New Delhi: The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Pfizer Limited to strengthen India’s healthcare innovation ecosystem by supporting early-stage startups. The agreement aims to ease the transition of healthcare products from research labs to the market through targeted financial and incubation support. As part of the collaboration, DPIIT-recognised startups will be eligible for grants of up to Rs 60 lakh each under Pfizer’s INDovation programme. Alongside funding, startups will undergo an 18-month incubation programme led by Social Alpha, focusing on clinical validation, regulatory processes, and market readiness.
The initiative will support 14 MedTech startups working in critical areas such as diagnostics, health monitoring, oncology, brain health, maternal and child health, and immunisation. Startups will also gain access to expert mentorship, infrastructure, and exposure to Pfizer’s R&D facilities in Chennai, providing insights into advanced research and product development.
DPIIT officials highlighted the need for the Indian startup ecosystem to move beyond incremental solutions and contribute to novel drug discovery and medical technologies. Industry experts note that while India has a growing base of health-tech startups, challenges remain in navigating clinical approvals and scaling innovations. Structured support programmes are seen as crucial in addressing these gaps and strengthening the country’s healthcare ecosystem.
By fostering collaboration between government and industry, the MoU reflects a broader policy push towards innovation-driven healthcare solutions, particularly for addressing non-communicable diseases, which continue to account for a significant share of India’s disease burden.
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