In a significant step toward strengthening India’s research and innovation ecosystem in the pharmaceutical and medical technology sectors, the Department of Pharmaceuticals hosted an Industry Dialogue on the Promotion of Research and Innovation in the Pharma-MedTech Sector (PRIP) scheme in Bengaluru on March 25, 2025. The event brought together industry leaders, startup founders, and research institutions, including representatives from the Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR), the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), and innovation hubs like the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms (C-CAMP). The discussions focused on fostering collaboration and maximizing government support to accelerate research and development (R&D) efforts.
The dialogue provided an opportunity for stakeholders to gain insights into the PRIP scheme and other initiatives designed to boost innovation in the sector. Programs like ICMR’s Patent Mitra and MedTech Mitra, along with the Indian Clinical Trial and Education Network (INTENT), were highlighted for their role in supporting patent filings, clinical trials, and the commercialization of cutting-edge research. Additionally, CSIR’s Innovation Complex and C-CAMP’s incubation facilities were recognized as essential platforms for translating scientific breakthroughs into industry-ready solutions.
Addressing the gathering, Amit Agrawal, Secretary of the Department of Pharmaceuticals, emphasized India’s growing potential in the global pharmaceutical supply chain. He advocated for a vision that extends beyond “Make in India” to “Innovate in India and Make for the World,” positioning the country as a global leader in both innovation and manufacturing. His remarks resonated with industry participants, who acknowledged the need for a strong domestic R&D ecosystem to drive global competitiveness.
The event also featured interactive breakout sessions where representatives from startups, academia, and industry shared perspectives on emerging R&D trends, funding challenges, and ways to enhance industry-academia collaboration. Several participants provided constructive feedback on strategies to scale up innovative research and leverage financial support to commercialize groundbreaking ideas.
As a follow-up to the discussions, the Department of Pharmaceuticals has invited stakeholders to submit their feedback and project proposals through an Expression of Interest (EoI) available on its website. The EoI, open until April 7, 2025, aims to refine the implementation strategy of the PRIP scheme, ensuring it aligns with industry needs and fosters sectoral growth.
The Bengaluru dialogue reinforced the collective commitment to nurturing a thriving innovation ecosystem in the Pharma- MedTech sector. With continued collaboration between government bodies, research institutions, and industry players, India is well on its way to becoming a global hub for pharmaceutical and medical technology innovation.
