Panjab University faculty wins BioE3 Challenge D.E.S.I.G.N. Award
Panjab University faculty member Dr Jagdish Rai Dudhwal, Chairperson of the Department of Forensic Science, has won the prestigious D.E.S.I.G.N. Award in the BioE3 Challenge, an ideation competition launched by the Government of India. His proposal titled “Animal-Friendly Affinity Reagent-Based Lateral Flow Assay for On-Site Detection of Narcotic Drugs” has been recognised for its potential to significantly improve narcotic detection and forensic investigations.
City Air News
Mar 14, 2026 10:07
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Chandigarh, March 13, 2026: Panjab University faculty member Dr Jagdish Rai Dudhwal, Chairperson of the Department of Forensic Science, has won the prestigious D.E.S.I.G.N. Award in the BioE3 Challenge, an ideation competition launched by the Government of India. His proposal titled “Animal-Friendly Affinity Reagent-Based Lateral Flow Assay for On-Site Detection of Narcotic Drugs” has been recognised for its potential to significantly improve narcotic detection and forensic investigations.
The award carries a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh and provides Dr Jagdish an opportunity to submit a detailed proposal to the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) for a Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) grant of up to Rs 25 lakh to convert the concept into a proof-of-concept.
Dr Jagdish’s proposal introduces a novel, animal-friendly approach to detecting narcotic drugs using recombinant, non-animal-derived binding proteins. The proposed technology aims to develop a rapid lateral flow assay that can enable efficient on-site detection of narcotic substances.
The innovation is expected to help forensic agencies and law enforcement authorities conduct quicker field-level testing, reduce delays in investigations and support early intervention in cases related to substance abuse.
The proposed solution is also aligned with India’s BioE3 policy, which promotes sustainable biotechnology and encourages indigenous innovations to address complex societal challenges. Dr Dudhwal’s work is expected to contribute to strengthening India’s capabilities in sustainable biotechnology and advancing point-of-care diagnostic technologies in the field of forensic science.
