Dr. Shama Bhat : Transforming Health Diagnostics With A Commitment To Quality & Excellence
Dr. Shama Bhat
Founder & Chairman
Dr Shama Bhat, Founder & Chairman of Bhat Biotech, stands as a pioneering figure in India's biotechnology landscape. With over three decades of experience in research, diagnostics, and manufacturing, Dr Bhat has steered Bhat Biotech into becoming one of the country’s leading biotechnology firms. His journey began with a vision to address the growing need for affordable, high-quality diagnostic kits in India. Over the years, his commitment to innovation and excellence has positioned Bhat Biotech as a trusted name, both domestically and inter-nationally.
Below is an excerpt of Dr Shama Bhat’s exclusive interaction with CEO Insights magazine.
What is your educational background, experiences, inspiration for establishing Bhat Biotech,and what drives you today?
I spent over 16 years in the USA as a professor at the prestigious University of Pennsylvania, where I researched AIDS and multiple sclerosis. During a meeting in New Delhi in 1993, I realized that India imported expensive diagnostic kits for HIV, making them inaccessible to the common person. This motivated me to return to India and establish a biotech company focused on manufacturing affordable diagnostic kits for HIV and other diseases. My journey involved learning the commercial side of diagnostics, securing land in Bengaluru, and launching
the company in 1994. Today, my drive comes from the mission to make healthcare accessible and affordable, impacting countless lives through innovation and persistence.
Share with us your academic experience from the Indian Institute of Science, Ben-galuru. What did you learn from the campus beyond academics?
The Indian Institute of Science (IISc) is a premier institution, not just in India but globally. Beyond academics, the campus fosters an environment that encourages learning, innovation, and leadership. Competing for a PhD spot among thousands, I learned more than just cutting-edge technology. The culture of collaboration, guidance from renowned professors like Pad- manabhanji and Ram Sharma, and exposure to international scholars shaped my growth. Serving as the secretary of the Biological Sciences Association taught me leadership and teamwork, while the interdisciplinary research envi- ronment expanded my perspective. IISc prepared me not just academically, but holistically, for a successful career trajectory.
What leadership approach do you follow in Bhat Biotech, and what guidelines or methodologies do you use to lead?
In leading a biotech company, especially in diagnostics, I prioritize adherence to strict government regulations, inclu-ding GMP and WHO guidelines, enforced by local drug controllers. This ensures quality and compliance. Leadership here also means driving innovation while overcoming resource challenges. Initially, sourcing raw materials for products like pregnancy tests was difficult due to limited availability in India, but my international connections helped. We perfected our technology quickly and launched products like pregnancy, HIV, hepatitis, and dengue tests. Notably, we were the first in India to develop a chikungunya diagnostic kit. Today, we continue to innovate, having pioneered essential COVID-19 diagnostics, including PCR tests and Viral Transport Media (VTM).
Share with us your academic experience from the Indian Institute of Science, Ben-galuru. What did you learn from the campus beyond academics?
The Indian Institute of Science (IISc) is a premier institution, not just in India but globally. Beyond academics, the campus fosters an environment that encourages learning, innovation, and leadership. Competing for a PhD spot among thousands, I learned more than just cutting-edge technology. The culture of collaboration, guidance from renowned professors like Pad- manabhanji and Ram Sharma, and exposure to international scholars shaped my growth. Serving as the secretary of the Biological Sciences Association taught me leadership and teamwork, while the interdisciplinary research envi- ronment expanded my perspective. IISc prepared me not just academically, but holistically, for a successful career trajectory.
Dr Shama Bhat embodies innovation & dedication, transforming diagnostic solutions & elevating India's biotech industry on the global stage
What leadership approach do you follow in Bhat Biotech, and what guidelines or methodologies do you use to lead?
In leading a biotech company, especially in diagnostics, I prioritize adherence to strict government regulations, inclu-ding GMP and WHO guidelines, enforced by local drug controllers. This ensures quality and compliance. Leadership here also means driving innovation while overcoming resource challenges. Initially, sourcing raw materials for products like pregnancy tests was difficult due to limited availability in India, but my international connections helped. We perfected our technology quickly and launched products like pregnancy, HIV, hepatitis, and dengue tests. Notably, we were the first in India to develop a chikungunya diagnostic kit. Today, we continue to innovate, having pioneered essential COVID-19 diagnostics, including PCR tests and Viral Transport Media (VTM).
What are the important concepts you train bio-technology students under your biotech training? What is the kind of learning environment they are exp-osed to?
At our biotech training center, we focus on handson, practical learning that goes beyond traditional academics. Students are immersed in key molecular biology concepts and guided through real-world experiments. Our approach emphasizes understanding over rote learning, and each student is trained to grasp the science behind every task. The learning environment fosters curiosity, encouraging students to engage in experiments while gaining practical experience with cutting-edge tools. By the end of the program, students are well-prepared for the industry, often securing jobs immediately, owing to their strong foundation and real-world skills. We prioritize deep learning over just obtaining certificates, shaping true biotech professionals.
What is the future roadmap you have envisioned for the company, going forward?
Our future roadmap focuses on expansion into niche biotech markets beyond our current portfolio, including HIV and hepatitis. While we continue supplying to government tenders and maintaining contract manufacturing, we're shifting focus to innovative products with less competition. For example, we've completed R&D on a snake venom test and are awaiting licensing, making us the only company globally producing this test. We're also developing a rapid hemophilia test in partnership with the International Hemophilia Society. Additionally, we're venturing into new areas like media. Our goal is to diversify our offerings and stay ahead by introducing gro-undbreaking products in under-explored markets.
Dr Shama Bhat, Founder & Chairman, Bhat Biotech
Dr Shama Bhat, Founder & Chairman, is a pioneering leader in the biotechnology sector, known for his commitment to developing innovative diagnostic products. Under his leadership at Bhat Biotech, he has significantly contributed to enhancing India's position in the global biotech landscape, focusing on quality, afford ability, and health solutions.
At our biotech training center, we focus on handson, practical learning that goes beyond traditional academics. Students are immersed in key molecular biology concepts and guided through real-world experiments. Our approach emphasizes understanding over rote learning, and each student is trained to grasp the science behind every task. The learning environment fosters curiosity, encouraging students to engage in experiments while gaining practical experience with cutting-edge tools. By the end of the program, students are well-prepared for the industry, often securing jobs immediately, owing to their strong foundation and real-world skills. We prioritize deep learning over just obtaining certificates, shaping true biotech professionals.
What is the future roadmap you have envisioned for the company, going forward?
Our future roadmap focuses on expansion into niche biotech markets beyond our current portfolio, including HIV and hepatitis. While we continue supplying to government tenders and maintaining contract manufacturing, we're shifting focus to innovative products with less competition. For example, we've completed R&D on a snake venom test and are awaiting licensing, making us the only company globally producing this test. We're also developing a rapid hemophilia test in partnership with the International Hemophilia Society. Additionally, we're venturing into new areas like media. Our goal is to diversify our offerings and stay ahead by introducing gro-undbreaking products in under-explored markets.
Dr Shama Bhat, Founder & Chairman, Bhat Biotech
Dr Shama Bhat, Founder & Chairman, is a pioneering leader in the biotechnology sector, known for his commitment to developing innovative diagnostic products. Under his leadership at Bhat Biotech, he has significantly contributed to enhancing India's position in the global biotech landscape, focusing on quality, afford ability, and health solutions.