The i3 Summit – Vimarsh 2025, a premier science conclave organized by a catalyst funder and non-profit, Blockchain For Impact (BFI), successfully concluded its inaugural edition, bringing together key stakeholders from India’s top science and tech academic institutions, government agencies, and industry. The two-day summit, held at the Pullman Aerocity, served as a multisectoral platform to advance India’s R&D landscape and drive translational biomedical research.
The event featured a series of insightful panel discussions and keynote addresses on a diverse range of topics, including “India as a Global Destination for Biomedical Innovation & Manufacturing,” “Reimagining the Science Driven Enterprise in India,” and “The Profound Impact of AI on Healthcare in India” among others.
The summit welcomed distinguished attendees from India’s leading science institutions and academia, including Dr. Jitendra Kumar, Managing Director of the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC); Dr. Shivkumar Kalyanaraman, CEO of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF); Ashish Lele, Director of CSIR-NCL (National Chemical Laboratory); and Radha Rangarajan, Director of CSIR-CDRI (Central Drug Research Institute), among others.
Furthermore, the event drew attendance from high-level stakeholders spanning the entire innovation landscape. This diverse group comprised scientists, representatives from research institutions, startups and incubators, government agencies, policymakers and regulators, medical colleges and hospitals, funding and CSR agencies, industry leaders, and social welfare organizations.
Prominent speakers and guests included Union Road Transport and Highways Minister, Shri Nitin Gadkari, where he underscored India’s strong commitment to building a “Healthy and Inclusive India,” with a clear vision of establishing the nation as a global hub for medical tourism. The event drew participation from India’s top premier science and academic institutions including UNICEF, IISc, IIT Bombay, AIIMS, SIIC IIT Kanpur, CSIR-CCMB, BITS Pilani, BRIC-THSTI, Give, and BIRAC, among others.
A major highlight of the summit was the announcement of the National Science Prizes, an initiative by Blockchain For Impact under the aegis of the Sandeep Nailwal Academy.
With a total prize money commitment of ₹20 crore, these prestigious awards are designed to incentivize high-impact scientific research and honor distinguished innovators. The awards distributed across several categories, including the Lifetime Achievement Award, the Sandeep Nailwal India First Award, the Sandeep Nailwal Award for Global Excellence, and the Sandeep Nailwal Award for Young Indian Scientist Award, reinforcing India’s strategic commitment to fostering a robust and globally competitive research ecosystem.
This year prestigious Lifetime Achievement awards were conferred upon Padma Shri Dr. Balram Bhargava and Dr. Vijay Chandru for their profound and lasting contributions to the field of science and healthcare in India at Vimarsh, a premier science conclave organized by Blockchain for Impact.
The i3 Summit – Vimarsh successfully addressed critical issues within India’s R&D sector, such as the need for sustained funding and cross-disciplinary collaboration. By bringing together a vast network of researchers, innovators, and policymakers, BFI has paved the way for a collaborative ecosystem, shaping the future of Indian healthcare with innovation and equity at its core.
Blockchain For Impact (BFI)
Blockchain For Impact (BFI) was set up during the second wave of the COVID pandemic in India. As the world’s most transparent healthcare fund,
BFI initially worked towards strengthening the Indian healthcare system. However, after the COVID wave, the focus transitioned towards early identification and prevention activities. BFI aims to utilise and leverage the skills, commitment, and technology in the country to address current challenges and future gaps centred around health.
BFI-BIOME Virtual Network has been established with the aim to bring institutes, incubators, research networks, medical sector and companies under one umbrella to foster collaboration in translational biomedical research.
With a commitment of USD 15 million, the BFI-BIOME Virtual Network Program is bringing together relevant stakeholders to discuss, identify, collaborate and innovate in the biomedical sector and expedite development of therapies, diagnostics, medical devices and other healthcare products.
BFI is steadfast in its mission to enhance the well-being of marginalized communities across diverse public healthcare priorities. The initiative aspires to become a comprehensive support system, shaping the future of Indian healthcare with innovation and equity at its core.
For more information, please contact:
Pooja Jethwani, +91 9619755307
pooja.jethwani@adfactorspr.com
