How is DPIIT Collaborating with Pfizer to Enhance Healthcare Innovations?
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Synopsis
In a significant move for India's healthcare sector, DPIIT and Pfizer have teamed up to expedite innovation from laboratories to market. This collaboration promises substantial support for startups, guiding them towards impactful healthcare solutions tailored to India's unique needs.
Key Takeaways
- DPIIT and Pfizer have partnered to enhance India's healthcare landscape.
- Startups will receive up to Rs 60 lakhs in funding.
- The collaboration includes an 18-month incubation program.
- Focus areas include oncology, brain health, and immunization.
- Public-private partnerships are crucial for healthcare innovation.
New Delhi, Sep 4 (NationPress) The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has formed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the renowned US pharmaceutical company Pfizer to enhance the healthcare landscape in India and expedite the lab-to-market journey of healthcare innovations, as reported by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry on Thursday.
This partnership aims to provide both financial and non-financial assistance to startups.
Through this collaboration, the Pfizer INDovation programme will grant DPIIT-recognised startups up to Rs 60 lakhs each and offer a customized 18-month incubation program facilitated by Social Alpha.
The initiative will deliver focused acceleration tracks addressing clinical validation, regulatory approvals, and market entry strategies. Startups will benefit from expert mentorship, advanced infrastructure, and global networks, alongside opportunities for engagement at Pfizer’s Research and Development facilities located in Chennai, which will help refine their innovations with industry-leading insights,” stated the Ministry.
This initiative will also back 14 innovative MedTech startups that are working on screening, diagnostics, health monitoring, and treatment enhancers, with a strong emphasis on non-communicable diseases, oncology, brain health, maternal and child health, and immunization, it added.
“India must advance towards innovative drug discovery, and startups will be essential in this journey,” remarked Sanjiv, Joint Secretary of DPIIT.
Sharad Goswami, Senior Director of Global Policy and Public Affairs at Pfizer India, reiterated the company’s dedication to empowering Indian startups in the creation of patient-focused, impactful healthcare solutions that cater to the unique needs of the nation.
This MoU highlights DPIIT's commitment to fostering productive public-private partnerships that stimulate inclusive growth and solidify India’s status as a global center for healthcare innovation.
In August, DPIIT collaborated with the pharmaceutical firm Roche to provide insights on regulatory pathways, intellectual property, and global health standards, as well as real-world validation opportunities.
The MoU with Roche Products primarily targeted enhancing DPIIT-recognized startups involved in vital therapeutic areas such as oncology, neurology, ophthalmology, hematology, and rare diseases.
As part of this collaboration, Roche India will extend mentorship from global specialists, assist with pilot and validation studies, and grant access to state-of-the-art technologies, infrastructure, and international platforms to aid in the scaling of promising innovations.
Point of View
It is crucial to recognize the importance of collaborations like the one between DPIIT and Pfizer. Such partnerships not only enhance the healthcare ecosystem but also empower startups to innovate solutions tailored to the needs of the nation. By focusing on impactful public-private partnerships, India is poised to strengthen its position as a global leader in healthcare innovation.
NationPress
04/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the MoU between DPIIT and Pfizer?
The MoU aims to enhance India's healthcare system by supporting startups in accelerating their innovations from lab to market.
How much funding will startups receive under this collaboration?
Startups recognized by DPIIT will receive grants of up to Rs 60 lakhs each as part of the Pfizer INDovation programme.
What additional support will startups get?
Startups will benefit from an 18-month incubation program, expert mentorship, and access to Pfizer's R&D facilities.
Which areas of healthcare will be focused on?
The initiative will support innovations in non-communicable diseases, oncology, brain health, maternal and child health, and immunization.
Has DPIIT partnered with any other companies?
Yes, in August, DPIIT partnered with Roche to offer guidance on regulatory pathways and real-world validation.
