Longevity India Initiative

April 19, 2024

The Indian Institute of Science (IISc) has launched the Longevity India Initiative, a large-scale project aimed at pioneering ageing research in India. The initiative seeks to enhance the understanding of ageing through fundamental and applied research, develop solutions to improve quality of life, and extend human ‘healthspan’ by tackling ageing-related challenges.

Large-Scale Clinical Study of Longevity

A key component of the Longevity India Initiative is a large-scale clinical study that will involve researchers from multiple IISc departments, clinicians, industry partners, philanthropists, and civil society.

The study aims to identify biomarkers of ageing. MS Ramaiah Hospital and Bangalore Medical College & Research Institute have officially partnered to conduct this clinical study. Leading industry partners like Beckman Coulter, Healthians, Valerian Proteomics, and DecodeAge are providing crucial support by offering their technologies at accessible costs to accelerate the research efforts.

Ageing Research in Indian Culture

India has a unique demographic landscape, with the elderly population projected to surge to 347 million by 2050. Existing global longevity research may not suffice in the Indian context, necessitating exploration of the subject factoring in India’s specific and diverse needs.

Many research groups at IISc have already been working on ageing and associated challenges for years. The Longevity India Initiative aims to bring together these efforts and have a significant impact on tackling the growing burden of ageing in the country.

Importance of Industry-Academia Collaboration

Experts highlight that collaboration between industry and academia is essential to advance ageing research.

Leveraging technology to provide accessible geriatric healthcare, nurturing the silver economy, and investing in supportive digital systems will be crucial as India’s elderly population grows rapidly in the coming decades.

The longevity field requires long-term investment and the coming together of diverse stakeholders from academia, healthcare and industry to nurture technology development and in-depth research on healthy ageing.

About Indian Institute of Science (IISc)

IISc is a premier research institution for science and engineering, located in Bengaluru.
Established in 1909, it has grown into a globally renowned center for research and education in various scientific and technological disciplines.
The Institute has a vibrant and diverse community of researchers, an excellent infrastructure, and a strong tradition of innovation and collaboration with industry partners.

The project brings together a multidisciplinary team of experts from academia, industry, and healthcare to address the complex challenges associated with ageing. It has received initial grant funding from Prashanth Prakash, founding partner at Accel India.

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