Heritage Institute of Technology Alumnus Dr. Dhruba Dhar Wins Gandhian Young Technological Innovation Award 2024
Kolkata : The Department of Biotechnology at Heritage Institute of Technology, a constituent institution of the Heritage Group of Institutions, proudly celebrates the remarkable achievement of its alumnus Dr. Dhruba Dhar, who has been honoured with the prestigious Gandhian Young Technological Innovation (GYTI) Award for two consecutive years — 2023 and 2024 — for his groundbreaking research in biomedical microengineering.
Dr. Dhar and his team received the GYTI Award 2024 for their research titled “Frugal design and development of a biomimetic tumor-on-chip platform for precise drug screening.” The innovation focuses on creating cost-effective microfluidic platforms that mimic human tumor environments, enabling more accurate and affordable drug testing. The award ceremony was held on 28th January 2026 at NPL Auditorium, New Delhi which was addressed by the following distinguished personalities from areas of science & technology:-
Prof. Venu Gopal Achanta – Director, CSIR–National Physical Laboratory (CSIR-NPL)
Prof. Anil K. Gupta – Founder, Honey Bee Network, SRISTI, GIAN & NIF
Dr. R. A. Mashelkar, FRS – Former Director General, CSIR & Chairman, Reliance New Energy Council
Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, FRS – Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India (Chief Guest)
Dr. (Mrs.) N. Kalaiselvi – Director General, CSIR & Secretary, DSIR
Prof. Manoj Kumar Dhar – Director, Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR)
Prof. P. V. M. Rao – Chair Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Design, IIT Delhi
The award impact at a glance – 560 submissions | 412 eligible innovations. Participation from 111 institutions across 25 States & UTs. A rigorous and transparent peer-review process involving 201 reviewers, with offline reviews hosted at IIT Delhi
In 2023, he and his team was also recognised for their work titled “Electrophysiology-on-a-chip device: A biomimetic test-bench for probing electrical field modulation of cancer metastasis.” The project explores how electrical signals influence cancer cell movement and metastasis, potentially opening new pathways for therapeutic interventions.
Dr. Dhar recently completed his PhD in Organ-on-Chips and Microfluidics from Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, further strengthening the legacy of academic excellence associated with his alma mater.
Mr. Pradip Agarwal, CEO, Heritage Group of Institutions, said: “We are immensely proud of Dr. Dhruba Dhar’s achievements. His research exemplifies how innovation emerging from young Indian scientists can contribute to solving critical global health challenges. His success reflects the strong academic foundation and research-oriented culture nurtured at Heritage.”
Prof. Basab Chaudhuri, Principal, Heritage Institute of Technology, added:
“Dr. Dhar’s recognition at the national level is a matter of great pride for the entire Heritage family. His pioneering work in organ-on-chip technology demonstrates the transformative impact biotechnology research can have on healthcare and drug discovery.”
Prof. Srabanti Basu, Head of the Department of Biotechnology, Heritage Institute of Technology, said:”Dhruba has always been an exceptionally curious and driven student. Seeing him receive consecutive GYTI Awards is a testament to his dedication, creativity, and scientific excellence. The Department of Biotechnology is proud to see one of its alumni making such meaningful contributions to biomedical research.”
Dr. Dhar’s achievements reinforce the growing impact of biotechnology research emerging from Heritage Institute of Technology and highlight the institution’s commitment to fostering innovation that addresses real-world challenges.
