ANRF, in collaboration with ICMR and Gates Foundation, launches Maha MedTech Mission

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Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the Gates Foundation, has launched the Mission for Advancement in High-Impact Areas (MAHA)-Medical Technology (महा MedTech).

This landmark initiative aims to accelerate innovation in India’s medical technology sector, reduce reliance on high-cost imports, and promote equitable access to affordable and high-quality medical technologies.

The Mission will provide funding support to a wide range of entities including Academic and R&D institutions, Hospitals, Startups, MSMEs, MedTech industry and collaborations between entities. With milestone-linked funding of Rs 5–25 crore per project (and up to Rs 50 crore in exceptional cases), the Mission will support projects that bring impactful MedTech solutions to market.

Key objectives

• Drive public health impact by supporting technologies that address priority disease areas and expand access to safe, high-quality care;
• Ensure affordability and accessibility by supporting solutions that reduce costs; and
• Enhance self-reliance and competitiveness by catalyzing indigenous MedTech development, manufacturing, and industry–academia collaboration.

Scope of the Mission

The scheme will cover a broad spectrum of innovative medical devices and in-vitro diagnostics, including equipment and key subcomponents, implants, assistive and surgical devices, consumables, and software-based medical solutions. This may include (but is not limited to) advanced diagnostic imaging, minimally invasive technologies, point of care molecular diagnostics, AI/ML-enabled platforms, robotics and other emerging areas. The mission welcomes projects aligned with national health priorities such as tuberculosis, cancer, neonatal care, primary health care, etc.

In addition to funding, the Mission will provide enabling support through national initiatives such as Patent Mitra (IP protection and technology transfer), MedTech Mitra (regulatory guidance and clearances), a Clinical Trial Network (for clinical validation and evidence generation), as well as mentorship from industry experts.

The Mission will follow a two-stage application process:

1. Concept Notes: Open from 15 September to 7 November 2025, to screen and prioritize projects. Applications will be accepted through the ANRF portal: www.anrfonline.in
2. Full Proposals: The concept proposals that are shortlisted by the committee formed specifically for this purpose will be allowed to submit the full proposals. The window for submission will open in December 2025.