Roshan Naik, a promising entrepreneur currently incubating his startup at the FiiRE Incubator, has a rich academic and professional background in Goa. Growing up in Ponda, he completed his schooling at A.J. De Almeida High School and GVM’s SNJA Higher Secondary School. He then pursued his passion for the sciences, earning degrees in Chemistry and Biotechnology from Goa University.
Following a two-year stint as a process officer in the food and beverage sector, Roshan took a significant leap by heading to Germany to pursue a PhD at the prestigious Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry and Ludwig Maximilian University in Munich. His doctoral research focused on uncovering the molecular mechanisms of novel drug targets in preclinical models of anxiety and major depression. This academic journey continued with postdoctoral training in Germany, France, and Singapore.
During his time in Singapore, Roshan expanded his horizons by completing a four-month Bioentrepreneurship certificate course at Nanyang Technological University. This experience immersed him in the various stages of biotechnology and healthcare startups, and attending multiple startup competitions instilled the confidence needed to embark on his own entrepreneurial journey.
Roshan’s venture, Diagopreutic Private Limited, addresses a pressing issue in public health: antimicrobial resistance (AMR). With a PhD in biology and a keen focus on Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)—a formidable AMR pathogen—Roshan’s mission is clear. “Frequent use of disinfectants during the pandemic has contributed to the rise of AMR bacteria, making rapid diagnosis crucial,” he explains. Diagopreutic aims to deliver same-day bacterial diagnostics, significantly reducing the delays currently faced in medical settings, which can span two to three days.
His innovative approach is timely; according to the Indian Network for Surveillance of Antimicrobial Resistance (INSAR), MRSA prevalence in India stands at 41%. The Government of India has identified the treatment of MRSA as a top priority for public health. “My initial interest in S. aureus bacteria inspired this venture,” Roshan notes.
Roshan’s entrepreneurial journey gained momentum when he secured second prize at the GSIC Ideathon event in December 2021, where he presented his idea for rapid MRSA diagnosis. This accolade bolstered his confidence and paved the way for a Nidhi-Prayas grant, enabling him to further develop his prototype at FiiRE, Fatorda, Goa. With mentorship from industry expert Mr. Kishor Shah and guidance from various startup workshops, Roshan has made significant strides over the past six months. He has even filed a provisional patent for a differential bacterial diagnosis method that utilizes a proprietary media formulation to detect color changes.
While navigating challenges such as securing dedicated lab space, Roshan has demonstrated resourcefulness by renting facilities or utilizing pay-per-use laboratories. His commitment to innovation was further highlighted during a science fest in Panjim, where he learned about funding opportunities from the Goa State Innovation Council (GSIC). This led to his successful application for a prototyping grant aimed at addressing excessive nitrate levels in water—an initiative that has significant implications for public health.
Reflecting on his work, Roshan draws parallels between his research on nitrate conversion using microorganisms and the rapid diagnosis of infections. “The same biochemical processes can be harnessed for both treating toxic nitrates and diagnosing infections,” he explains.
Looking ahead, Diagopreutic aspires to become a leader in the AMR diagnostic space, offering accurate and reproducible tools to labs worldwide. “We are committed to providing innovative solutions that address one of healthcare’s most pressing challenges,” Roshan asserts.
His advice to aspiring entrepreneurs? “Engage with events—whether in-person or online. These experiences offer invaluable insights into the multifaceted world of startups, covering areas such as regulatory affairs, patent filing, marketing, and lab work. Every interaction can help you refine your vision and enhance your impact.”
With a keen focus on solving critical health challenges, Roshan Naik exemplifies the spirit of innovation and resilience, marking him as a rising star in the biotech landscape.
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