India Strengthens Pharma-MedTech Innovation Through Industry Dialogue in Bangalore

The session highlighted existing policy support mechanisms and upcoming opportunities under the PRIP scheme aimed at fostering a robust innovation pipeline in India.

The Department of Pharmaceuticals, Government of India, held a landmark Industry Dialogue today in Bangalore to engage key stakeholders in the pharmaceutical and medical technology sectors under the ambit of the Promotion of Research and Innovation in Pharma-MedTech Sector (PRIP) Scheme. The event witnessed active participation from industry leaders, academic institutions, research organizations, and startups, all unified in their vision to bolster India’s R&D ecosystem and transform the country into a global innovation powerhouse.

Driving Innovation Through Collaboration

The Industry Dialogue served as a pivotal platform to discuss the rollout and strategic alignment of the PRIP Scheme, which is designed to catalyze cutting-edge research, encourage indigenous innovation, and fast-track the development and commercialization of MedTech and pharmaceutical products. Representatives from premier organizations like the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), and Bangalore-based Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms (C-CAMP) shared insights and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting collaborative R&D efforts.

Key officials emphasized the importance of building synergy between government initiatives and the private sector to address challenges in drug development, diagnostics, medical devices, and manufacturing technologies. The session highlighted existing policy support mechanisms and upcoming opportunities under the PRIP scheme aimed at fostering a robust innovation pipeline in India.

Key Government Initiatives Spotlighted

Several complementary government initiatives were spotlighted during the dialogue:

• ICMR’s Patent Mitra and MedTech Mitra: These initiatives offer guidance and handholding to innovators and researchers to navigate the intellectual property landscape and advance product development from concept to commercialization.

• Indian Clinical Trial and Education Network (INTENT): A program designed to strengthen clinical trial capacity across the country, enabling faster and more effective validation of novel health solutions.

• CSIR’s Innovation Complex: A centralized platform supporting cross-disciplinary innovation, offering infrastructure, mentorship, and technical support to R&D ventures.

• C-CAMP’s Incubation Ecosystem: Renowned for nurturing MedTech and biotech startups, C-CAMP showcased its role in enabling early-stage companies with lab access, funding, and mentorship to translate scientific ideas into market-ready products.

Visionary Leadership and Strategic Goals

Shri Amit Agrawal, Secretary of the Department of Pharmaceuticals, addressed the gathering with a compelling message emphasizing India’s potential to emerge as a global leader in innovation-led manufacturing. He articulated the shift from a "Make in India" approach to a broader vision: "Innovate in India, and Make for the World."

“India has a unique advantage with its scientific talent, robust healthcare ecosystem, and growing manufacturing base. The PRIP scheme is designed to amplify these strengths and create an environment where innovation flourishes,” said Shri Agrawal.

He also highlighted how strengthening domestic innovation can contribute to enhancing the resilience and diversity of global supply chains, particularly in the post-pandemic era where self-reliance and global partnerships are both crucial.

Stakeholder Engagement and Sectoral Feedback

The event featured interactive breakout sessions where participants from industry, academia, startups, and incubators provided valuable feedback on the practical challenges and opportunities within the innovation ecosystem. Key discussion points included:

• Enhancing industry-academia collaboration through joint research centers and innovation clusters

• Creating accessible funding pathways for early-stage startups and SMEs

• Streamlining regulatory processes to reduce time-to-market

• Developing skilled human capital through specialized training and fellowships

• Building digital infrastructure for research data sharing and clinical trial monitoring

Participants stressed the importance of predictable funding cycles, greater visibility of government programs, and the creation of dedicated MedTech testing and validation centers.

Call for Participation Through Expression of Interest (EoI)

To facilitate the co-creation of an effective implementation strategy for the PRIP Scheme, the Department of Pharmaceuticals has invited stakeholders to submit their project proposals and feedback through an Expression of Interest (EoI) available on its official website. The submission window remains open until April 7, 2025, and responses will be instrumental in shaping policy frameworks, funding priorities, and collaborative platforms.

This inclusive approach ensures that the scheme evolves in alignment with ground realities and industry needs, with the long-term objective of making India a global innovation and manufacturing hub for pharmaceuticals and medical technologies.

A Milestone for India’s Innovation Ecosystem

The Industry Dialogue in Bangalore marked a significant milestone in India’s journey toward becoming a global innovation hub. The discussions and collaborations initiated during this event are expected to lead to actionable partnerships and impactful policy reforms.

As the Pharma-MedTech sector continues to evolve with advancements in AI, genomics, personalized medicine, and digital health, India is well-positioned to lead the next wave of healthcare transformation, not just for its own population but for the world.

The Department of Pharmaceuticals reiterated its commitment to working hand-in-hand with innovators, researchers, and industry leaders to build an ecosystem that nurtures bold ideas, supports sustainable growth, and delivers affordable, high-quality healthcare solutions at scale.