Bartronics India Limited (BIL), a listed technology and services company, has announced a strategic investment of up to ₹50 crore in Hyderabad-based molecular diagnostics innovator Huwel Life Sciences Pvt Ltd. As part of the MoU, BIL will acquire a 15% equity stake in Huwel, combining its expertise in scaling businesses with Huwel’s proven innovation capabilities to accelerate India’s public health goals. The company also retains the option to increase its stake by another 15%.
Huwel Life Sciences, an ISO-certified, CE/FDA-compliant facility, has built a robust portfolio of over 100 validated diagnostic products spanning tuberculosis, infectious diseases, antimicrobial resistance, viral threats, genetic disorders, and cancer. During the Covid-19 pandemic, the company played a crucial role in delivering RT-PCR solutions at scale. It has also pioneered diagnostic parameters for Nipah and Chandipura viruses, while its Uniamp point-of-care devices make rapid, accessible testing possible. Globally, Huwel has attracted grants from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, received orders from the World Health Organization, and continues to build partnerships for international adoption.
At the core of Huwel’s portfolio is its low-cost TB diagnostic breakthrough. The company has developed the Quantiplus TB Fast Detection Kit, an ICMR-approved and Union Health Minister–launched solution that is the only open-system, affordable RT-PCR product for confirmatory TB testing in India. The need is immense: in 2023, the National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP) conducted 1.89 crore sputum smear tests and 68.3 lakh NAATs, underscoring the demand for affordable and scalable TB solutions aligned with the vision of a ‘TB Mukt Bharat.’
Under the strategic partnership, BIL will lead end-to-end market development, including technology support, digital outreach, and customized application platforms. The company will spearhead efforts to identify opportunities, initiate engagements, negotiate commercial terms, and secure government, institutional, and global orders. According to BIL, all activities will be structured to safeguard long-term value creation for both partners.
As emerging markets such as Africa and Southeast Asia witness rising demand for TB and infectious disease diagnostics, the collaboration aims to position India as a global hub for life sciences innovation and manufacturing.
Vidhya Sagar Reddy, Managing Director, Bartronics India Limited, said: "It is about building a monopoly-strength product portfolio from India for the world. It also strengthens our role in national health programs while creating recurring revenue opportunities. We are really proud to be supporting the government's mission to eliminate TB.”
Dr. Rachana Tripathi, CEO of Huwel Life Sciences, added: "From Covid-19 to Nipah and Chandipura, Huwel has consistently delivered diagnostic innovations that safeguard public health. With our ICMR-certified TB solution and expanding product portfolio—and with BIL’s partnership, we are ready to scale across India and globally."