Atal Innovation Mission Hosts 20th MedTech Mitra Advisory Meeting and Launches 6th Edition of ‘Innovations for You’ Book

New Delhi: In a significant step towards boosting India’s healthcare innovation ecosystem, Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog, hosted the 20th Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) meeting of the MedTech Mitra initiative on Friday, 6th September 2024. This was followed by the launch of the 6th edition of AIM’s innovation coffee table book series ‘Innovations for You,’ focused on Life Sciences and Biotechnology.

The MedTech Mitra initiative, launched on December 25, 2023, by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Medical Device and Diagnostics Mission Secretariat (MDMS) in partnership with the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO), aims to support MedTech innovators by offering clinical evaluation, regulatory facilitation, and product uptake assistance. This platform has seen tremendous engagement, with innovators across India actively participating through its portal.

The 20th TAC meeting, held at ICMR headquarters, brought together senior officials from various government bodies, including ICMR, CDSCO, NITI Aayog, and Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). Representatives from knowledge partner organizations and the MedTech industry also participated. The meeting focused on reviewing the progress made by MedTech Mitra and discussing strategies for expanding support to healthcare innovations, advancing the initiative’s role in strengthening India’s healthcare infrastructure.

Key Discussions and Highlights

Dr. V K Paul, Member (Health), NITI Aayog, emphasized the potential for India to lead globally in pharmaceuticals and medical devices. He stated, “MedTech Mitra addresses critical challenges faced by innovators, offering guidance from ideation to clinical use, including navigating regulatory hurdles and production complexities.”

Dr. Rajiv Bahl, Secretary DHR and DG, ICMR, expressed his appreciation for the initiative’s efforts and stressed the importance of increasing engagement with MedTech startups. “MedTech Mitra is a valuable resource that helps innovators transition smoothly from concept to market, amplifying their impact on healthcare,” he noted.

Dr. Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi, DCGI, CDSCO, highlighted MedTech Mitra’s progress since its launch and its potential to position India as a major exporter of medical devices and diagnostics.

Mission Director of AIM, Dr. Chintan Vaishnav, praised the significance of the 20th TAC meeting. “This meeting marks a milestone in our effort to drive advancements in medical device technology. We are also thrilled to launch the 6th edition of ‘Innovations for You,’ which celebrates Indian innovators in Life Sciences and Biotechnology,” he remarked.

Launch of ‘Innovations for You’ Coffee Table Book

The event also saw the unveiling of AIM’s 6th edition of ‘Innovations for You,’ which highlights the achievements of 50 pioneering entrepreneurs in the Life Sciences and Biotechnology sectors. These innovators, incubated under Atal Incubation Centres across India, are making strides in diagnostics, therapeutics, bioengineering, and drug discovery. The publication aims to inspire and guide emerging startups, while showcasing the transformative impact of AIM-supported incubators on India’s innovation landscape.