MedTech Sector Poised for Exponential Growth and Innovation
India's medical technology sector is on a rapid growth trajectory, currently valued at approximately $12 billion in 2025 and expanding at nearly 20 percent annually. Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, announced on Friday that the sector is projected to reach an impressive $50 billion by 2030. This growth is bolstered by indigenous innovation, with institutions like the Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (SCTIMST) in Thiruvananthapuram developing high-quality, affordable medical devices such as heart valves, MRI-compatible shunts, and hemostasis patches. Dr. Singh highlighted that SCTIMST's contributions align with the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' vision by reducing import reliance and 'Vishwabandhu Bharat' through global exports.
Further boosting the sector, the Department of Pharmaceuticals has invited proposals totaling ā¹11,000 crore under the Promotion of Research and Innovation in Pharma-MedTech (PRIP) scheme. This initiative aims to foster a robust Pharma-MedTech innovation pipeline by supporting around 300 projects in new medicines, complex generics, biosimilars, and novel medical devices. In other significant developments, Medtronic has launched advanced electrosurgical devices, the Valleylab FT10 Electrosurgical Generator and Valleylab FT10 Vessel Sealing Generator, in India. These devices feature TissueFect sensing technology for enhanced precision during surgical procedures. Additionally, Pune-based startup 'Exsure' is pioneering an exosomal cell-free cancer therapy, turning academic research into real-world therapeutic solutions. Indian health-tech company Qure.ai continues to make global strides, leveraging deep learning and AI for early detection and management of diseases like tuberculosis, lung cancer, and stroke, with its solutions deployed in over a hundred countries and recommended by WHO.
Major Push for AI and Digital Skilling Across India
India is making concerted efforts to bridge the digital skill gap and harness the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw officially launched the NIELIT Digital University, a comprehensive platform designed to provide future-ready education in AI, Cybersecurity, Data Science, Semiconductors, and related fields. This launch was accompanied by the inauguration of five new NIELIT Centres across various states, including Muzaffarpur (Bihar), Balasore (Odisha), Tirupati (Andhra Pradesh), Lunglei (Mizoram), and Daman, aiming to make high-quality tech education accessible nationwide. The Indian IT sector, while experiencing subdued growth in FY26, anticipates an AI-powered rebound in FY27 as enterprise-scale AI adoption gains momentum. The Economic Times is also championing AI innovation and leadership through its "Making AI Work Awards 2025" and "ET AI Awards 2025," recognizing individuals and companies driving AI transformation in India. On the consumer front, an AI-driven call management service named CatchMyCall has been launched across India, transforming call interactions into managed engagements. Furthermore, the government is actively driving digital transformation in Gram Panchayats by integrating AI and geo-spatial tools to enhance rural administration.
ISRO Forges International Space Collaborations and Prepares for New Launches
India's space ambitions are reaching new heights with significant international collaborations. The European Space Agency (ESA) Director General, Josef Aschbacher, revealed that European astronauts could soon live and work aboard India's ambitious Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS). Active discussions are underway between ESA and ISRO to strengthen human space exploration, with India aiming to launch its first BAS module by 2028 and complete the station by 2035. This collaboration could include scientific research, infrastructure development, and cargo delivery support, marking a new era of joint space endeavors.
ISRO also showcased six decades of its remarkable space innovation at the International Astronautical Congress (IAC 2025) in Sydney, where ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan reiterated India's target to land on the Moon by 2040. In terms of upcoming launches, US firm AST SpaceMobile's BlueBird 6 internet-beaming satellite is expected to arrive in India by mid-October for a potential launch by ISRO's LVM3 rocket by December. This 6,500kg satellite would be the heaviest ever carried by an Indian rocket. ISRO is also gearing up for the launch of the Indian communications satellite CMS-02 by the end of October, also utilizing an LVM3 rocket.
Groundbreaking Scientific Research and Biotech Partnerships
Indian scientists are making significant breakthroughs in fundamental and applied research. Researchers at BRIC-RGCB in Thiruvananthapuram have developed innovative mirror-image nanopores (DpPorA), tiny protein-like channels capable of early disease detection, including cancer, and showing potential for targeted cancer therapies. Their findings, published in Nature Communications, highlight the enhanced stability and selectivity of these synthetic structures. In a boost to environmental science, researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have developed a siphon-powered thermal desalination system that converts seawater into clean drinking water more efficiently and cost-effectively. Additionally, the Raman Research Institute (RRI) has developed advanced dual-trap optical tweezers, providing a more precise tool for manipulating single biomolecules and small particles, which is expected to accelerate discoveries in fields like neuroscience and drug development.
Further strengthening the biotechnology ecosystem, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Thermo Fisher Scientific. This partnership aims to accelerate innovation and support over 500 biotech startups in the next three years through strategic advisory, technology access, mentorship, and investor connections. India's young talent is also shining on global platforms, with students from Pune bagging top national honors at the Robotex India National Championship 2025 and qualifying to represent India at Robotex International in Estonia.