Bengaluru-based biotechnology startup CrisprBits has announced the opening of its CRISPR gene editing and diagnostics laboratory in Bengaluru. The facility features advanced infrastructure and specialised sections designed to support diverse areas of genomic research and molecular diagnostics.
The laboratory includes spaces dedicated to lyophilisation, cell and tissue culture, bacterial culture, molecular biology research, and cleanroom operations. A specialised gene editing section and a tissue culture area have been established to facilitate stem cell research. The facility is further enhanced by a state-of-the-art Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) and intelligent systems for the smart design of CRISPR guides.
Speaking about the inauguration, Dr Vijay Chandru, Co-founder and Director of CrisprBits, said, “The launch of our new facility in Bengaluru is a significant milestone in our journey to deliver affordable and high-quality solutions to enhance the health of people and the planet. The state-of-the-art CRISPR gene editing laboratory and diagnostics will better equip us to meet critical needs and develop solutions that have significant commercial and social impact.”
Founded in 2020 by Dr Vijay Chandru, Sunil Arora, Dr Rajeev Kohli, Bharat Jobanputra, and Aditya Sarda, CrisprBits began with a vision to innovate for the well-being of humans and the planet. The company boasts a women-led executive and scientific team, including Vaijayanti Gupta, Reety Arora, and Vandana Hegde, who bring extensive expertise in genomic science, molecular diagnostics, and gene editing. Guided by the founding team and a distinguished scientific advisory board, the startup is working toward pioneering applications of CRISPR technology.
Initially incubated at the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms (C-CAMP), CrisprBits has spent four years developing a rapid point-of-need molecular diagnostics platform. Over the next few months, the startup plans to launch diagnostic tests for rare diseases, hospital-acquired infections (HAI), and antimicrobial resistance, leveraging its innovative platform.
CrisprBits will continue its operations at C-CAMP for collaborative gene editing projects. The company is also advancing applications of CRISPR technology to create induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) models for rare diseases and to enable targeted editing of cell lines and microbes for industrial microbiology. These developments are expected to unfold in the next six months.