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In what could be seen as a turning point, that has brought a transformation in the healthcare system to cater to the needs of burgeoning population of India, the Software Technology Parks of India (STPI), has established a MedTech, a Centre of Entrepreneurship (CoE) that is transforming India’s healthcare ecosystem by nurturing innovation, supporting home grown startups and addressing critical medical challenges. Envisioned to support health-tech startups in developing groundbreaking, cost-effective solutions, MedTech CoE delivers a comprehensive incubation environment that includes state-of-the-art infrastructure, advanced IoT and Medi labs, dedicated clinical mentorship, business guidance, regulatory assistance and access to investors and funding schemes.

STPI has set up MedTech CoEin Lucknow with key stakeholders as Department of IT and Electronics, Government of UP, SGPGI Lucknow, Association of Medical Device Industry (AIMED), Andhra Pradesh MedTech Zone (AMTZ).

With the advancement of technological evolution, telemedicine and AI-powered diagnostics are enabling remote consultations and early disease detection, reducing the need for physical visits to hospitals. Portable diagnostic devices such as low-cost ultrasound machines and AI-driven screening tools for diseases make preventive care more accessible. Also, non-invasive monitoring solutions for neonatal and maternal health are boosting survival rates in far-flung areas. The MedTech-enabled integration of digital health records, mobile health apps and smart wearables leads to better health awareness among rural communities, even as Government-promoted telehealth facilities have proved to be a boon for remote villages with leading doctors from top medical institutions.

A total of 53 startups have been onboarded by STPI MedTech CoE, with 10 of them securing external funding amounting to `3.38 crore. Startups incubated under STPI’s Lucknow-based MedTech Centre of Entrepreneurship are developing cost-effective and indigenous solutions suited to rural requirements. From AI-powered diagnostics and non-invasive medical devices to telemedicine and emergency healthcare solutions, MedTech startups are enhancing accessibility, affordability and efficiency in healthcare delivery.

Several startups fostered by the MedTech CoE have made remarkable strides in fields ranging from AI-driven diagnostics and medical training to emergency healthcare and assistive medical devices. ArficusPvt Ltd, for instance, has developed MEDHINI, the world’s first generative AI-based Software as a Medical Device (SaMD), already serving over 267 B2B clients across 12+ countries and generating significant revenue from markets like South Africa and the UAE.

Similarly, Dectrocel Healthcare has introduced an affordable AI-powered pulmonary disease detection system, making specialised diagnostics available at very nominal price. Their innovations have made a mark internationally, with accolades from Quebec Market Access, Denmark Technical University and UQ Ventures, Australia.

Other ambitious ventures are revolutionising medical training and mental healthcare. ONELearningEduspherePvt Ltd has created India’s first simulation-based healthcare training platform, training over 5,000 professionals across India and expanding its footprint to London, Malaysia and Johannesburg.

In today’s increasingly critical field of mental health, Manodayam Pvt Ltd has pioneered an AI-powered acoustic-based detection system that identifies and assesses conditions across the mental health spectrum such as Depression, Panic, Stress, PSTD, Alcoholism, Substance Abuse, Schizophrenia, Bipolar, ADHD, Dementia, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Juvenile Delinquency, Autism, Sexual Disorders. Manodayam has received support from the NGIS Scheme Seed Fund.

Another key area of focus has been innovations in medical devices. Medblue Innovations Pvt Ltd has developed BiliSURE, a non-invasive bilirubin monitoring device for neonates, which has won a slew of national and international awards, including the BIRAC BIG 19 Grant and Tata Social Enterprise Competition.

Sukrati MedTech Pvt Ltd has introduced an advanced laryngoscope with an in-built suction module, addressing critical gaps in emergency procedures, while Amrit Meditech Pvt Ltd is working on an affordable, compact pulmonary disease detection system, which has already been clinically validated at AIIMS New Delhi and AIIMS Raipur.

Within the MedTech CoE ecosystem, emergency healthcare and assistive medical solutions are also being actively pursued and implemented. MedCab Care Pvt Ltd has created a real-time ambulance booking platform that integrates air ambulance services across India, while Flexi Innovation Pvt Ltd has worked towards a Hybrid Assistive Chair for rehabilitation, incorporating virtual reality and gamification for better patient engagement.

Adding spin to the medical innovation, LogicBoots Pvt Ltd has introduced an AI-powered robotic nursing assistant to enhance hospital efficiency and reduce human intervention in routine medical tasks.

STPI’s MedTech CoE is more than an incubator; it is a catalyst for change and a launchpad for healthcare startups driving India’s self-reliance in medical technology. As a strong pillar of the Make in India and Digital India initiatives, it is paving the way for a future where cutting-edge healthcare solutions are built by India, in India, for India and the world. It further aims at the collaborations between startups and institutions like AIIMS, Tata Memorial Cancer Hospital, and international accelerators, giving startups the exposure and mentorship needed to expand.

STPI’s MedTech CoE is helping start-ups develop advanced healthcare low-cost solutions for serving the needs of the country as well as the world. These efforts are not just improving healthcare access and affordability but are also pushing India towards becoming Atmanirbhar in the MedTech sector. With strong Government support and a growing innovation ecosystem, these startups are helping realise the vision of a Viksit Bharat by transforming healthcare and enabling India to lead on the world stage in medical technology.

(The author is Director General, Software Technology Parks of India. The views and opinions expressed in the aforesaid article are personal)