9th International Conference on Recent Trends in Bioengineering (ICRTB 2026)
The MIT-ADTU School of Bioengineering Sciences & Research, a constituent unit of MIT Art, Design and Technology University (MIT-ADT University), Pune, successfully organized it annual flagship event, the 9th International Conference on Recent Trends in Bioengineering (ICRTB 2026) on 23rd and 24th January 2026 at the UTK Auditorium, MIT-ADT University. The conference provided an interdisciplinary platform that brought together eminent academicians, researchers, industry professionals, and students from India and abroad to deliberate on recent advances and emerging innovations in bioengineering.
The themes of ICRTB 2026 were Biomedical applications, Drug Design and Bioenergy highlighting the convergence of drug design, computational biology, biotechnology, sustainability, and translational research aimed at addressing contemporary healthcare and environmental challenges. Hon. Prof Mangesh Karad, ProChancellor and Executive President of MIT ADT University conveyed his compliments to the organizers for consistently conducting the event every year.
The conference commenced with a welcome address by Prof. Vinayak Ghaisas, Founder and Executive Director, MIT Bioengineering and member trustee, MAEER, Pune. He warmly welcomed the distinguished dignitaries Dr. Umesh Shaligram, Executive Director, Serum Institute of India Pvt. Ltd., Pune, who graced the occasion as the Chief Guest; Dr. Michael Sauer, Head of the Department of Biotechnology, OMV AG, Vienna, Austria, Dr Justin Dauwels from TuDelft Netherlands as the Guest of Honour; and Dr. S. Rajesh, Vice-Chancellor, MIT Art, Design and Technology University. He also extended a cordial welcome to the eminent speakers, delegates, faculty members, staff, and students. Dr. Renu Vyas, Convenor of ICRTB 2026, formally introduced the dignitaries and highlighted the objectives and theme of the conference. This was followed by the felicitation of the guests and the release of the abstract book by the dignitaries on the dais.
Dr. S. Rajesh, Vice-Chancellor, MIT-ADT University, congratulated Prof. Vinayak Ghaisas, Dr. Renu Vyas, and the entire faculty and organizing team for the successful and seamless execution of the conference. He also expressed happiness over inauguration of two centres of excellence in collaboration with industry.
The conference featured distinguished international and national keynote and plenary speakers, including Dr. Justin Dauwels (TU Delft University of Technology, Netherlands) and Dr. Stuart Wagland (Cranfield University, UK). The plenary and technical sessions were further strengthened by expert contributions from renowned academicians and industry professionals such as Dr. Rohini Kitture (Wiley), Dr. Siddhartha Jhunjhunwala (IISc, Bengaluru), Dr. Krishna Ethiraj (Aragen Life Sciences, Hyderabad), Dr. Sirisha Potala (Amgen, Hyderabad), Dr. Meenakshi Kamraj (IISc, Bengaluru), Dr. Vinay Saini (Ostic Pharma Pvt. Ltd.), Dr. Abdul Rahim Chethikkattuveli (Salhir, Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, USA), Dr. Czarny Bertrand (Nanyang Technological University, Singapore), Dr. Monali Rahalkar (Agharkar Research Institute, Pune), Prof. Dr. Kavita Reginald (Sunway University, Malaysia), Dr. Raghu Rangaswamy (CEO, Molecular Solutions), Dr. Sandeep Gaudana (Reliance Industries Ltd., Baroda) and Dr. Richard Morgan (University of West London, UK).
As part of ICRTB 2026, the Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Devices and AI in Drug Design were also inaugurated with senior industry representatives from Syrma Johari MedTech Ltd. and Molecular Solutions Pvt. Ltd., respectively. The inauguration marked a significant milestone in strengthening industry–academia partnerships and advancing collaborative research, innovation, and technology development in biomedical devices and AI-driven drug design. It also coincided with completion of 30 years in research by Dr Vyas who delivered a special address to delegates.
The conference received an overwhelming response, with more than 130 abstracts submitted for oral and poster presentations, reflecting strong national and international participation. Researchers, academicians, and students actively engaged in scientific discussions, fostering a vibrant atmosphere of knowledge exchange, interdisciplinary collaboration, and innovation. The event also showcased student-led innovations, including research projects and prototypes aligned with national initiatives and translational research objectives.
The successful organization of the 9th International Conference on Recent Trends in Bioengineering (ICRTB 2026) reaffirms the MIT School of Bioengineering Sciences & Research’s commitment to excellence in research, innovation, and academic leadership. The conference provided a dynamic platform for meaningful dialogue and collaboration among experts shaping the future of bioengineering and has laid a strong foundation for the 10th ICRTB, anticipated to be a landmark and grand celebration of bioengineering innovation.
