Nirma University Institute of Pharmacy partners with Dhruva Space and ResearchSAT to advance Space Life Science Research

By combining the expertises of Academia, Space Technology, and Payload Development, this MoU seeks to drive forward interdisciplinary research in Space Medicine and Life Sciences.

The Institute of Pharmacy at Nirma University has entered into a strategic tri-party Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Dhruva Space Private Limited, a leading Space Engineering solutions provider based in Hyderabad, and ResearchSAT, a Space payload development startup from Adelaide, South Australia. The collaboration aims to promote cutting-edge research and skill development in the emerging field of Space Life Science.

The partnership comes in the wake of India’s revised Space policy and the announcement of the Bhartiya Antariksh Station (BAS), which has opened up new avenues for research and business opportunities in Space sciences. By combining the expertises of Academia, Space Technology, and Payload Development, this MoU seeks to drive forward interdisciplinary research in Space Medicine and Life Sciences.

The agreement was signed by Dr. Gopal Natesan, Director of the Institute of Pharmacy, Nirma University; Mr. Avinash Maramraju, Additional Director - Business Development & Sales, Dhruva Space; and Mr. Jibin Dhanaraj, Chief Technology Officer, ResearchSAT.

Also present were Mr. Hardik Parmar, General Manager - Business Development & Sales (Ground Systems), Dhruva Space, and Dr. Priti J. Mehta, Chair Professor of Pharmaceutical Analysis, Nirma University. The signing ceremony was witnessed by senior professors and faculty members, with Dr. Anup Singh, Director General of Nirma University, offering his congratulations on the successful collaboration.

This MoU signifies a shared commitment to bridging the gap between Academic research and practical expertise in Space-related fields. The collaboration aims to equip researchers and students with the skills necessary to contribute to the growing Space Research community, focusing on the dynamic areas of Space Life Sciences and Medicine.

Commenting on the partnership, Mr. Avinash Maramraju, Dhruva Space, emphasised the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in advancing Space Life Science, given the complex nature of the field. "At Dhruva Space, we deliver full-stack technology solutions that enable Space-based applications both on Earth and beyond. By partnering with Academic institutions like Nirma University and other startups, we are building the foundation for future Space innovation, addressing critical challenges such as Space Life Science, and contributing to the nation’s growth in the global Space ecosystem," he said.

Dr Priti Mehta from the Institute of Pharmacy, Nirma University explained that the development of knowledge and human resources requirements for India's developing research fields of Space Medicine and Space Life science. She added that working closely with the Space Tech sector will help further to meet the goals more quickly and efficiently.

This collaboration represents an important step forward in the development of India's Space research capabilities, fostering innovation and advancing Space Science for the benefit of both Academia and Industry.

Original Press Release here.

About Nirma University

Established in 2003, Nirma University is a private university located in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India. It functions under the aegis of the Nirma Education and Research Foundation. The Gujarat Government has granted "Centre of Excellence" status to Nirma University.

About ResearchSAT

ResearchSat is a space biotechnology company dedicated to advancing scientific research in space microgravity to drive groundbreaking discoveries. Acting as a research contractor in space, the company designs and develops customised satellites for research and development activities, manages turnkey logistics, and delivers comprehensive experimental outcomes. ResearchSat's tailored space R&D platforms accelerate scientific progress, providing valuable insights that foster the development of new knowledge and both space and terrestrial applications. The company's mission is to enable life-saving therapeutics by increasing access to microgravity research and advancing high-cadence experiments.

About Dhruva Space

Dhruva Space Private Limited is a full-stack Space Engineering solutions provider based in Hyderabad, India. Dhruva Space is active across Space, Launch, and Ground segments and supports Civilian and Defense clients worldwide.

Dhruva Space offers Satellite/s coupled with Earth Station/s and Launch Service/s as an integrated solution or individually as technology solutions to power Space-based applications on Earth and beyond.

Media assets

Please note that copyright of all media assets belongs to Dhruva Space Private Limited. Any third-party use of the assets – images, videos, sound bytes, any other multimedia – shared by the Company should be credited to the Company.