Pavankumar Asalapuram

I am focused on developing innovative, simple-to-use diagnostic methods and tools for infectious diseases, especially for detecting and preventing nosocomial (hospital-acquired) and drug-resistant zoonotic community-spread infections. With a PhD in Biotechnology and a background in Pharmacy, I have published 15 peer-reviewed scientific articles, hold four patent families, and delivered over 40 conference/oral presentations. My research interests span point-of-care molecular diagnostics targeting antibiotic resistance and biofilms, lateral flow biosensors, alongside learning and developing AI-driven strategies within life sciences and global public health.

Driven by a passion for applying fundamental knowledge to create impactful solutions, I transitioned into entrepreneurship. I successfully secured approximately EUR 19 million in investment and grants, established ISO 13485-certified production facilities, and led large teams. I have led teams in multi-country clinical evaluations of in vitro molecular diagnostic (IVD) test kits for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB), successfully completing these studies. These efforts have led to the commercialization and market introduction of diagnostic platforms, test kits, and other products. I am proud that a start-up I co-founded became the first-ever company to receive both EIC and BMGF grants.

Throughout my journey, I have coordinated or played key roles in multi-country projects funded by the European Innovation Council (H2020 SME1, EIC-Accelerator, INNOVA4TB, COST, MSCA4Ukraine), the Indo-Swedish initiative (Vinnova, DBT, SAMRIDH, CATALYST), and the USA (Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation). I remain focused on advancing healthcare innovations and building a strong network of collaborations to improve global healthcare systems and quality of life, supporting the One Health initiative to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Antibiotic resistant microbes and biofilms, Molecular diagnostics, Antigen-antibody based lateral flow and ELISA assays, Global public health.

Supervised around 20 Bachelors and Masters thesis students/projects.

Conducted laboratory practical classess for Bachelor and Masters degree students.