TLDR: The National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS) and the International Centre for Theoretical Sciences (ICTS) have jointly launched CALIBRE, the Centre for Artificial Learning and Intelligence for Biological Research and Education, in Bengaluru. This initiative, backed by a ₹25 crore contribution from Vishal Gupta and Deepshikha Gupta of Reed India Consulting LLP, aims to integrate AI with biological research, education, and innovation to address India’s unique scientific and environmental challenges.
Bengaluru, India – In a significant stride towards advancing scientific research in India, the National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS) and the International Centre for Theoretical Sciences (ICTS), both esteemed institutions under the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), have officially launched the Centre for Artificial Learning and Intelligence for Biological Research and Education (CALIBRE). The agreement for this interdisciplinary centre was signed on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, marking a pivotal moment for AI-driven biological innovation in the country.
CALIBRE is set to become a national hub dedicated to the convergence of biological insights and artificial intelligence. The initiative has received substantial financial backing, with a generous ₹25 crore contribution from Vishal Gupta, founder of Reed India Consulting LLP, and Ms. Deepshikha Gupta. This funding underscores a shared vision to harness AI’s transformative power for addressing India’s unique scientific and environmental challenges.
The core mission of CALIBRE is multifaceted, focusing on integrating AI across various aspects of biological research, education, and innovation. The centre aims to develop context-specific AI tools, datasets, and frameworks tailored to India’s rich biodiversity, diverse climate, evolving health landscape, and fundamental research priorities. This approach is crucial, as existing international AI platforms may not adequately address the specific needs and data unique to the Indian subcontinent.
Key objectives of CALIBRE include:
Establishing State-of-the-Art Infrastructure: Building advanced AI infrastructure to revolutionize basic, applied, and translational biology research.
Developing Advanced AI Tools: Creating sophisticated AI tools specifically designed for biological research, from fundamental discoveries to practical applications.
Neuromorphic Computing: Employing brain-inspired computing approaches to push the boundaries of AI technology.
Education and Training: Providing comprehensive education and training programs for students and early-career scientists, equipping them with the skills to effectively apply AI tools in biological research.
Fostering Collaboration: Establishing Chair Professorships and Research Travel Fellowships to promote interdisciplinary collaboration and strengthen India’s AI-biology ecosystem.
Vishal Gupta, whose contribution was instrumental in establishing the centre, articulated the vision, stating, “The Centre will serve as a national hub where biological insight meets AI innovation.” He further emphasized the dual focus, adding, “Biology for AI and AI for Biology — two frontiers converging, powered by India’s brightest minds at CALIBRE.”
Prof. LS Shashidhara, Director of NCBS, highlighted the collaborative potential: “As NCBS researchers work across scales, from molecules to ecosystems, this collaboration will test and expand AI’s potential to provide science-based solutions to health, agriculture, and ecology.” This indicates a commitment to not only accelerating research but also translating findings into tangible solutions for societal benefit.
Prof Rajesh Gopakumar, Director at ICTS, underscored the theoretical contributions: “ICTS’ deep strengths in the mathematical and theoretical sciences would help in the development of new AI techniques and tools with applications in biology as well as related areas of epidemiology and public health.” He also pointed to an exciting future direction: “Finally, the most exciting frontier is to use insights from the functioning and architecture of the brain itself to improve the current AI frameworks.”
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CALIBRE is poised to place India at the forefront of AI-driven biological research, fostering a new generation of researchers proficient in both biology and AI methodologies, and ultimately delivering science-based solutions across critical sectors like health, agriculture, and environment.
