Prof. Upendra Nongthomba

Prof. Upendra Nongthomba is Biotech and Healthcare Advisor to COvia and a scientist and academic leader with 28+ years of experience across developmental biology, genetics and biomedical research.

He is Professor and former Chair of the Department of Developmental Biology and Genetics (DBG) at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, where he leads the Developmental and Biomedical Genetics Laboratory.

He holds a PhD from the University of Mysore and did postdoctoral research at the University of York, UK. His lab uses fruit fly and zebrafish models to study the molecular and cellular basis of muscle disorders, neurodegenerative diseases and ageing, and to screen for potential therapeutic approaches. He has authored over 90 publications and guided many doctoral students. He is an editor with several leading science journals.

Beyond the lab, Prof. Nongthomba has advised many biotech and healthcare startups and established companies. He has served on key Government of India committees and on selection boards for government startup programmes such as BIRAC, and is a member of the academic boards of several private universities.

At COvia, he is helping shape biotech and healthcare outreach, helping bridge the academia and industry gaps in emerging business roles in the biotech and healthcare sector.