proper annotation or a clear data sharing plan will not be considered for funding.