About Bio-ReImagine
If you are given a box of reconstructed human skin, what innovation could you invent?
The EPISKIN Innovation Challenge – India 2025, organized by Krishgen Biosystems, is a national-level scientific competition designed to promote innovation in life sciences using EPISKIN reconstructed 3D human tissue models. These models offer a cruelty-free, reliable, and cutting-edge alternative to traditional animal testing in the fields of cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, drug delivery, and biomedical research.
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The challenge invites participants from university, institutes, startups from across India to reimagine scientific testing and develop novel applications of 3D tissue models in areas such as:
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Green Sciences
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Tissue Regeneration
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Alternative Testing Methods
Whether you are exploring skin irritation, wound healing, ingredient safety, or innovative drug delivery techniques - this is your platform to showcase your ideas using 3D tissue models.
How it Works
By 15th June, 2025
Submit Your Abstract
Propose an innovative research that leverages 3D human tissue models in fields such as Green Sciences, Tissue Regeneration, or Alternative Testing Methods. Your abstract should clearly present the project title, research objectives, methodology, expected outcomes, and explain how the project allows for replacement of animal testing.
By 21st July, 2025
Qualifying Abstracts Present
Nine qualifying abstracts will be selected. Those teams will present their proposed study via virtual pitches to the panel of jury between 21st–25th July 2025. This includes a deep-drive into the technology, how the study relates to one of the three innovation domains and how the study will be conducted.
By November 2025
Grand Finale Event
Three final teams will receive complimentary EPISKIN tissue models via Krishgen and technical support via Episkin to conduct their research from August to October 2025, culminating in a final showcase event in November 2025. All three teams will present their data at this event, and the winner will be announced during the dinner gala.
Why Participate?
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Contribute to the advancement of non-animal testing in India and innovation
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Gain visibility among leading scientists, regulators, and industry leaders
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Compete for an opportunity to conduct PoC studies using EPISKIN tissues
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Present your research at an exclusive finale event in Bangalore
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Access expert guidance from EPISKIN and senior scientists
INNOVATION DOMAINS
Your ideas must be geared towards innovation under one of the three innovation domains below
Green Sciences & Sustainability
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Development of biodegradable, sustainable, and environmentally friendly testing models
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Use of plant-based or biomaterial-derived compounds to enhance in vitro testing
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Strategies to reduce chemical waste and hazardous residues
Regeneration & Tissue Engineering
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Innovations in wound healing, skin repair, and dermal regeneration
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Novel applications of reconstructed human skin models in medical and cosmetic sciences
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Development of bioengineered tissues for pharmaceutical testing and personalized medicine
Alternative Testing Models & Toxicology
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Advancements in toxicological assessments using EPISKIN models
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Replacement of animal testing in dermatology, pharmaceuticals, and personal care
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Validation of in vitro methods for skin irritation, corrosion, and UV damage testing
Have questions about the categories?
Who Can Apply
We welcome teams of upto 6 people, including a Principal Investigator to innovate and submit their abstracts to us.
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Bio-ReImagine is open to participants from:
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Institutes
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Universities
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Startups
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Anyone with a background in science and a passion for innovation in skin research, alternative testing, or regenerative solutions is welcome to join!​
Top Submissions
About Krishgen
India's largest Life Sciences Reagents Company
Krishgen Biosystems delivers next-gen in-vitro solutions for life sciences, enabling reliable, cruelty-free testing in pharma, biotech, food, and cosmetics.
Krishgen Biosystems is a leading Indian biotechnology company delivering innovative assay kits, antibodies, cell culture reagents, and other in vitro testing solutions for the pharmaceutical, biotech, diagnostics, and cosmetic industries.
As the exclusive distributor of EPISKIN in India, Krishgen champions the use of 3D reconstructed human tissue models for ethical, human-relevant research. By offering validated alternatives to animal testing, Krishgen enables researchers to perform accurate, reproducible, and regulatory-compliant safety and efficacy testing.
About Episkin
EPISKIN, a subsidiary of L’Oréal, is the global pioneer in reconstructed human tissue engineering, offering scientifically advanced and ethically developed 3D in vitro human skin models. Headquartered in Lyon, France, EPISKIN supports the global shift toward cruelty-free science by providing alternative testing models that eliminate the need for animal experimentation.
These reconstructed tissues are developed from donated human cells, cultivated under stringent, standardized lab conditions to form biologically accurate models of human epidermis and epithelial tissues. EPISKIN models are recognized for their predictive power, reproducibility, and regulatory acceptance, enabling safer and more effective testing for a wide range of products and ingredients.
What Are EPISKIN 3D Tissue Models?
EPISKIN 3D tissue models are lab-grown, reconstructed human tissues that closely replicate the structure and function of real human skin and mucosa. Developed from ethically donated human cells, these models are used as scientific and cruelty-free alternatives to animal testing.
They offer a reliable, reproducible, and human-relevant platform for evaluating the safety, efficacy, and biological response of ingredients and finished products across industries. Applications for the various tissue types include:
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Skin Irritation Testing (OECD TG 439)
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Skin Corrosion Assessment (OECD TG 431)
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Phototoxicity Evaluation
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Wound Healing and Regeneration Studies
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DNA damage
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Bacterial adhesion
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Permeablity
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Eye Irritation Test
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Depigmentation
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Pigmentation
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Curious about what more you can do with EPISKIN?
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Reconstructed Tissues Available
Ready to Turn Your Idea into Impact?
If you make it to the Top 3 Finalists, you'll receive 16 EPISKIN Tissues Models to bring your PoC to life!
Choose your model:
Pick your path. Push boundaries. Present your breakthrough.
April 7, 2025
Bio-ReImagine launch
June 15, 2025
Abstract Submission Deadline
July 4, 2025
​Announcement of Shortlisted Participants
July 21 - 25, 2025
Pitch Presentations
July 28 - 29, 2025
Finalists Announcement
August - November 2025 (Top 3 finalists receive EPISKIN tissues)
Proof of Concept (PoC) Study Phase
November 2025 (Bengaluru)
Grand Finale & Winner Announcement
Challenge Timeline
Winner Evaluation Criteria
This is your Team section. It's a great place to introduce your team and talk about what makes it special, such as your culture and work philosophy. Don't be afraid to illustrate personality and character to help users connect with your team.
Prize for Innovation Challenge
Win Exciting Prizes & Gain National Recognition!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Global Success: EPISKIN Innovation Challenge in Brazil & China
The EPISKIN Innovation Challenge has already transformed research in alternative testing worldwide:
Brazil 2023 – Winning project focused on UV protection and photo-toxicity studies using reconstructed skin models.
Jury Panel
Dr. Kaushik Chatterjee
Professor & Chair
Dr. Kaushik Chatterjee received his Ph.D. in Bioengineering from the Pennsylvania State University. He worked as a postdoctoral fellow jointly at the National Institute of Standards and Technology and the National Institutes of Health, USA. He then joined the Indian Institute of Science, where he is currently a Professor in the Department of Materials Engineering and the Department of Bioengineering. He also serves as the Chair of the Department of Bioengineering at IISc and an Associate Editor for the Journal of Materials Chemistry B and Materials Advances. His research group focuses on materials for biomedical applications and particularly on the use of 3D printing and additive manufacturing technologies for healthcare.
DR. Anil Kumar P.R
Scientist G
Ph.D in Tissue Engineering; Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences & Technology, Kerala, India.;2007.
The DST-IIPA Gold Medal [2009] by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) sponsored program, 8th foundation training program for scientists and technologists, organized by Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA), New Delhi.
Current Activities-
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Head of Division of Tissue Culture.
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In-Charge of 3D Bioprinting & Biofabrication Facility and Confocal Microscopy Facility.
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PhD guide, PhD Co-Guide and Faculty for the courses MTech - Clinical Engineering and PhD course work. Doctoral Advisory Committee Member of PhD Program.
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Cytotoxicity and cytocompatibility evaluation of biomaterials according to ISO standards
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Fabrication of scaffolds for tissue engineering, Cell sheet engineering, In vitro testing models.
Contact Us
India : Unit No#318/319, Shah & Nahar, Off Dr E Moses Road, Worli, Mumbai 400 018.
(022)-49198736 (Direct)