India has the Scientific Capability & Innovation Ecosystem to Emerge as Global Leader in HealthTech, Says NITI Aayog Member
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A major highlight was the transfer of 41 public health technologies from ICMR institutes and innovators to industry partners for further development, manufacturing and commercialisation.
In a recent address, Dr Gobardhan Das, Member, NITI Aayog, said, India has the scientific capability and innovation ecosystem to emerge as a global leader in health technologies.
Organised under the Department of Health Research, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the "Medical Innovations Patent Mitra: Innovators-to-Industry Connect" event is being described as India's largest biomedical and technology transfer facilitation platform.
It aimed to connect innovators with industry and support commercialisation of indigenous health technologies.
Speaking at the event, Dr Gobardhan Das, Member, NITI Aayog, said, "India has the scientific capability and innovation ecosystem to emerge as a global leader in health technologies. Medical Innovation Patent Mitra will play a crucial role in protecting intellectual property, enabling technology transfer and accelerating the journey of indigenous innovations from laboratories to society."
A major highlight was the transfer of 41 public health technologies from ICMR institutes and innovators to industry partners for further development, manufacturing and commercialisation. These technologies include advanced diagnostics, vaccines, medical devices and other biomedical solutions aimed at addressing key public health priorities.
Among the technologies transferred were glycoconjugate and recombinant vaccines for Typhoid and Paratyphoid, as well as diagnostic technologies for diseases such as Japanese Encephalitis, Tuberculosis and Mpox.
The initiative is designed to translate home-grown biomedical research into accessible, real-world healthcare solutions through industry collaborations.
The programme was inaugurated by Prataprao Jadhav, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Ayush, and Minister of State, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, in the presence of Prof. Gobardhan Das, Member, NITI Aayog.
Delivering the keynote address, Jadhav said, "This initiative marks a decisive step in connecting Indian science with industry, ensuring that innovations developed in our laboratories translate into technologies that strengthen public health and advance Viksit Bharat. India is moving from being a consumer of health technologies to becoming a global source of affordable and innovative healthcare solutions, powered by institutions like ICMR and strong industry partnerships."
Rajiv Bahl, Director General, ICMR and Secretary, Department of Health Research, underlined the institute’s focus on translating research into practice. "Medical Innovations Patent Mitra reflects ICMR's commitment to ensuring that cutting-edge research moves beyond laboratories to reach people through strong industry partnerships and impactful technology transfer."
During the event, the 'Indian Biomedical Patent Landscape Report' and the 'Technology Compendium' were released, in what officials described as a step towards strengthening India's biomedical innovation, intellectual property and technology transfer ecosystem.
In another significant first, well-characterised biomaterials, including inactivated Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD) and Chandipura viruses, were also transferred to industry partners, in a move expected to support India’s biomedical research and manufacturing capabilities.
The event additionally showcased more than 100 technologies in diagnostics, therapeutics and medical devices developed by ICMR institutes, researchers and startups, facilitating direct engagement between innovators and industry stakeholders.
Officials said the Innovators and Industry Connect initiative is expected to play a key role in strengthening India's biomedical sector and supporting the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 through deeper public-private partnerships.
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