TDB–DST signs Rs 86 crore RDI support with Peptaris for VIGOR AI drug-discovery programme
On 12 October 2026, TDB under DST signed an agreement for Rs 86 crore RDI support (OCD) with Bengaluru-based Peptaris Technologies for the VIGOR programme (total cost Rs 172 crore) to advance four AI-discovered drugs from TRL-4 to TRL-6.
Summary
The Technology Development Board (TDB) of the Department of Science and Technology signed an agreement to provide Rs 86 crore financial assistance under the Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund to Peptaris Technologies Private Limited, Bengaluru. The VIGOR programme (AI-discovered molecules from lab to clinic) has a total project cost of Rs 172 crore and aims to move four investigational drugs from Technology Readiness Level 4 to Level 6 via pre-clinical development and clinical-trial readiness. Funding is through Optionally Convertible Debt (OCD). Candidate areas include neuromuscular disorders/cancer (PEPR111), alopecia (PEPRX101), neuropathy (PEPR202) and diabetes-related disease (PEPR112).
Key facts
- Support
- TDB–DST RDI funding of Rs 86 crore (OCD)
- Company
- Peptaris Technologies Pvt Ltd, Bengaluru
- Programme
- VIGOR: AI-discovered molecules from lab to clinic
- Total project cost
- Rs 172 crore
- Goal
- Advance 4 investigational drugs from TRL-4 to TRL-6
- Date
- Agreement reported 12 October 2026
Practice MCQs 2 questions
In October 2026, how much RDI financial assistance did TDB–DST agree to provide Peptaris Technologies?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Rs 86 crore
The Peptaris VIGOR programme supported in October 2026 aims to advance drugs across which Technology Readiness Levels?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — TRL-4 to TRL-6