The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Roche Products (India) Pvt. Ltd. to accelerate healthcare innovation in India's startup ecosystem. The partnership will focus on supporting DPIIT-recognized startups working in critical therapeutic areas including oncology, neurology, ophthalmology, haematology, and rare diseases.
The formal agreement was signed by Dr. Sumeet Jarangal, Director at DPIIT, and Smt. Rajwinder Mehdwan, Managing Director of Roche Products (India) Pvt. Ltd., in the presence of senior officials from both organizations.
Comprehensive Support Framework
Under the MoU, Roche India will provide extensive support to healthtech startups through multiple channels. The company will offer mentorship from global subject-matter experts, technical guidance on pilot programs and validation studies, and access to advanced technologies and healthcare infrastructure. Additionally, startups will gain linkages to international healthcare innovation platforms, expanding their global reach and exposure.
The partnership extends beyond technical support to include advisory services on regulatory pathways, intellectual property strategy, and compliance with global health standards. This comprehensive approach is designed to accelerate the journey from innovation to market deployment for promising healthcare technologies.
Capacity Building and Knowledge Transfer
A key component of the collaboration focuses on capacity-building and knowledge transfer in specialized areas. The partnership emphasizes training in Health Economics and Outcomes Research (HEOR), Good Clinical Practices (GCP), and real-world evidence generation. Patient engagement strategies will also be a priority focus area, ensuring that emerging technologies are developed with end-user needs in mind.
Joint Secretary of DPIIT, Shri Sanjiv, highlighted the importance of industry-startup collaboration in integrating disruptive health innovations into the market. He noted that the partnership would offer guidance on regulatory pathways, intellectual property, and global health standards, along with opportunities for real-world validation.
"Startups are playing a pivotal role in transforming the Indian health landscape. Collaborations like these can guide innovators in translating disruptive ideas into viable healthcare solutions that meet both national and global standards," Shri Sanjiv stated.
Strategic Vision for Healthcare Innovation
Managing Director of Roche Products (India) Pvt. Ltd., Smt. Rajwinder Mehdwan, described the MoU as the beginning of a collaborative journey to support Indian healthtech startups in developing patient-centric solutions tailored to India's healthcare needs.
"This MoU represents a collaborative journey. Our aim is to support healthtech startups with meaningful mentorship, scientific rigor, and global exposure. We believe in building solutions that are tailor-made for India's healthcare needs while aligning with global innovation benchmarks," Mehdwan explained.
Alignment with National Innovation Goals
This partnership aligns with DPIIT's broader strategy to promote inclusive innovation within the Startup India initiative. With over 100,000 recognized startups, India hosts one of the fastest-growing startup ecosystems globally, with healthcare representing a priority sector with significant potential for both economic growth and social impact.
The collaboration also supports the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047, where public-private synergies drive breakthroughs in healthcare access, affordability, and innovation. The DPIIT-Roche partnership sets a precedent for how government and industry can jointly uplift early-stage innovation through co-creation and co-development approaches.
This MoU underscores DPIIT's commitment to fostering impactful public-private partnerships that promote inclusive growth and position India as a global hub for health innovation, ensuring that technological benefits reach the entire healthcare delivery chain.
