The Indian government has launched the Mission for Advancement in High-Impact Areas, Medical Technology, known as Maha MedTech, through the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF). This initiative, launched in partnership with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the Gates Foundation, aims to accelerate the creation of homegrown medical devices and solutions, thereby decreasing the nation”s dependence on costly imports and enhancing the affordability and accessibility of healthcare technology across India.
Maha MedTech is structured to boost innovation by offering milestone-based financial support to a diverse array of participants, including academic institutions, research and development centers, startups, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), as well as established medical technology firms. Selected projects can receive funding ranging from Rs 5 crore to Rs 25 crore, with exceptional cases potentially qualifying for up to Rs 50 crore.
The mission”s primary goal is to bolster India”s capabilities in the development, manufacturing, and deployment of advanced medical devices while promoting collaboration between the industry and academic sectors. Its scope includes various areas such as diagnostic tools, implants, assistive devices, surgical equipment, consumables, and software-based medical solutions. The initiative places a particular emphasis on innovations that target critical national health priorities, including tuberculosis, cancer, neonatal care, and primary healthcare.
Priority sectors identified within the mission consist of advanced imaging, robotics, minimally invasive surgery, and molecular diagnostics, all contributing to positioning India as a prospective hub for high-end medical technology.
In addition to financial support, Maha MedTech offers technical and regulatory assistance through specialized programs, including Patent Mitra for intellectual property protection, MedTech Mitra for regulatory compliance guidance, and a National Clinical Trial Network to validate innovations and produce evidence. Participants will also receive mentorship from experienced industry professionals to navigate their projects from conception to market-ready products.
The application process for the Maha MedTech initiative has commenced, with the concept note submission period running from September 15 to November 7, 2025, via the ANRF portal. Projects that are shortlisted will be invited to submit complete proposals, with the submission window opening in December 2025.
This mission represents a crucial advancement toward achieving self-reliance in healthcare technology, potentially establishing India as a significant player in the global medical technology arena while delivering advanced medical solutions to communities throughout the nation.
