In an exciting move for India’s healthcare sector, the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, has launched the Mission for Advancement in High-Impact Areas (MAHA)-Medical Technology or महा MedTech. This initiative aims to transform India into a leading hub for affordable, locally developed medical technologies.
A Step Towards Self-Reliance
With MAHA-MedTech, India looks to reduce its reliance on imported medical devices, which currently make up over 75% of the market. The country’s medical device market is valued at about USD 11 billion and is gearing up for rapid growth in the coming years. The goal is to encourage domestic innovation by funding the design, development, and manufacturing of essential medical technologies.
Innovation Through Collaboration
The mission will provide funding ranging from ₹5–25 crore, and in exceptional cases, up to ₹50 crore. This funding is milestone-based, ensuring that progress is tracked effectively. It also promotes teamwork between universities, hospitals, and startups, facilitating a quicker path from research to market-ready solutions.
Key objectives include:
- Public Health Impact: Focus on technologies that target major health issues in India, such as TB, cancer, and maternal health.
- Affordability and Accessibility: Create cost-effective solutions to ensure everyone can access quality healthcare.
- Self-Reliance and Competitiveness: Build local research and manufacturing capabilities to make India a MedTech leader globally.
Broad Technology Scope
MAHA-MedTech supports various technologies, including medical devices, in-vitro diagnostics, implants, surgical instruments, and software-based health tools. Research areas like AI-driven healthcare, robotics, and advanced diagnostics will also be prioritized for future development.
Comprehensive Innovation Support
This initiative goes beyond just funding. It offers various programs like:
- Patent Mitra: Help with securing patents and technology transfer.
- MedTech Mitra: Guidance on regulatory compliance.
- Clinical Trial Network: Access to platforms for testing new devices.
- Mentorship: Support from industry experts to guide innovators from concept to market.
Application Process
Applications for MAHA-MedTech will open from September 15 to November 7, 2025, through the ANRF online portal. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to submit detailed proposals in December 2025. Projects will be evaluated based on their feasibility, scalability, and potential public health impact.
For more details, you can visit the official Maha MedTech Mission page.
A Vision for the Future
With MAHA-MedTech, India is looking to reshape its healthcare landscape and foster home-grown innovations. This mission aligns with the goal of Viksit Bharat 2047, aspiring to make India a global leader in medical technology and health innovation.
By combining funding, mentorship, and support for regulatory compliance, this initiative aims not only to improve healthcare access and affordability but also to ensure that India’s innovations benefit people worldwide.
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ANRF, ICMR, MAHA-MedTech, Medical Technology, Healthcare Innovation, Gates Foundation, Atmanirbhar Bharat, Viksit Bharat, MedTech Mission, Research and Development
