In a landmark recognition for India’s scientific community, two of Bengaluru’s premier research institutions — the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and the National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS) — have won all three honours at the inaugural Tata Transformation Prize. The winners, chosen from 212 nominations across the country, were announced on Tuesday by the New York Academy of Sciences and Tata Sons.
Each awardee will receive Rs 2 crore to scale up high-impact innovations across food security, sustainability, and healthcare—three sectors central to India’s developmental priorities.
NCBS scientist wins for breakthrough in food security
Bengaluru: The food security category was won by Dr Padubidri V Shivaprasad of NCBS for his pioneering work on improving rice resilience and nutrition through advanced epigenetic engineering.
India’s challenge of feeding a rapidly growing population under increasing climate stress forms the backdrop of his research. Dr Shivaprasad’s approach uses small RNA–based modifications to enhance rice stress tolerance and nutritional quality. Unlike traditional breeding, which is slow and dependent on multiple growth cycles, this method is precise, faster, and capable of reducing dependence on fertilisers.
His innovation, experts say, could significantly lower production costs for farmers while improving the country’s food security framework.
IISc scientists dominate sustainability and healthcare awards
IISc’s Dr Balasubramanian Gopal honoured for sustainability innovation
Bengaluru: The sustainability prize went to Dr Balasubramanian Gopal from IISc for his pioneering work in green chemistry. His team has developed an advanced biomanufacturing platform using bioengineered E. coli bacteria, enhanced with artificial intelligence, to produce essential chemicals used in pharmaceuticals and agriculture.
This method replaces traditional chemical synthesis, which is typically energy-intensive and environmentally harmful. By offering a cleaner and more cost-efficient alternative, the platform positions India at the forefront of sustainable industrial innovation.
Magnetic nanorobots earn IISc’s Dr Ambarish Ghosh the healthcare award
The healthcare award was secured by Dr Ambarish Ghosh for his groundbreaking work on magnetic nanorobots — minute, helical devices capable of navigating the human bloodstream under magnetic guidance.
These nanorobots are being engineered for targeted drug delivery to cancerous tumours, enabling extremely precise treatment with minimal side effects. This approach could revolutionise cancer therapy, especially in low- and middle-income countries where access to sophisticated treatment options remains limited.
National significance of the awards
Bengaluru: Congratulating the winners, N Chandrasekaran, chairman of Tata Sons, emphasised that the breakthroughs by IISc and NCBS represent India’s growing strengths in deeptech research. He added that supporting such innovations is crucial for addressing global challenges in food production, sustainable industry, and equitable healthcare.
The three awards also underscore Bengaluru’s reputation as India’s scientific capital, housing institutions that consistently deliver world-leading advancements.
Conclusion
The sweeping victory by IISc and NCBS at the inaugural Tata Transformation Prize marks a milestone moment for Indian science. By recognising cutting-edge research in agriculture, sustainability, and medical innovation, the awards highlight Karnataka’s pivotal role in driving the nation’s scientific and technological progress. With support of Rs 2 crore each, the awarded projects now move to the next stage — scaling solutions that could transform millions of lives.