Hyderabad: Alumni from the University of Hyderabad, Dr. Uday Saxena and Dr. Markandeya Gorantla, are making waves in biotech. They have secured funding for Utopia Therapeutics Pvt Ltd, a new deep-tech startup. This announcement came during the BIO International Convention 2025 in Boston on June 19.
The Whale Tank Biocatalyst Fund, in partnership with the Federation of Asian Biotech Associations (FABA), is behind this funding. Backed by Prof. Reddanna Pallu and Dr. Ratnakar Palakodeti, the fund celebrates the work of these university alumni in the global biotech field. Dr. Jitendra Kumar, Managing Director of BIRAC, along with leaders from ABLE and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), attended the signing event.
The fund plans to invest over USD 1.5 million into Utopia Therapeutics. This funding will help develop UT009, a groundbreaking vaccine to tackle obesity and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD). It will also boost Utopia’s development of UT18-based health products, improve infrastructure, and enhance market strategies.
Dr. Jitendra Kumar highlighted India’s strong biotech ecosystem, stating that such partnerships showcase India’s scientific and entrepreneurial strengths. He noted that some companies funded by Whale Tank were previously supported by BIRAC, emphasizing the effectiveness of this support system for Indian deep-tech innovation.
Dr. Uday Saxena, Co-Founder of Utopia Therapeutics, expressed admiration for Utopia’s scientific approach. He noted the potential of the UT18 platform for regenerative health, highlighting the importance of Whale Tank’s investment in building a future of preventive health.
This collaboration is a major step forward for India’s biotech sector, showcasing how scientific innovation, strategic investment, and mentoring can drive national ambitions on a global scale. Co-founded by University of Hyderabad alumni, with FABA as a knowledge partner, the Whale Tank Biocatalyst Fund focuses on early-stage biotech startups, promoting innovation and entrepreneurship.
The fund’s diverse portfolio reflects India’s dedication to bio-strategic sovereignty, supporting critical advancements in human and environmental health.
