Agilus and Microbira Explore Rapid Microbial Testing Collaboration

Agilus Diagnostics hosted Scotland’s Secretary of State Douglas Alexander and a Scottish delegation at its Goregaon facility in Mumbai on 29 October 2026, according to Bwhealthcareworld. The visit explored potential India-Scotland collaboration in diagnostic technology, microbial testing and research.

Facilitated by the British Deputy High Commission Mumbai, the programme highlighted rapid microbial testing technology developed by Edinburgh-based Microbira Limited. Agilus presented its operations and laboratory network, while Microbira discussed plans for India.

Technology demonstration at Mumbai laboratory

The delegation attended a technology demonstration and toured Agilus’ Microbiology Department, where the Microbira technology has been installed, Bwhealthcareworld reported.

Rapid microbial testing can identify microorganisms responsible for infections and detect antimicrobial resistance. The publication said the technology could support faster diagnosis and more informed treatment decisions.

Vijender Singh, Managing Director and CEO of Agilus Diagnostics, said the engagement enabled the company to present its capabilities and assess international technologies against healthcare requirements in India. Douglas Alexander pointed to research and innovation cooperation between India and Scotland as a route to address antimicrobial resistance.

Potential export opportunity under review

According to Bwhealthcareworld, the Scotland Office has identified a potential USD 13.4 million export opportunity for Microbira in India’s diagnostics market. The publication noted that the commercial scope of a potential collaboration involving Agilus, including investment commitments, remains unfinalised.

Deepak Sanghavi, Senior Vice President Operations and Chief of Mumbai Reference Lab at Agilus Diagnostics, said international partnerships can help evaluate emerging solutions while maintaining clinical quality and operational standards.

Broader UK-India diagnostics engagement

Agilus also hosted nine UK diagnostics companies at the Goregaon facility on October 26 through the UK-India Diagnostic Cohort programme, Bwhealthcareworld reported. That session showcased Agilus’ laboratory infrastructure and explored potential partnerships.

For diagnostics and laboratory sales professionals, the meetings place rapid microbial testing and antimicrobial-resistance detection at the center of discussions between laboratory operators, technology developers and international stakeholders. The reported activity also underscores the role of laboratory demonstrations and site walkthroughs in evaluating technologies for local clinical and operational settings.