PI-RAHI Hosts Expert Workshop on Game-Changing DNA and Gene Editing Technology for Healthcare and Agriculture

Chandigarh, 22 August 2026: The PU-IIT Ropar Regional Accelerator for Holistic Innovations Foundation (PI-RAHI), Northern Science & Technology Cluster, in collaboration with Panjab University and Integrated DNA Technologies (IDT), organized a two-day workshop on “Advanced Oligonucleotide Design & Molecular Assay Development: From Primers to Sequencing Panels.” The workshop brought together scientists, clinicians, researchers, start-ups, innovators and industry professionals to understand how modern DNA-based technologies can be used to develop better tools for research, healthcare and biotechnology.
The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Ajay Pandey,BRIC-NABI, Mohali. He discussed emerging opportunities in biotechnology and molecular research, particularly in understanding how plants use nutrients, improving crops and developing nutritionally enhanced varieties such as biofortified wheat.
The technical sessions demonstrated the wide range of applications of modern DNA sequencing technologies. Dr. Sivasubramanian Rajarammohan, BRIC-NABI, Mohaliand Dr. Kashmir Singhin plant genome engineering. Dr. Amit Rawat,Dr. Minu Singh and Dr. Pulkit Rastogi, PGIMER in human diseases, Dr. Adarsh Mishra, Dr. Vishal Sharma, GADVASU, Ludhiana in livestock applications andDr. Khem Raj, Panjab University in microbiology.
A dedicated practical training session led by Dr. Onkar V Rahatkar, Field Application Scientist, IDT, introduced participants to the basics of oligonucleotides, probes and primer designing. The session helped participants understand how these small DNA sequences are designed and used as building blocks for genetic testing, research and sequencing.
The workshop received an enthusiastic response, with an almost equal representation of participants from industry, start-ups and innovation ecosystems (50%) and academic and research institutions (50%), including faculty members, scientists, early-career researchers and students. This diverse participation created an opportunity for meaningful interaction between people working in research, technology development, entrepreneurship and industry.
The inaugural session featured Prof. Rajat Sandhir, Director, PI-RAHI, Northern S&T Cluster and Professor, Department of Biochemistry, Panjab University and Industry experts from Integrated DNA Technologies, including Mr. SharatDatta, Dr. Vibha Pandey and Dr. Onkar V Rahatkar. The session highlighted how carefully designed short DNA sequences, known as oligonucleotides, can help researchers develop accurate tests and experiments for studying genes and diseases.
The workshop reflects PI-RAHI’s commitment to strengthening the regional innovation ecosystem by bringing together academia, research institutions, clinicians, start-ups, industry, innovators and technology providers.The workshop concluded with participants gaining a clearer understanding of how modern genomic technologies can contribute to disease research, molecular diagnostics, precision medicine, crop improvement and biotechnology innovation.