#DPIIT #Pfizer #HealthcareInnovation #MedTech #PharmaInnovation #Startups #INDovation #PublicPrivatePartnership #DigitalHealth #MakeInIndia #ViksitBharat2047
New Delhi: In a landmark move to strengthen India’s healthcare innovation ecosystem, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Pfizer Limited. The collaboration is expected to empower healthcare startups with financial and non-financial support, helping them bring innovative solutions from the lab to the market faster.
The agreement was formalized under the Pfizer INDovation Program, which will act as the driving force behind the initiative. The program aims to give a significant boost to India’s emerging health-tech and MedTech startups by providing grants, mentorship, regulatory guidance, and access to global networks.
Focus on Startup Empowerment
Under the MoU, DPIIT-recognized startups will be eligible to receive grants of up to ₹60 lakhs each. In addition, they will participate in an 18-month incubation program managed by Social Alpha, which specializes in supporting deep-tech and impact-driven entrepreneurs.
This incubation program has been carefully designed to accelerate the lab-to-market journey by providing startups with:
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Dedicated acceleration tracks focusing on clinical validation and regulatory approvals.
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Go-to-market strategies to ensure commercial success.
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Access to Pfizer’s R&D facilities in Chennai, giving innovators exposure to world-class industry insights.
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Expert mentorship, infrastructure, and global networks.
The initiative will directly support 14 pioneering MedTech startups working in areas like screening, diagnostics, health monitoring, and treatment enablers. A special emphasis will be placed on addressing pressing healthcare challenges in non-communicable diseases, oncology, brain health, maternal and child health, and immunisation.
Why This Matters for India
India has emerged as one of the largest providers of generic medicines globally, but policymakers have stressed the need to move towards original drug discovery and healthcare innovation. The healthcare startup ecosystem is seen as a key enabler in this transition.
By combining DPIIT’s policy support and Pfizer’s industry expertise, this partnership provides a structured pathway for startups that often struggle to scale due to funding shortages, regulatory hurdles, and lack of access to advanced labs.
The MoU thus not only supports entrepreneurs but also contributes to building a self-reliant healthcare innovation ecosystem that can cater to India’s unique challenges while remaining globally competitive.
Voices from Leadership
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Shri Sanjiv, Joint Secretary, DPIIT, emphasized the importance of innovation-led growth in healthcare.
“India needs to move beyond its role as the pharmacy of the world for generics. We must now focus on novel drug discovery and medical technologies. Startups will play a crucial role in this transformation, and partnerships like this one will ensure they have the resources and ecosystem to succeed,” he said.
From Pfizer’s side, Shri Sharad Goswami, Senior Director – Global Policy and Public Affairs, Pfizer India, highlighted the company’s commitment to supporting local innovation.
“Pfizer is deeply committed to enabling Indian startups to develop patient-centric, impactful healthcare solutions. Through this MoU, we aim to help innovators strengthen their ideas with industry knowledge, regulatory guidance, and access to global expertise,” he stated.
Building a Stronger Ecosystem
The collaboration also underscores DPIIT’s broader mission to foster public–private partnerships (PPP) that can drive inclusive and sustainable growth. The MoU comes at a time when the Government of India is actively working to promote Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives in the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors.
By supporting innovations in areas such as diagnostics and digital health, the initiative aligns with India’s vision of becoming a global hub for healthcare innovation. It also resonates with the long-term national agenda of Viksit Bharat 2047, which envisions India as a leader in healthcare technologies and medical research.
Impact on Startups and Patients
For startups, this MoU provides a rare combination of financial backing and industry mentorship. Many healthcare startups face challenges in scaling their products because they lack sufficient funds for clinical trials, struggle with navigating complex regulatory pathways, or lack connections to global markets. The program directly addresses these gaps.
For patients, the long-term benefit is clear: faster access to innovative healthcare solutions. With innovations focused on critical areas like cancer treatment, brain health, and maternal care, the initiative promises to deliver life-changing technologies that can improve healthcare delivery in India and beyond.
Conclusion
The signing of the DPIIT–Pfizer MoU marks a significant milestone in India’s healthcare innovation journey. By providing a platform where startups can access both financial resources and global expertise, the initiative is set to unlock a wave of innovations that can improve patient outcomes, enhance India’s healthcare infrastructure, and position the country as a global leader in health-tech.
As the selected 14 startups begin their incubation journey under the Pfizer INDovation Program, the coming months will be crucial in shaping new healthcare solutions that not only serve India’s needs but also strengthen its global standing in medical innovation.
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#DPIIT #Pfizer #HealthcareInnovation #MedTech #PharmaInnovation #Startups #INDovation #PublicPrivatePartnership #DigitalHealth #MakeInIndia #ViksitBharat2047 #HealthcareEcosystem #InnovationIndia
