Hyderabad: The University of Hyderabad (UoH) alumni network found representation on the global stage as ATGC Biotech Pvt. Ltd., co-founded by two former students of the university, participated in Bharat Innovates 2026, an international showcase of India’s deep-tech ecosystem held in Nice, France, from June 14 to 16.

ATGC Biotech was among 120 high-potential startups selected to showcase India’s advances in biotechnology, healthcare, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, sustainability, space technology and advanced manufacturing. The event was organised alongside India-France bilateral engagements during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to France.

The company was founded by Dr. Markandeya Gorantla and Dr. V.B. Reddy, both alumni of the Department of Plant Sciences at the University of Hyderabad.

Dr. Markandeya Gorantla completed his Ph.D. in Plant Sciences between 2000 and 2004 and earlier served as a Senior Research Fellow in the department. He currently serves as Chairman and Managing Director of ATGC Biotech. Dr. V.B. Reddy obtained his M.Sc. in Plant Sciences, completed an Advanced Post-Graduate Diploma in Bioinformatics and later earned his Ph.D. in Plant Sciences from the university. He is the Executive Director of the company.

Established in Genome Valley, Hyderabad, ATGC Biotech focuses on pheromone-based crop protection technologies aimed at supporting sustainable agriculture. The company develops alternatives to conventional insecticides by using species-specific pheromone signals to manage insect populations.

During the event in Nice, the company announced two international collaborations. It exchanged a licensing agreement with Albaugh Europe, a division of the US-headquartered Albaugh Group, for six crop protection products based on ATGC’s patented CREMIT pheromone technology platform.

ATGC Biotech also strengthened its international presence through SEMIOPHORE Ltd., a joint venture with Luxembourg Industries Ltd. The venture will focus on developing a portfolio of 18 products tailored for global agricultural markets.

The agreements were exchanged in the presence of Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, and Dr. Manish Diwan, Head of Research Innovation and Science-led Entrepreneurship Development (RFID) at BIRAC. The ATGC delegation also interacted with Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal during the event.

According to the company, its technology has been deployed across more than 200,000 acres and is being commercialised through partnerships in Europe, the Americas and Asia. The participation of the UoH alumni-led enterprise at Bharat Innovates 2026 highlights the growing role of Indian research-driven companies in developing technologies for sustainable agriculture and expanding their presence in international markets.