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) – MedTech Mission.
This initiative is a major step to boost India’s medical technology ecosystem, reduce dependence on costly imports, and strengthen domestic innovation capacity.
MAHA–MedTech Mission
Mission for Advancement in High-Impact Areas – MedTech Mission (MAHA–MedTech)
Aim:
- To accelerate innovation in India’s medical technology (MedTech) sector.
- To reduce dependence on high-cost imports.
- To ensure affordable, equitable access to advanced medical devices and diagnostics.
- To align innovations with national health priorities such as tuberculosis, cancer, neonatal care, and primary healthcare.
Scope of the Mission
- Covers a broad range of technologies, including:
- Medical devices and implants
- In-vitro diagnostics (IVD)
- Assistive and surgical devices
- Software-based solutions
- Consumables and subcomponents
Technology Areas include:
- Advanced diagnostic imaging
- Minimally invasive technologies
- Robotics and radiotherapy equipment
- AI/ML-enabled medical platforms
- Point-of-care molecular diagnostics
- Deep-tech and frontier health innovations
Funding and Implementation Mechanism
Funding Pattern
- Milestone-linked funding: ₹5–25 crore per project
- Up to ₹50 crore for exceptional projects
Supports:
- Academic & R&D institutions
- Hospitals and healthcare networks
- Startups and MSMEs
- Industry collaborations
Selection Process
- Stage 1: Concept notes (September–November 2025)
- Stage 2: Full proposals (from December 2025 onward)
Support Ecosystem
- Patent Mitra: Facilitates intellectual property protection and technology transfer.
- MedTech Mitra: Provides regulatory guidance and clearance support.
- Clinical Trial Network: Ensures validation, testing, and evidence generation for innovations.
Significance of MAHA–MedTech Mission
- Strengthens India’s path toward Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India).
- Promotes deep-tech medical innovation and industrial application linkages.
- Aims to make India a global hub for affordable and quality medical technologies.
- Enhances domestic manufacturing capacity and reduces import dependency in critical health equipment.
- Supports India’s ambition to lead in healthcare technology exports and global supply chains.
Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF)
- Established: Under the ANRF Act, 2023
- Type: Apex body for directing and funding scientific and social science research in India
- Objective: To provide high-level strategic direction and promote interdisciplinary, collaborative R&D across academia, industry, and government.
- Parent Framework: Created as per National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 recommendations.
- Key Focus Areas:
- Research capacity-building in universities
- Industry–academia collaboration
- Inclusive research funding
India’s MedTech Sector Facts
| Parameter | Details |
| Sector Size (2024) | ~US$14 billion |
| Projected Growth (by 2030) | US$30 billion |
| Global Rank (Asia) | 4th largest (after Japan, China, South Korea) |
| Exports (2024) | Crossed US$4 billion |
| Regulatory Ministry | Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers |
| Key Government Policies | National Medical Device Policy 2023, PLI Scheme for MedTech, PRIP Scheme (Promotion of Research & Innovation in Pharma–MedTech), Medical Device Parks Scheme |
| Major Device Parks | Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Himachal Pradesh |
| Associated Missions | Make in India, Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, Heal in India Initiative |
| Global Comparison | India imports ~75% of high-end medical devices, mainly from the US, Germany, Japan, and China |
Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
- Founded: 1911 (as IRFA – Indian Research Fund Association; renamed ICMR in 1949)
- Headquarters: New Delhi
- Parent Body: Department of Health Research, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare
- Mandate: To promote, coordinate, and fund biomedical research in India.
- Notable Contributions: Development of indigenous diagnostics, vaccines, and epidemiological studies (notably during COVID-19).
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF)
- Founded: 2000
- Headquarters: Seattle, USA
- Focus Areas: Global health, poverty alleviation, education, gender equality, and technological innovations in public health.
- In India: Works closely with the Government of India and institutions like ICMR and NITI Aayog to support maternal health, vaccination, sanitation, and nutrition programs.