AIM Launches 'Innovations for You' Book on Life Sciences and Biotechnology

The meeting was followed by the launch of the 6th edition of AIM’s innovation coffee table book series, ‘Innovations for You’, which focuses on Life Sciences and Biotechnology.

The Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) under NITI Aayog hosted the 20th Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) meeting for the MedTech Mitra initiative on September 6, 2024. The meeting was followed by the launch of the 6th edition of AIM’s innovation coffee table book series, ‘Innovations for You’, which focuses on Life Sciences and Biotechnology.

The MedTech Mitra initiative, launched in December 2023 by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) in collaboration with the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO), aims to support MedTech innovators by providing crucial assistance for clinical evaluation, regulatory guidance, and product development. Since its inception, the initiative has received widespread engagement from innovators across India.

The 20th TAC meeting reviewed the progress of the initiative, addressed queries from innovators, and highlighted steps to further strengthen the MedTech ecosystem. Senior officials from key organizations, including NITI Aayog, ICMR, CDSCO, and the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), attended the meeting, engaging in discussions to drive strategic advancements.

During the event, Dr. V K Paul, Member (Health) of NITI Aayog, emphasized the role of MedTech Mitra in overcoming challenges faced by MedTech startups, particularly regulatory and clinical evaluation hurdles. Dr. Rajiv Bahl, Secretary of the Department of Health Research (DHR) and Director General of ICMR, echoed the importance of the initiative in ensuring smooth transitions from innovation to market for startups, aligning with India's vision for a developed nation (Viksit Bharat).

Dr. Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi, DCGI of CDSCO, emphasized the need to increase public awareness of the MedTech Mitra’s progress and its potential to transform India into a leading exporter of medical devices and diagnostics. AIM Mission Director Dr. Chintan Vaishnav underscored the significance of providing guidance to MedTech innovators and hailed the 20th TAC meeting as a milestone in advancing medical device technology.

The launch of ‘Innovations for You’ highlighted 50 innovative entrepreneurs incubated under Atal Incubation Centres, showcasing their contributions in areas such as Diagnostics, Therapeutics, Bioengineering, and Drug Discovery. The publication serves as an inspiration and resource for upcoming startups in Life Sciences and Biotechnology, emphasizing the role of AIM-supported incubators in fostering innovation and research.

This 6th edition celebrates India's potential in the Life Sciences and Biotechnology sectors, further solidifying its commitment to empowering innovators and advancing healthcare solutions.