New Delhi, Sep 28: Nanomedicine is emerging as a promising area of healthcare that could make medical treatment more precise, personalised and targeted, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology Dr Jitendra Singh said.
Addressing the inaugural session of the World Congress on Nanomedicine 2026 at Vigyan Bhawan, Singh said advances in nanotechnology could help doctors and researchers develop treatments based more closely on the individual needs of patients.
He said future healthcare is expected to increasingly consider factors such as a person's genetic profile, lifestyle, diet and environmental conditions while deciding treatment. Nanomedicine works at an extremely small scale and could help researchers target specific cells or areas of the body more precisely.
The World Congress, hosted by the Institute of Nano Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Delhi, has brought together more than 2,000 scientists, researchers and young professionals to discuss new developments and applications in nanomedicine.
India Expands Nanomedicine Research
Singh said the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) is supporting 210 research and development projects in nanomedicine with financial assistance of around ₹174 crore.
The research covers several areas, including targeted drug delivery, cancer treatment, infectious diseases, vaccine and nucleic-acid delivery, nano-diagnostics, medical imaging, regenerative medicine and wound healing.
Researchers are also working on emerging applications such as oral insulin nanoparticles, cancer nanobots, precision nanoinjection and targeted cancer treatment.
According to Singh, nanotechnology could help address some of the limitations faced by conventional drug-delivery methods. Research into oral insulin, for example, is exploring ways to improve the delivery and absorption of insulin in the body.
Technology to Support Doctors
Singh also stressed that advanced technology should complement medical professionals rather than replace clinical judgement.
He said technologies such as artificial intelligence and nanotechnology can provide doctors with new tools, but traditional clinical skills such as patient observation, diagnosis and physical examination must continue to remain important.
He also called for medical education to keep pace with technological changes while ensuring that doctors retain strong fundamental clinical skills.
Focus on Innovation and Startups
The government is also working to strengthen India's nanomedicine ecosystem beyond research laboratories.
Through BIRAC, biotechnology researchers and startups can access programmes such as the Biotechnology Ignition Grant, PACE, SBIRI and BIPP. These initiatives are designed to help researchers convert scientific ideas into technologies, products and commercial applications.
India has also developed a regulatory framework for nanopharmaceuticals through guidelines prepared by the DBT, ICMR and CDSCO. The framework provides guidance for assessing the safety, quality and effectiveness of nanomedicine products.
The growing research base and government support could create opportunities for Indian universities, biotechnology companies, startups and medical technology firms to develop indigenous healthcare solutions.
Potential for More Targeted Treatment
Nanomedicine has potential applications across drug delivery, diagnosis, medical imaging and regenerative medicine. Its long-term objective is to deliver treatment more accurately, potentially improving effectiveness while reducing unwanted effects.
Nobel Laureate Prof. Roger D. Kornberg, Chairperson of the Congress, described nanomedicine as a rapidly developing field with significant potential for healthcare.
As research advances, the focus will increasingly be on converting laboratory discoveries into safe, affordable and clinically useful treatments. For India, the development of indigenous nanomedicine technologies could strengthen the country's healthcare innovation ecosystem and create new opportunities at the intersection of science, biotechnology and medicine.
The World Congress on Nanomedicine 2026 is providing a platform for scientists, researchers, students and industry representatives to exchange knowledge, explore collaborations and discuss the future direction of the field.
