Clinically grounded
We begin with challenges encountered in neonatal care, keeping the needs of children, families and frontline clinicians at the centre of our research.
Born in Karnataka. Built around care.Small beginnings.
Small beginnings.
Brighter possibilities.
Advancing neonatal healthcare through clinical insight and nanotechnology. We are developing accessible solutions for the places that need them most.
Explore 5 interactive learning modules →
Shivamogga, Karnataka · Neonatal care · Translational research
Our lead research programmeNeoLumoZinc oxide · Nanogel · Light
InvestigationalPreclinical development
Research supported.
Innovation recognised.
Innovation recognised.
GRI research funding · Karnataka Innovation and Technology Society (KITS)Karnataka Startup Cell
ELEVATE 2026Selected for the final round
01 / The companyBetter care starts
Better care starts
with a better question.
How can meaningful healthcare innovation reach beyond well-equipped hospitals? Founded in January 2026, Sakaleshpur Shiva Shankara brings together pediatric medicine and engineering to explore practical, affordable approaches to newborn and child health.
Designed for access
Our focus is on interventions that could become practical in rural, peripheral and resource-limited healthcare settings.
Evidence before scale
Materials research, formulation development and careful preclinical evaluation guide each step toward future translation.
02 / Our scienceInvestigational research programmeNeoLumo.
NeoLumo.
A new question
in jaundice care.
NeoLumo investigates a topical zinc oxide nanoparticle nanogel and its potential to support bilirubin photodegradation under controlled light exposure.
Our aim is to build the evidence needed to assess whether this approach could contribute to more accessible neonatal jaundice care.
Understand the material
Characterise zinc oxide nanoparticles—their structure, size, morphology and dispersion behaviour—to inform formulation decisions.
Develop the formulation
Refine the nanogel matrix and evaluate stability, concentration and compatibility through laboratory studies.
Test the hypothesis
Study bilirubin photodegradation under controlled conditions, with repeat experiments and kinetic analysis.
Evaluate safety and translation
The research plan includes preclinical assessment of local tolerability, systemic absorption and biological effects before any clinical translation.
Research status: NeoLumo is investigational and is not approved for clinical use or commercial distribution. Its safety and effectiveness in newborns have not been established.
03 / Development pathwayA considered path
A considered path
from idea to evidence.
Our programme moves from material characterisation to formulation, laboratory evaluation and planned preclinical studies. Each stage informs the next.
Characterisation
Establish the physical and chemical properties of the research material.
Nanogel development
Optimise the formulation and investigate its stability and compatibility.
Controlled evaluation
Examine photodegradation, concentration effects and repeatability.
Safety and feasibility
Progress through the required ethical oversight and preclinical evaluation.
Vikkypaedia / Medical educationYour next chapter
Your next chapter
in clinical learning.
Five interactive learning modules created by Dr. Vikram Sakaleshpur Kumar. Developed in India for healthcare learners everywhere, with respect for local protocols and resource settings. Choose a topic, learn at your own pace, and return to practise. Free registration takes less than a minute and requires no password.
Enter your name and email, then continue straight to your selected module. Where progress is saved locally, use the same browser and device to resume.
Clinical assessment01
Approach to the Sick Child
A structured approach to recognising the unwell child, assessing major systems, and thinking through referral and care in different resource settings.
Start learningPediatric emergencies02
Pediatric Advanced Life Support 2025
Explore pediatric emergency assessment, respiratory problems, shock, arrhythmias and resuscitation through lessons, knowledge checks and learning tools.
Start learningNewborn care · 2025 edition03
Neonatal Resuscitation 2025
A mastery-based learning pathway through newborn resuscitation and stabilisation, with checkpoint questions, spaced retrieval and simulation resources.
Start learningInborn errors of metabolism04
The Metabolic Child
Work through clinical decisions, metabolic patterns and patient journeys, from recognising a possible metabolic disorder to continuing care in India.
Start learningNewborn care · Earlier edition05
Neonatal Resuscitation: 8th-edition Companion
An edition-specific learning companion covering preparation, ventilation, team performance and newborn care. Based on the 8th edition and 2020-era science; distinct from the 2025 module above.
Start learning04 / Our peopleClinical perspective.
Clinical perspective.
Engineering experience.
A shared commitment to practical healthcare innovation brings our founders together in Shivamogga, Karnataka.
Founder & Director · Principal InvestigatorDr. Vikram
Dr. Vikram
Sakaleshpur Kumar
MD (Pediatrics)Professor & Head of PediatricsNeonatal healthcare research
Dr. Vikram S Kumar is a pediatrician, medical educator and clinical researcher. He serves as Clinical Professor and Head of Pediatrics at Subbaiah Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Shivamogga, and as Senior Consultant in Pediatrics at Sarji Hospital.
As Principal Investigator of the NeoLumo research project, he focuses on the investigation of zinc oxide nanogel for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia, with an emphasis on preclinical evidence and the needs of resource-limited settings.
Co-founder & Founder Promoter
Mr S S Kumar
Retired Mechanical EngineerCompany Partner
Mr Sakaleshpur Shiva Kumar brings a mechanical engineering background to Sakaleshpur Shiva Shankara. As co-founder, founder promoter and company partner, he shares the company’s commitment to practical healthcare innovation.
Together with Dr. Vikram S Kumar, he represents the partnership of clinical perspective and engineering experience at the heart of SSS.
Practice, scholarship & service
A career built around children and learning.
Dr. Kumar’s work spans clinical pediatrics, medical education, infectious diseases, essential newborn care and rural health.
Current appointments
Clinical Professor & Head of Pediatrics
Subbaiah Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Shivamogga · November 2023–present.
Senior Consultant, Pediatrics
Sarji Hospital, Shivamogga.
Founder & Director · Principal Investigator
Sakaleshpur Shiva Shankara and the NeoLumo research programme.
Education & academic journey
MD, Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine · 2006–2009
B. J. Medical College & Sassoon General Hospital, Pune; Maharashtra University of Health Sciences.
MBBS · 1998–2004
Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences, Hubli; Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences.
Subbaiah Institute of Medical Sciences
- Clinical Professor · April 2020–October 2023
- Clinical Associate Professor & Head of Unit II · April 2014–April 2020
- Clinical Assistant Professor & Junior Consultant · May 2011–April 2014
Earlier appointments
- Clinical Lecturer / Assistant Professor, St. John’s Medical College Hospital, Bangalore · August 2009–May 2011
- Clinical Tutor / Demonstrator, B. J. Medical College, Pune · May 2007–April 2009
Academic leadership & teaching
- Member Secretary, Subbaiah Research Institute and Subbaiah Medical College
- Director, Skills Lab · since 2018
- Deputy Director, Postgraduate Education · since 2020
- Chairman, Students’ Theory Teaching and Clinical Posting Roster Committees · 2011–2018
- Convener, Hospital Morbidity and Mortality Meeting · 2011–2018
- College Research Committee and Medical Education Cell · 2011–2016
Teaching focuses on bedside clinical reasoning, simulation, emergency resuscitation and postgraduate research mentorship.
Instructor & faculty roles
C-ECLS (Jeevaraksha / RGUHS); BCLS, CCLS and COLS (Indian Resuscitation Council); Basic Neonatal Resuscitation / First Golden Minute since 2010; Advanced NRP since 2011; IAP Pediatric Advanced Life Support and Basic Life Support; neurodevelopmental disorders, asthma training and practical vaccinology.
Professional leadership & memberships
IMA Shivamogga executive committee member, including service as Treasurer in 2018–19; Scientific Committee Advisor, IAP Shivamogga.
Organising Secretary for the Karnataka State Pediatric Conference and South India Pediatric Conference (2016), and National Medical College CME (2018).
Life memberships
Indian Academy of Pediatrics, Indian Medical Association, the IAP Indian Child Abuse, Neglect & Child Labour group, and Bangalore Pediatric Society.
Research interests & ongoing projects
Pediatric infectious diseases, essential newborn care, neonatal respiratory support, rural pediatrics and the social determinants of child health.
- Principal Investigator: NeoLumo investigational zinc oxide nanogel programme
- Co-investigator: profiling autoimmune encephalitis in pediatric patients
- Co-investigator: maternal and cord-blood lead levels in the rural Shimoga population
Dr Kumar’s academic record includes 74 publications across clinical research, infectious diseases and neonatal care (CV reviewed September 2026).
Editorial work & book chapters
- Editor-in-Chief, IAP Shivamogga Bulletin · 2011–2020
- Journal Watch section editor, Pediatric Infectious Disease (IAP)
- Journal Watch section editor, Karnataka Paediatric Journal
- Editorial Committee Member, Shivamogga IMA Bulletin
- Section Editor, Fluid & Electrolytes, IAP PG Teaching Module · 2018
- Section Editor, Acute Mountain Sickness, IAP-ALS Manual
Book contributions cover malaria and HIV infection in Principles of Perinatal and Pediatric HIV/AIDS (2012), microbiological aspects of pediatric community-acquired pneumonia, and acute mountain sickness in the IAP-ALS Handbook (2018).
Community care & outreach
- Monthly type 1 diabetes care programmes with Rotary International, Shimoga
- Monthly epilepsy follow-up programmes with the Sahyadri Neuro Psychiatric Association, Shivamogga
- School health screening at Sri Jnanadeepa School and preventive activities through UCAPC and Subbaiah Institute
- Rural outreach medical camps through Subbaiah Institute of Medical Sciences
Honours & interests beyond medicine
Best Teacher, Clinical Branch · 2015
Subbaiah Institute of Medical Sciences, Shivamogga.
Best Outgoing Pediatric Resident · 2009
B. J. Medical College, Pune.
A lifelong learner
Indian history, biographies and autobiographies, philately, numismatics, and travel to places of historical and cultural significance across India.
05 / Selected scholarshipQuestions from practice.
Questions from practice.
Contributions to knowledge.
Selected publications from Dr. Kumar’s work in neonatal medicine, infectious diseases and vaccination.
2021 · New England Journal of Medicine
Congenital Langerhans-Cell Histiocytosis ↗
Anil Kallesh & Vikram S. Kumar · 385:e86
2022 · Current Pediatrics ReportsVaccine Hesitancy: Obstacles and Challenges ↗
P. M. Galagali, A. A. Kinikar & V. S. Kumar · 10:241–248
2024 · Bulletin of the National Research CentreWhen it itches, dengue switches off: a retrospective case series ↗
N. Kamble, V. S. Kumar, D. R. Rangaswamy & K. Kavatagi · 48:68
06 / Beyond the journal
Vikkypaedia
Medicine. Learning.
An endlessly curious mind.
Dr. Vikram Sakaleshpur Kumar’s writing on Substack brings together medical education, scientific reading, technology and history. Essays and notes extend the conversation beyond the clinic and the classroom.
Explore the notes01 / Learning & technology
AI and independent learning ↗
Reflections on what new tools mean for how we learn.
02 / Reading the evidenceCaffeine and cardiovascular research ↗
A note exploring a scientific statement and its context.
03 / History & perspectiveIndia, Elihu Yale and a university’s origins ↗
A historical thread connecting institutions, trade and empire.
07 / Funding & recognitionRooted in Karnataka.
Rooted in Karnataka.
Moving research forward.
Support from Karnataka’s startup ecosystem helps advance our research journey and provides opportunities to present our work.
GRI · KITS
NeoLumo’s research programme is supported by GRI research funding administered through the Karnataka Innovation and Technology Society (KITS), part of Karnataka’s startup ecosystem.
ELEVATE
Sakaleshpur Shiva Shankara has been selected for the final round of ELEVATE 2026, marking a new milestone in the company’s innovation journey.
Verified organisationRegistered in Karnataka
Government of Karnataka · Registrar of FirmsFirm No. SMG-F00110-2025-26 · Registered 16 January 2026
Karnataka Startup CellKITS/SK-REGN/2026-27/17649 · Certified 13 February 2026
08 / Start a conversationLet’s move meaningful
Let’s move meaningful
research forward.
For research collaborations, scientific discussions and company enquiries, connect with Dr. Vikram S Kumar.
Emailvikramsakaleshpurkumar@gmail.com ↗Telephone+91 92414 95056 ↗
Sakaleshpur Shiva Shankara
Shivamogga, Karnataka, India