Overview

• A July 16 high-level consultation in Gandhinagar formally kicked off the Tribal Genome Sequencing Project following approval in the 2025–26 state budget.
• The Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre will sequence the genomes of 2,000 individuals from tribal populations across 17 districts.
• Field teams are preparing to collect more than 4,000 biological samples, using advanced equipment for sample collection through to data analysis.
• The study will generate whole-genome data from over 20 tribal communities, employing trio sampling and aiming for gender balance to trace hereditary traits.
• Participants’ genetic profiles will be linked with basic health services to enable early detection and targeted treatment of conditions such as sickle cell anemia, thalassemia and hereditary cancers.