On the occasion of National Start-Up Day, Dr. Tanuja Nesari, former Director of the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) and current Member of Task Force on Global Traditional Medicine Centre, engages in a conversation with APAC News Network and CXO News. She laid the groundwork for the first startup incubation center at AIIA to drive the growth of AYUSH startups. Dr. Tanuja reaffirms the Ministry of Ayush’s commitment to fostering innovation by nurturing start-ups that blend India’s rich traditional knowledge systems with cutting-edge technology. Moreover, she sheds light on the initiatives launched by the ministry to promote entrepreneurship, provide end-to-end support, and catalyze economic growth in the Ayush Sector.
1. How do you see the Ayush sector evolving in the current startup landscape?
The Ayush sector is a sunrise industry with immense possibilities. By combining tradition with technology, we are creating solutions for modern healthcare challenges. From idea generation to prototype development and market launch, we are hand-holding start-ups at every step to transform innovative concepts into impactful enterprises.
2. Can you highlight the key milestones in the Ayush start-up ecosystem? How did Ayurveda Day 2025 contribute to this momentum?
Certainly. The journey of Ayush start-ups has been remarkable. In 2017, the Ministry of Ayush participated in its first Start-Up Hackathon. Ideas like Kadha vending machines, Drug ATMs, and Plant Identifiers were introduced, setting the foundation for technology-driven entrepreneurial schemes.
In 2018, we established the first Start-Up Incubation Center at the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), a significant step in building capacity for Ayush entrepreneurs.
In 2019, the first Ayush Start-Up Challenge was launched, attracting over 253 entries across three categories. The Ayurveda Aahar category focused on nutraceutical innovations such as Kadha vending machines, while the IT and Biomedical Engineering category highlighted advancements like automated Shirodhara systems and plant identifiers. The Service Sector Innovations category featured ideas such as drug delivery systems. The top five start-ups were recognized by the Honorable Prime Minister and have since received ongoing support to further develop their innovative solutions.
More recently, in 2023, the Ministry participated in the G20 Start-Up Vertical, and over 900 Ayush start-ups were registered with DPIIT, many of which are thriving.
This year’s Ayurveda Day was dedicated to promoting startups. We launched an Idea Hackathon across 700 Ayush institutions. Each college nominated three students to present innovative ideas, from which 100 were selected for focused nurturing. By next year, we aim to see 100 vibrant start-ups emerge, driven by young entrepreneurs who will drive innovation and economic growth.
3. What are the key focus areas for Ayush start-ups today?
The primary focus areas for Ayush start-ups include Ayurveda Aahar, which involves developing nutraceutical products that combine wellness with taste and nutrition to address modern health needs. Another key area is IT and Tech Platforms, where innovations such as AI-powered diagnostic tools, wearable devices, and decision-support systems are being created to enhance healthcare delivery. Additionally, the service sector is seeing advancements with biomedical engineering devices for Panchakarma, automated drug delivery systems, and agro-techniques designed to optimize the cultivation of medicinal plants, all aimed at integrating traditional practices with modern technology.
4. How are Ayush start-ups being supported to scale their ideas? What is the Ministry of Ayush’s vision for the future of Ayush start-ups?
The Ministry of Ayush works closely with NITI Aayog’s Atal Innovation Mission, DPIIT’s Start-Up India platform, Invest India, and other government initiatives. Together, we provide comprehensive support, including business planning and registration, prototype development, investor pitching, and market entry. These collaborations ensure that start-ups receive the guidance and resources they need to succeed. As the Ayush sector continues to grow, it promises to play a vital role in the global wellness economy. The Ministry of Ayush is building a robust ecosystem where tradition meets technology, ensuring sustainable growth and global recognition.
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