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In what could be seen as a turning point, that has brought a transformation in the healthcare system to cater to the needs of burgeoning population of India, the Software Technology Parks of India (STPI), has established a MedTech, a Centre of Entrepreneurship (CoE) that is transforming India’s healthcare ecosystem by nurturing innovation, supporting home grown startups and addressing critical medical challenges. Envisioned to support health-tech startups in developing groundbreaking, cost-effective solutions, MedTech CoE delivers a comprehensive incubation environment that includes state-of-the-art infrastructure, advanced IoT and Medi labs, dedicated clinical mentorship, business guidance, regulatory assistance and access to investors and funding schemes.

STPI has set up MedTech CoEin Lucknow with key stakeholders as Department of IT and Electronics, Government of UP, SGPGI Lucknow, Association of Medical Device Industry (AIMED), Andhra Pradesh MedTech Zone (AMTZ).

With the advancement of technological evolution, telemedicine and AI-powered diagnostics are enabling remote consultations and early disease detection, reducing the need for physical visits to hospitals. Portable diagnostic devices such as low-cost ultrasound machines and AI-driven screening tools for diseases make preventive care more accessible. Also, non-invasive monitoring solutions for neonatal and maternal health are boosting survival rates in far-flung areas. The MedTech-enabled integration of digital health records, mobile health apps and smart wearables leads to better health awareness among rural communities, even as Government-promoted telehealth facilities have proved to be a boon for remote villages with leading doctors from top medical institutions.

A total of 53 startups have been onboarded by STPI MedTech CoE, with 10 of them securing external funding amounting to `3.38 crore. Startups incubated under STPI’s Lucknow-based MedTech Centre of Entrepreneurship are developing cost-effective and indigenous solutions suited to rural requirements. From AI-powered diagnostics and non-invasive medical devices to telemedicine and emergency healthcare solutions, MedTech startups are enhancing accessibility, affordability and efficiency in healthcare delivery.

Several startups fostered by the MedTech CoE have made remarkable strides in fields ranging from AI-driven diagnostics and medical training to emergency healthcare and assistive medical devices. ArficusPvt Ltd, for instance, has developed MEDHINI, the world’s first generative AI-based Software as a Medical Device (SaMD), already serving over 267 B2B clients across 12+ countries and generating significant revenue from markets like South Africa and the UAE.

Similarly, Dectrocel Healthcare has introduced an affordable AI-powered pulmonary disease detection system, making specialised diagnostics available at very nominal price. Their innovations have made a mark internationally, with accolades from Quebec Market Access, Denmark Technical University and UQ Ventures, Australia.

Other ambitious ventures are revolutionising medical training and mental healthcare. ONELearningEduspherePvt Ltd has created India’s first simulation-based healthcare training platform, training over 5,000 professionals across India and expanding its footprint to London, Malaysia and Johannesburg.

In today’s increasingly critical field of mental health, Manodayam Pvt Ltd has pioneered an AI-powered acoustic-based detection system that identifies and assesses conditions across the mental health spectrum such as Depression, Panic, Stress, PSTD, Alcoholism, Substance Abuse, Schizophrenia, Bipolar, ADHD, Dementia, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Juvenile Delinquency, Autism, Sexual Disorders. Manodayam has received support from the NGIS Scheme Seed Fund.

Another key area of focus has been innovations in medical devices. Medblue Innovations Pvt Ltd has developed BiliSURE, a non-invasive bilirubin monitoring device for neonates, which has won a slew of national and international awards, including the BIRAC BIG 19 Grant and Tata Social Enterprise Competition.

Sukrati MedTech Pvt Ltd has introduced an advanced laryngoscope with an in-built suction module, addressing critical gaps in emergency procedures, while Amrit Meditech Pvt Ltd is working on an affordable, compact pulmonary disease detection system, which has already been clinically validated at AIIMS New Delhi and AIIMS Raipur.

Within the MedTech CoE ecosystem, emergency healthcare and assistive medical solutions are also being actively pursued and implemented. MedCab Care Pvt Ltd has created a real-time ambulance booking platform that integrates air ambulance services across India, while Flexi Innovation Pvt Ltd has worked towards a Hybrid Assistive Chair for rehabilitation, incorporating virtual reality and gamification for better patient engagement.

Adding spin to the medical innovation, LogicBoots Pvt Ltd has introduced an AI-powered robotic nursing assistant to enhance hospital efficiency and reduce human intervention in routine medical tasks.

STPI’s MedTech CoE is more than an incubator; it is a catalyst for change and a launchpad for healthcare startups driving India’s self-reliance in medical technology. As a strong pillar of the Make in India and Digital India initiatives, it is paving the way for a future where cutting-edge healthcare solutions are built by India, in India, for India and the world. It further aims at the collaborations between startups and institutions like AIIMS, Tata Memorial Cancer Hospital, and international accelerators, giving startups the exposure and mentorship needed to expand.

STPI’s MedTech CoE is helping start-ups develop advanced healthcare low-cost solutions for serving the needs of the country as well as the world. These efforts are not just improving healthcare access and affordability but are also pushing India towards becoming Atmanirbhar in the MedTech sector. With strong Government support and a growing innovation ecosystem, these startups are helping realise the vision of a Viksit Bharat by transforming healthcare and enabling India to lead on the world stage in medical technology.

(The author is Director General, Software Technology Parks of India. The views and opinions expressed in the aforesaid article are personal)

STPI is empowering startups in tier 2 and 3 cities with domain-specific Centres of Entrepreneurship, funding, and mentorship. DG Arvind Kumar highlights the need for industry-defined problem statements and better market access to help young ventures scale and attract global investors.

Written by Ayanti Bera
June 16, 2025 22:28 IST

Shri Arvind Kumar, Director General of Software Technology Parks of India (STPI)

The Software Technology Parks of India (STPI), an autonomous body under the ministry of electronics and IT, was initially set up to promote IT and IT-enabled services exports. Over time, its role has shifted significantly. Over the last three years, STPI has actively repositioned itself as a catalyst for startup growth, particularly in tier 2 and tier 3 cities. Director General Arvind Kumar, in a conversation with Ayanti Bera, speaks about how the organisation is enabling deep-tech innovation, what startups need from industry, and how market access remains a critical hurdle for young ventures. Excerpts:

How has STPI’s mandate evolved since its inception in 1991?

When we began, the focus was on addressing basic infrastructure gaps. We offered high-speed data connectivity, facilitated the import of computing hardware, and ensured smooth single-window clearances for software export units. Today, most of those bottlenecks have been resolved. Our primary continuing role in exports is software certification for units outside Special Economic Zones. The bigger shift has been our transition into building a startup ecosystem, especially for entrepreneurs located in tier 2 and tier 3 cities. That has become a major part of our work.

What prompted this pivot towards startups?

We recognised that innovation wasn’t limited to the metros. Founders in smaller cities needed structured support, that is, access to labs, mentorship, and networks, to grow. So, over the last few years, we built 24 domain-specific Centres of Entrepreneurship (CoEs) across the country. These CoEs are designed to help startups move from idea to prototype to commercial product in sectors like artificial intelligence, health tech, agritech, and blockchain. Each centre is supported by experts and mentors from the industry, which helps bring in valuable guidance and peer learning.

How accessible are these centres for entrepreneurs from non-metro regions?

They are specifically designed to be accessible. Around 60 to 70% of startups incubated under our CoEs are from tier 2 and tier 3 towns. We are present in cities like Mohali, Lucknow, and even Akola in Maharashtra. For example, our AI and IoT centre is in Mohali, agritech is being developed out of Akola, and Lucknow hosts our health tech hub. We currently support over 1,400 startups through these centres.

Beyond incubation, what kind of funding support do you offer?

We provide both early-stage and growth-stage funding support. Our next generation incubation scheme (NGIS) offers seed funding of up to Rs 25 lakh. Over the last three years, about 140 startups have received support through this scheme. For startups that are a little further along and generating revenue, we operate a co-investment model. Here, we partner with angel investors and VCs to provide up to Rs 1 crore. STPI has invested around Rs 43 crore so far, and this has catalysed over Rs 600 crore in private funding.

What are some of the key roadblocks for startups from smaller cities?

A major hurdle is market access. These startups don’t have the same exposure or network as those in metro cities. They often lack connections to strategic investors who can offer not just capital, but also mentorship, customer leads, and technology guidance. Another serious challenge is the absence of clearly defined problem statements. Many startups are strong technically and full of ideas, but they are unclear about the exact problem they are solving. We need industry stakeholders to step up and articulate the problems they need solved. That clarity can significantly improve product relevance and market fit.

Could you give examples of startups making an impact from your ecosystem?

Certainly. A startup from our Mohali centre is using AI to assess the cost and quality of road repair projects. They already have international clients. Another startup from our Lucknow health tech hub has developed a device that delivers emergency medical assistance to passengers on running trains. The device is currently being piloted by the Indian Railways. These are not yet unicorns, but they are tackling real-world problems with meaningful solutions.

How are you preparing these startups to scale and attract global investors?

Many founders, especially from smaller towns, are technically sound but struggle to make investor-ready pitches. To bridge this gap, we run a structured three-month mentorship programme. It helps startups refine their business presentations, understand investor psychology, and build confidence for international markets. The idea is to make them not just investment-ready, but globally competitive.

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