Global University Foundation, Japan’s SBI join hands for research in cancer, ageing
The agreement was signed on November 1 during a visit to Hyderabad by SBI President Dr Hiroaki Kitano.
The collaboration, which began in August 2025, has entered its second phase, the Foundation said in a release.
The research will focus on using epigenomic biological clocks to monitor cancer progression, identify biomarkers for early detection and develop models tailored to Indian patients.
The partners will also work on AI-based cognitive care for older adults, building on published research on personalised digital cognitive stimulation for people living with dementia.
Another area of focus will be multi-omics and longevity research, including the development of measures of biological age and personalised digital twins to support preventive healthcare.
The agreement will also facilitate academic exchange, training, joint research projects and grant proposals through SBI’s network of academic and research institutions in Japan.
SBI will support GUF in setting research priorities, developing academic programmes, peer-reviewed publications and visiting faculty engagements.
Dr Ravindranath Kancherla, Founder and Chairman of GUF, and Dr Kitano will provide overall scientific and strategic direction, while SBI senior researchers Dr Ayako Yachie, Dr Sucheendra K Palaniappan and Dr Samik Ghosh will lead research activities along with the GIRI team.
Dr Kancherla said the partnership would bring international scientific expertise and technological innovation together with India’s clinical requirements to advance research and translate scientific discoveries into healthcare outcomes.
Dr Kitano said systems biology and computational science offered approaches to studying complex health challenges such as cancer and cognitive decline by examining interactions among biological systems.
GUF’s proposed university and healthcare ecosystem is backed by a commitment of USD 250 million from Dr Kancherla and other leaders and collaborators, towards developing the institution and advancing its work in healthcare, life sciences, research and technology, the foundation added.
TNT TS
