About Us
Manna Biotech is an integrated Life Sciences research organisation that offers a wide range of research training services and new solutions to the life sciences community. PhD holders with excellent research experience created this company. We saw a need for an integrated service provider for the fast growing life sciences and biotech industries and academics throughout the PhD programme. Our objective is to provide high-quality research training, as well as comprehensive consulting and research outsourcing, delivered by qualified personnel. We provide high-quality bioinformatics and cheminformatics services and training. We also provide advanced bioinformatics and cheminformatics training, short courses, summer projects, and Bio IT (bioperl, Python) courses. Both in-person and online training is available. We also assist researchers by intelligently evaluating data from their projects and assisting with the authoring of projects for submission to funding organisations and publications. The Data Analysis department will be able to assist you in a variety of ways to move your research project forward, and we have the knowledge to aid you at every stage of the process.Clinical trials and pharmaceutical research benefit from the usage of cheminformatics tools. People who use our services have their privacy protected by us. By safeguarding your personal information, we hope to earn your trust. We keep all of the information you submit to us private and confidential.
Our Vision
We recognized a critical need for integrated service providers in the rapidly evolving life sciences and biotech sectors. With this in mind, we set out to establish Manna Biotech as a beacon of excellence, dedicated to delivering high-quality research training, consulting, and outsourcing solutions, all led by a team of highly qualified professionals.
What We Offer
At Manna Biotech, we specialize in providing cutting-edge bioinformatics and cheminformatics services and training. Whether you're seeking advanced training courses, short-term projects, or specialized Bio IT instruction, we have the expertise to meet your needs. Our offerings include both in-person and online training options, ensuring accessibility and flexibility for all our clients.
Our Team
Dr Chathyushya K B
Founder - MD & CEO
Dr. Chathyushya K B is a visionary leader in the field of biotechnology, renowned for her groundbreaking research and entrepreneurial spirit. As the Founder of Manna Biotech, she spearheads innovative projects aimed at revolutionizing healthcare and biomedicine.
With a stellar academic background, Dr. Chathyushya holds expertise in bioinformatics, scientific writing, and patents law, making her a multifaceted force in the industry. Her journey is marked by a relentless pursuit of knowledge, earning prestigious accolades such as the DBT Junior Research Fellowship, CSIR NET qualification, and SLET qualification. Driven by a passion for mentorship, she actively nurtures the next generation of scientists, imparting invaluable guidance and wisdom.
With a keen eye for innovation and a commitment to excellence, Dr. Chathyushya has secured numerous publications, cementing her legacy as a pioneer in biotechnological advancement. Through her profound expertise and unwavering dedication, she continues to shape the future of biomedicine, leaving an indelible mark on the scientific community. Her areas of expertise includes the public health and translational research which includes, Antimicrobial resistance (AMR), Symbiotic Research, Host microbial interaction (Plant, Animal and cell line based studies), Genomics based research etc. With her expertise in the field of life sciences, she has guided more than 500 graduate and post graduate students for their research projects.
SCIENTIFIC ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Dr. Hemalatha R
MBBS MD; FNAMS, FIUNS, FTAS
Director (Former), ICMR-NIN, DHR, MOHFW, GOI.
President (Former), Nutrition Society of India,
EC Member (Former), Federation of Asian Nutrition Societies (FANS), Chairperson (Former), National Committee for International Union of Nutrition Sciences
Dr. R. Hemalatha, MD
Chairperson, Scientific Advisory Committee – Manna Biotech
Former Director, ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition (NIN), Hyderabad
Dr. R. Hemalatha is a globally respected medical scientist, public health expert, and visionary leader in the field of nutrition science and biomedical research. With a career spanning over three decades, Dr. Hemalatha has made significant contributions to maternal and child health, clinical nutrition, and translational research impacting national policy and global health priorities.
She served as the Director of the ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition (NIN), India’s premier nutrition research institute under the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), from 2017 until her retirement. During her tenure, she led numerous initiatives focusing on nutritional epidemiology, food fortification, diet-disease relationships, and national nutrition policy implementation.
A medical doctor (MBBS) with an MD in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Dr. Hemalatha began her career in clinical care but transitioned into biomedical research with a focus on women’s and adolescent health, particularly within underserved populations. Her groundbreaking studies on anemia, micronutrient deficiencies, and pregnancy-related nutrition have been widely cited and formed the evidence base for several government schemes, including POSHAN Abhiyaan and Anemia Mukt Bharat.
Key Achievements & Contributions:
Former Director, ICMR-NIN, leading India’s nutritional research ecosystem at the highest level.
Principal Investigator of several ICMR- and DBT-funded projects on micronutrients, maternal health, and dietary interventions.
Advisor to National and International Agencies such as WHO, UNICEF, FSSAI, and MoHFW on public nutrition, dietary guidelines, and food safety.
Instrumental in developing India’s Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) and the Mid-Day Meal nutritional framework.
Author of over 120 peer-reviewed publications, invited speaker at global conferences, and mentor to young scientists and clinicians.
Recipient of prestigious national awards including the Dr. B.C. Roy Award, and recognition by FICCI, NAMS, and others.
Role at Manna Biotech:
As Chairperson of the Scientific Advisory Committee, Dr. Hemalatha brings exceptional academic and policy leadership to Manna Biotech’s research and training ecosystem. Her strategic guidance strengthens Manna Biotech’s mission to build global competence in life sciences and to bridge academia, research, and industry with a strong foundation in scientific integrity and social responsibility
Dr. B. Dinesh Kumar
PhD (pharm) FNAMS, FAPASC, FTASC, FIPS,
Scientist G -Director Grade (Former) - ICMR- National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad.
Expert Member State Level Appraisal Committee (SEACT) and Environment Impact Assessment Authority Telangana (SEIAAT), Chairman Scientific Panel on Food Additives, Flavourings, Expert Committee member of FSSAI, Expert WG member Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission- of Vitamins, Minerals, Amino Acids, Fatty Acids etc. & Packaging Material, Councilor - IUPHAR-PNPS, National- President & Secretary (Former)-Indian Pharmacological Society (IPS), General Secretary (Former)-Nutrition Society of India (NSI), Director of Translational Science Research Services, HYD
Dr. B. Dinesh Kumar, PhD
Member, Scientific Advisory Committee
Former Scientist-G & Director-Grade Scientist
ICMR – National Institute of Nutrition (NIN), Hyderabad
Dr. B. Dinesh Kumar is a highly distinguished biomedical scientist and expert in public health nutrition, clinical research, and nutrition surveillance. With more than 30 years of research and leadership experience at the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), he has made lasting contributions to national nutrition data systems, dietary assessment tools, and policy-driven research in India.
He retired as a Scientist-G and Director-level officer from the ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) — one of the top biomedical research institutes in Asia. His work has been pivotal in shaping India's approach to malnutrition, non-communicable diseases, and dietary standards, through data-driven strategies and population-level interventions.
Areas of Expertise
Public Health Nutrition & National Nutrition Surveys
Clinical Trials, Nutritional Epidemiology & Biostatistics
Large-Scale Dietary Assessment & Monitoring Tools
Micronutrient Deficiency Mapping & Program Evaluation
Data Science in Nutrition & Health Policy Analytics
Career Highlights
Led major national-level surveys including NFHS, NNMB, and Micronutrient Mapping Studies
Advisor and Principal Investigator for projects under WHO, UNICEF, World Bank, and FSSAI
Developed innovative tools for dietary intake analysis, used by multiple ministries and research agencies
Contributed to ICMR-RDA updates, National Nutrition Profiles, and school nutrition programs
Authored 100+ research papers, technical manuals, and policy reports
Contribution to Manna Biotech
As a core member of the Manna Biotech Scientific Advisory Committee, Dr. Dinesh Kumar brings exceptional expertise in clinical data systems, public health metrics, and research mentorship. He guides the development of evidence-based training modules, internships, and collaborative research programs, ensuring that students and professionals gain hands-on skills in modern nutrition science and biomedical research methodologies.
His mentorship empowers Manna Biotech to maintain the highest standards of scientific integrity, while bridging academia, industry, and public health sectors.
“Evidence-based science must empower people — not just papers. Manna Biotech is driving that change, one student and one lab at a time.”
Dr. B. Dinesh Kumar
Professor. G. S. Prasad
MSc., PhD
Former Director, Centre for Research, Innovation, Technology and Entrepreneurship (RITE), University of Hyderabad,
Coordinated research and innovation activities across the University.
Former Director, ASPIRE (Association for Scientific Pursuits for Innovative Research Enterprises), University of Hyderabad.
Former Chief Scientist, CSIR-Institute of Microbial Technology (CSIR-IMTECH), Chandigarh.
Former Head, Microbial Type Culture Collection and Gene Bank (MTCC), India’s National Microbial Resource Cente.
Member, Executive Board, World Federation of Culture Collections (WFCC),
Former Country Representative, Asian Consortium for the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Microbial Resources (ACM).
Visiting Scientist: RIKEN (The Institute of Physical and Chemical Research), Japan and Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), Germany
Prof. G. S. Prasad, PhD
Member, Scientific Advisory Committee – Manna Biotech
Former Professor & Head, Department of Plant Sciences, University of Hyderabad
Former Director, MTCC – Microbial Type Culture Collection, Chandigarh
Prof. G. S. Prasad is a highly respected scientist and academic leader in plant biotechnology, microbial diversity, and molecular biology, with an illustrious career spanning over 35 years. He is internationally recognized for his work in microbial taxonomy, environmental biotechnology, and functional genomics, with significant contributions to sustainable agriculture and microbial resource management.
As Former Director of MTCC, India’s premier microbial culture collection center at IMTECH (Chandigarh), Prof. Prasad played a key role in the preservation, classification, and application of microbial strains crucial to scientific research, biotechnology industries, and bioresource conservation.
He also served as Professor and Head, Department of Plant Sciences at the University of Hyderabad, one of India’s top institutions for life sciences research and education. His academic and research leadership has been instrumental in nurturing the next generation of scientists and building global research partnerships.
Areas of Expertise
Microbial Diversity, Taxonomy & Biotechnological Applications
Plant Molecular Biology & Functional Genomics
Rhizosphere Biology & Biofertilizer Technologies
Environmental Biotechnology & Agri-Innovation
Genetic Resource Management & Bioresource Utilization
Career Highlights
Former Director of MTCC, Chandigarh – India’s national culture collection center
Over 150 peer-reviewed international publications
Supervised 35+ PhD students and numerous M.Sc./M.Tech projects
Led major projects funded by DBT, ICAR, DST, and UGC
Collaborated with global research institutes in Germany, USA, South Korea, and France
Member of expert panels for DBT, UGC, NAAC, ICAR, and various state biotechnology missions
Role at Manna Biotech
As a member of the Scientific Advisory Committee, Prof. G. S. Prasad provides invaluable guidance in molecular biology, plant-microbe interaction, microbial technologies, and research mentorship. His insights support Manna Biotech in designing world-class internships, hands-on research projects, and industrial skill programs that empower students for international careers in biotechnology.
His leadership ensures Manna Biotech remains at the forefront of scientific excellence, innovation, and industry relevance.
“When science preserves biodiversity and powers innovation, real transformation begins. Manna Biotech is enabling that shift in young minds.”
Prof. G. S. Prasad
Professor. Pratibha Nallari,
MSc (Genetics)., PhD (Human genetics)., Postdoctoral (Medical Genetics and Molecular Biology)
Former Head, Department of Genetics, Osmania University, Hyderabad, Former Chairperson, Board of Studies in Genetics, Osmania University
Former President, Indian Society of Human Genetics (ISHG)
NAAC Peer Team Member (UGC-accredited)
Advisor & Consultant to biotech companies, academic institutions, and clinical research projects
Editorial Board Member of several national and international journals in genetics and biomedical sciences.
Prof. Pratibha Nallari, PhD
Member, Scientific Advisory Committee – Manna Biotech
Former Professor & Head, Department of Genetics, Osmania University
Founder & Director, GEMS – Genetic Educational & Medical Services, Hyderabad
Prof. Pratibha Nallari is a distinguished geneticist, educator, and pioneer in the field of human genetics and molecular medicine. With a remarkable career spanning over 40 years, she has made foundational contributions to clinical genetics, genome research, and genetic education in India.
She served as the Professor and Head of the Department of Genetics at Osmania University, where she helped shape one of the country's premier genetics programs. Her leadership in developing academic curricula, clinical diagnostics, and research methodologies has inspired generations of scientists and health professionals.
Prof. Nallari is also the Founder and Director of GEMS – Genetic Educational and Medical Services, a first-of-its-kind initiative that offers genetic counseling, diagnostic services, and educational programs to families, clinicians, and students.
Areas of Expertise
Human & Medical Genetics
Molecular Pathophysiology & Genetic Disorders
Clinical Cytogenetics & Molecular Diagnostics
Personalized Medicine & Genomic Counseling
Ethics in Genomics & Science Communication
Career Highlights
Former Head of Genetics, Osmania University, Hyderabad
Founder of GEMS, a pioneering genetics services center in India
Guided over 40 PhD students and mentored hundreds of postgraduates
Published over 100 peer-reviewed research papers
Collaborated on international research projects in Australia, USA, and the UK
Member of expert panels for UGC, DBT, ICMR, DST, and health ministries
Frequent keynote speaker on topics such as Genomics & Society, Women in Science, and Ethics in Biotechnology
Contribution to Manna Biotech
At Manna Biotech, Prof. Pratibha Nallari serves as a scientific and ethical advisor, contributing her expertise to programs in genomics, clinical research, and molecular biology. She provides critical guidance in shaping training modules, scientific writing programs, and diagnostic research internships, ensuring students are grounded in both technical proficiency and human-centered science.
Her vision helps Manna Biotech advance in precision health education, ethical biomedical innovation, and global readiness in life sciences.
“Education in genetics must not just train minds — it must transform lives. That is what Manna Biotech is committed to.”
Prof. Pratibha Nallari
Professor. Kandaswamy Ulaganathan
MSc (Biotechnology)., Ph.D. (Molecular Biology- Plant Molecular Genetics), Postdoctoral Research (USA)
Professor (Retd.), Department of Plant Sciences, Osmania University Hyderabad,
Former Faculty Member, Centre for Plant Molecular Biology (CPMB),
Prof. Kandaswamy Ulaganathan, PhD
Member, Scientific Advisory Committee – Manna Biotech
Former Professor, Department of Plant Sciences
University of Hyderabad, India
Specialist in Plant Molecular Biology & Biotechnology
Prof. Kandaswamy Ulaganathan is an esteemed plant biotechnologist and molecular biologist, with an academic and research career spanning over 35 years. His expertise lies in plant genomics, gene expression regulation, plant transformation, and stress biology, making him a leading figure in crop biotechnology and molecular plant research in India.
He served as Professor in the Department of Plant Sciences at the University of Hyderabad, where he contributed to national and international research collaborations and mentored several research scholars who now occupy key positions in academia and industry worldwide.
Prof. Ulaganathan is also known for his work on rice functional genomics, plant transformation systems, and biotech tools for crop improvement, with a strong emphasis on translational research that links laboratory innovations to real-world agricultural solutions.
Areas of Expertise
Plant Molecular Biology & Genetic Engineering
Gene Expression & Functional Genomics in Crops
Plant Tissue Culture & Transformation Techniques
Abiotic Stress Responses in Plants
Genomic Tools for Crop Improvement
Career Highlights
Former Professor at the University of Hyderabad, a top-ranked Indian university
Published over 80 peer-reviewed research papers in reputed international journals
Guided several PhD and postgraduate scholars in plant biotechnology
Principal Investigator for research grants from DBT, DST, and ICAR
Collaborated with global research labs in Germany, USA, and South Korea
Member of review panels and expert committees for UGC, DST, and agricultural research bodies
Actively involved in curriculum design and capacity building in plant sciences across institutions
Contribution to Manna Biotech
At Manna Biotech, Prof. Kandaswamy Ulaganathan plays a key advisory role in shaping internship programs and research training in plant molecular biology, crop biotechnology, and tissue culture. His scientific leadership strengthens Manna Biotech’s capacity to deliver hands-on, research-driven learning aligned with global agricultural biotechnology trends.
Through his mentorship, Manna Biotech is fostering a new generation of biotech professionals equipped to tackle challenges in food security, climate-resilient crops, and sustainable agriculture.
“Plant biotechnology is the future of sustainable food and health. Manna Biotech is building that future with precision, purpose, and young talent.”
Prof. Kandaswamy Ulaganathan
SCIENTIFIC TEAM
Dr. Manne Munikumar
M.Sc. Ph.D - Bioinformatics
Director - Academics & Trainings
Dr. Manne Munikumar serves as the Director of Academics at Manna Biotech, where he plays a pivotal role in shaping the academic and research-driven initiatives of the organization. With a Ph.D. in Bioinformatics and a rich background in molecular dynamics, next-generation sequencing, and computational biology, Dr. Munikumar brings a wealth of academic and practical expertise to his leadership role.
His career has been marked by his contributions to groundbreaking bioinformatics research and innovations in drug and vaccine design, molecular docking, and real-time data analysis. Prior to his tenure at Manna Biotech, Dr. Munikumar made significant scientific contributions at the ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition, where he focused on bioinformatics applications in biomedical research.
As Director of Academics, Dr. Munikumar is dedicated to advancing Manna Biotech’s academic partnerships, fostering cutting-edge research, and mentoring the next generation of biotech professionals. His leadership ensures that Manna Biotech remains at the forefront of scientific innovation and academic excellence in biotechnology.
Sujitha Vadlamudi
M.Sc. Biochemistry
Director - Scientific Strategy & Operations
Sujitha Vadlamudi is a dynamic leader with extensive expertise in scientific operations, business development, and research management. As the Director of Scientific Strategy & Operations at Manna Biotech, she plays a crucial role in overseeing research workflows, strategic planning, and business growth initiatives.
With a strong background in R&D procurement, laboratory management, and regulatory compliance, she ensures the seamless execution of research projects while aligning them with industry standards. She is instrumental in establishing collaborations, optimizing operational efficiencies, and driving innovation within the organization.
Her expertise in business strategy and scientific affairs has contributed significantly to Manna Biotech’s growth, making her a key figure in advancing biotechnology research and education. Through her leadership, she continues to bridge the gap between science and industry, fostering a culture of innovation and excellence.
Dr Mazeed Mohd
Scientific Consultant
MSc (Biotechnology-Osmania University, Hyderabad)
PhD (Structural Biology-CCMB, Hyderabad)
Postdoc (Structural Immunology-Harvard Medical School, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, USA)
Former Postdoc at Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA (Structural Biology)
Vineela K
M.Sc. Microbiology
Head - Laboratory Operations
Sowmya Majjiga
MS - Biotechnology, London (UK)
Head - Scientific Operations
ADMINISTRATION TEAM
Sathupati Rupas Kumar
BA - Public Administration
Director - HR & Finance
Sathupati Rupas Kumar is the Director of Human Resources and Finance at Manna Biotech, bringing over 20 years of diverse experience in marketing, finance, and human resources. His career spans across multiple sectors, including a significant tenure in the Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) and marketing, where he developed valuable expertise in financial planning, business growth strategies, and talent management.
Experience:
Before joining Manna Biotech, Rupas Kumar spent many years in the marketing field, where he led campaigns and strategies that contributed to substantial business growth. His time at Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) played a key role in shaping his financial acumen, where he was responsible for key aspects of financial management, customer relations, and business development.
As Director of Human Resources and Finance at Manna Biotech, Rupas Kumar combines his marketing expertise with his financial background to ensure robust financial management while cultivating a high-performance organizational culture. His approach to HR focuses on attracting top talent, fostering employee development, and maintaining a collaborative, productive work environment.
Rupas Kumar’s leadership in both human resources and finance is integral to Manna Biotech’s continued success, driving operational efficiency and supporting the company’s long-term strategic objectives.
Mr Balu Kunthavath
B-Tech - Electrical & Electronics Engineering
Director - Technical Facilities
Mr. Balu Kunthavath serves as the Director – Technical Facilities at Manna Biotech, bringing over 10 years of deep expertise in engineering design, infrastructure development, and turnkey execution across the biotech and pharmaceutical industries.
A graduate in Electrical & Electronics (B.Tech), he combines academic rigor with practical experience to deliver technically sound, compliant, and future-ready facility solutions. Before joining Manna Biotech, Mr. Kunthavath was the Founder and Principal Consultant at SB Engineers, a company widely recognized for its excellence in process engineering, cleanroom setups, and utility infrastructure. Under his leadership, SB Engineers successfully executed numerous high-complexity projects for pharma and biotech companies, focusing on quality, reliability, and regulatory compliance.In his current role, Mr. Kunthavath oversees the full spectrum of technical facility operations at Manna Biotech, including Facility Planning & Layout Design – Developing scalable, efficient, and regulatory-compliant infrastructure for R&D and manufacturingCleanroom & Utility Systems – Managing installation and validation of HVAC, purified water, clean steam, compressed air, and related systems Project Execution & Commissioning – Leading cross-functional teams to ensure timely and cost-effective project delivery Regulatory Compliance – Ensuring facilities meet standards such as WHO-GMP, EU-GMP, and USFDA Technical Innovation – Driving improvements in facility automation, energy efficiency, and process optimization Mr. Kunthavath is known for his hands-on approach, problem-solving mindset, and commitment to engineering excellence.
His leadership is critical in aligning Manna Biotech’s technical infrastructure with its strategic goal of delivering high-quality, innovative biotech solutions on a global scale.
Bharath Kumar Komaram
B-Tech - Mechanical Engineering
Program Manager & SPOC - Skill Development Courses
As the Program Manager and SPOC for Skill Development Courses, you are responsible for the planning, implementation, and coordination of various training programs. Your role involves managing course logistics, engaging with instructors and participants, ensuring program quality, and serving as the primary point of contact for all related queries and activities. Your background in Mechanical Engineering brings valuable technical insight to the programs you oversee.
We're excited to highlight Bharath Kumar Komaram, a key contributor to our team and our company's growth. With a rich background spanning diverse fields like Organic Farming and deep System Knowledge, Bharath has successfully worked across multiple sectors. This unique blend of experiences makes him a versatile and invaluable all-rounder, dedicated to driving our company forward.
Parsa Aravind Kumar
Sr Executive - Digital Marketing
Ramula Santhoshi
Office Assistant