Bartronics India Limited ("BIL"), a listed technology and services company, has announced a strategic investment of up to ₹50 crore in Huwel Life Sciences Pvt. Ltd, a molecular diagnostics innovator based in Hyderabad. Under this MoU, BIL will acquire a 15% equity stake in Huwel, bringing together its scaling expertise with Huwel's innovation capabilities to accelerate India's health goals. BIL also holds an option to increase its equity stake by an additional 15%".
Huwel Life Sciences, led by Founder & CEO Dr. Rachana Tripathi, is a women-led enterprise operating from a state-of-the-art ISO-certified, CE/FDA-compliant facility in Hyderabad. The company has developed more than 100 validated diagnostic products across TB, infectious diseases, antimicrobial resistance, viral threats, genetic disorders, and cancer. Huwel played a critical role during the COVID-19 pandemic by delivering RT-PCR solutions at scale. It has also developed breakthrough diagnostic parameters for Nipah and Chandipura viruses. The portfolio includes Uniamp point-of-care devices designed for rapid and accessible testing. Huwel has secured grants from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, received orders from the World Health Organization, and continues to build global credibility through partnerships and product adoption worldwide.
The flagship product of Huwel's portfolio is its breakthrough low-cost TB solution. Huwel has developed the Quantiplus® TB Fast Detection Kit. QuantiPlus is approved by ICMR and was launched by the Union Health Minister. It is the only open-system, affordable RT-PCR solution for TB confirmatory testing in India.
The TB test market is vast and rapidly expanding. In 2023, NTEP conducted 1.89 crore sputum smear tests and 68.3 lakh NAATs, highlighting the need for affordable, scalable solutions.This innovation is closely aligned with the National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP) and the Prime Minister's vision of a 'TB Mukt Bharat'.
Under this strategic partnership with Huwel, BIL will assume end-to-end responsibility for driving market growth, delivering technology support, managing digital outreach, and developing customized applications, portals, and digital platforms. BIL will take the lead in identifying prospective opportunities, initiating engagements, negotiating commercial terms, and securing government, institutional, and international orders - while ensuring that all activities are structured to safeguard and enhance the long-term value interests of both partners.
This partnership guarantees assured revenue for BIL. A designated subsidiary will manage a major share of business execution, which creates predictable and recurring income streams. Beyond revenue, BIL and Huwel will drive R&D, launch new products, and expand internationally.
As demand grows in emerging markets such as Africa and Southeast Asia, Huwel and BIL aim to position India as a global hub for life sciences innovation and manufacturing.
Mr. Vidhya Sagar Reddy, Managing Director of Bartronics India Limited, said: "It is about building a monopoly-strength product portfolio from India for the world. It also strengthens our role in national health programs while creating recurring revenue opportunities. We are really proud to be supporting the government's mission to eliminate TB."
Dr. Rachana Tripathi, CEO of Huwel Life Sciences, added: "From COVID-19 to Nipah and Chandipura, Huwel has consistently delivered diagnostic innovations that safeguard public health. With our ICMR-certified TB solution and expanding product portfolio-and with BIL's partnership, we are ready to scale across India and globally."
This partnership represents a shared commitment to strengthen India's healthcare system, accelerate disease elimination programs, and establish global leadership in affordable diagnostics. Together, Bartronics India and Huwel Life Sciences are shaping a healthier future for India and the world.