Founders and Directors
Dr. Pankaj Kaingade
PhD (Reproductive Biology)
Founder & Director
Pankaj Kaingade, Ph.D. – Founder & Director, ReproHelix Labs (An ultra-modern and vibrant facility specialized in Reproductive Genetics & Fertility Solutions. It offers an academic forum, center for cutting-edge research with innovations and fertility solutions to the IVF Clinics). He is also, the Scientific & Laboratory Director, Orchid Fertility Center, Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India. Concurrently serving as the Consultant Embryologist, Apollo Fertility, Solapur, Maharashtra, India. He is also appointed as an Executive Member of Academy of Clinical Embryologists, India (ACE) 2022-24.
Dr. Pankajearned his Ph.D. from Charotar University of Science & Technology (CHARUSAT), Gujarat, India for his thesis based on Reproductive Stem cells, focusing mainly on endometrium and breast milk. His dissertation explored the potential of stem cells of human breast milk and endometrium for their implications in child and women’s healthcare. He had five research article and one review article published in reputable international journals throughout his doctoral studies.
He was awarded with the Young Scientist Award for his research work on “Breast milk Stem cells” by Charotar University of Science & Technology (CHARUSAT), Gujarat, India (2017).
Dr. Pankaj is a Consultant Embryologist with over 14 years of experience in human assisted reproductive technologies and research. He received his Clinical Embryology Certification from the Embryology Academy for Research and Training (EART- endorsed by Cleveland Clinic, USA), Mumbai, India. Additionally, he also got trained for embryo biopsy technique under Dr. Tiki Osianlis (Monash IVF – Australia). He is also validated for embryo / trophectoderm biopsy by Anderson Diagnostics & Labs, India.Furthermore, he received training in ovarian tissue cryopreservation from Prof. Claus Andersen (Denmark) & Dr. Yuki Suzuki (Japan). He is also responsible for establishing the Fertility Preservation facility at Sunanda IVF & Fertility Clinic, Kolhapur, India.
Dr. Pankaj is the recipient of Indian Society of Assisted Reproduction – ISAR Dr. Gautam Khastgir Best Young Embryologist Research Award (2022) for best research papers, presentations and publications. and ISAR Dr. Manish Banker Young Achievers Embryologist Award (2023) for excellent research work done in Reproductive Medicine.
His areas of research and expertise includes Stem cells and Assisted Reproductive Technology. Besides, being embryologist, he always has passion in understanding and exploring the potentials of human breast milk and endometrial stem cells for their putative implications in child and women healthcare. He has contributed excellent research on human breast milk stem cells and many of his manuscripts are being published in highly indexed journals namely Cytokine and Breastfeeding Medicine Journal.
He has a total of 12 peer reviewed publications to his credit with >140 citations and few more manuscripts in pipeline. [Total citations 144 h index – 6 and i10 index – 5]. He has also authored 1 book chapter on “Surrogacy and IVF”. He edited and published a book with Evincepub publishing on “Stem cell biology – A practical laboratory manual” (2020). He also recently edited and published a book on “Stem cell and non-stem cell components of breast milk” with Springer Nature Publisher, USA (2023).
Memberships in professional societies:
- Member of European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE).
- Member of European Fertility Society, (EFS).
- Member of Society of Reproductive Biology and Comparative Endocrinology (SRBCE), India.
- Member of Indian Society of Assisted Reproduction (ISAR), India.
- Member of Academy of Clinical Embryologists (ACE), India.
Mr. Amar Nikam
M.Sc, (Ph.D.)
Director
Amar Nikam is a highly experienced Consultant Embryologist with a remarkable career in Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) spanning over 10 years. His expertise lies in conducting Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) procedures, and he has successfully performed over 1000 of these specialized techniques.
A significant focus of Amar Nikam’s research revolves around male infertility and understanding sperm quality. His investigations in this area contribute to advancements in diagnosing and treating male-related fertility issues, ultimately helping couples achieve successful pregnancies.
Additionally, he is actively involved in optimizing strategies for eSET (elective single embryo transfer) and oocyte freezing. By studying and refining these techniques, Amar Nikam aims to enhance the success rates of ART procedures, minimize risks, and improve overall outcomes for patients undergoing fertility treatments.
As a testament to his commitment to advancing the field, Amar Nikam has authored a total of 06 peer-reviewed publications, showcasing his contributions to scientific knowledge and research in ART. Moreover, he has more research works in progress, indicating his continuous dedication to exploring new avenues and refining existing practices in the field of reproductive medicine.
Memberships in professional societies:
- Member of European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE).
- Member of Indian Society of Assisted Reproduction (ISAR), India.
- Member of Academy of Clinical Embryologists (ACE), India.
Tejal Paranjape
MSc Biotechnology
Research Associate
Tejal Paranjpe is a Consultant Embryologist with over 10 years of experience in human assisted reproductive technologies. Tejal earned her Master of Science in Biotechnology from the University of Mumbai in 2011.
She served as a Lecturer in Biotechnology, instructing graduate students at K.V. Pandharkar College, Dombivli, Maharashtra, India. Since 2014, Tejal has been a dedicated Senior Embryologist at an IVF Centre in Mumbai, establishing affiliations with several other IVF centres across Maharashtra.
Tejal remains committed to staying informed about the latest trends in Clinical Embryology. She achieves this by actively participating in various seminars, conferences, and workshops, as well as keeping herself updated through extensive reading of scientific journals. This ongoing pursuit of knowledge underscores her passion for staying at the forefront of advancements in her field.