Union Health Minister JP Nadda inaugurated the Indian Council of Medical Research’s (ICMR) flagship initiative, ‘Medical Innovations Patent Mitra‘, on 8th of March to strengthen India’s healthcare innovation landscape. This initiative is designed to provide comprehensive support to innovators, assisting them with patent filings and the smooth transfer of medical technologies to the industry.
The launch took place during the International Symposium on Health Technology Assessment (ISHTA) and was developed in collaboration with NITI Aayog, the Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP), and the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).
Following the launch, a panel discussion was held, bringing together policymakers, industry experts, investors, and public health professionals to deliberate on the challenges and opportunities associated with patent filing and technology transfer in medical research and innovation.
Speaking at the event, Nadda highlighted the significance of the initiative, calling it a testament to ICMR’s dedication to fostering medical advancements. He emphasized that this platform will safeguard the groundbreaking work of Indian scientists through patents while ensuring smooth technology transfer for public benefit. “This visionary initiative takes India closer to the goal of Viksit Bharat,” he stated.
Dr. V K Paul, Member (Health), NITI Aayog, underscored the crucial role of the Patent Mitra initiative in supporting the objectives of Ayushman Bharat by ensuring that homegrown innovations reach all parts of the country. He stressed the importance of building a self-sustaining innovation ecosystem within India. “Our nation’s self-reliance depends on our ability to innovate domestically. This initiative fosters an environment where Indian biomedical innovations are not only encouraged but also effectively protected,” he added.
ICMR Director General, Dr. Rajiv Bahl, emphasized that this program will bridge key gaps in the patenting process for medical innovations by offering expert guidance at every stage—from patentability evaluation to filing, prosecution, and maintenance.
Amit Agrawal, Secretary, Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP), expressed enthusiasm about collaborating with ICMR on this initiative. He noted that it would provide substantial benefits to startups, researchers, and the industry, complementing the DoP’s PRIP scheme, which aims to transform India’s Pharma and MedTech sectors from a cost-driven model to an innovation-led approach.
The Medical Innovations Patent Mitra will extend its support to ICMR institutes, external research grantees, medical colleges, and research institutions. It offers a full suite of services, including patentability assessments, patent filing in India, and assistance with patent prosecution.
Additionally, the initiative facilitates technology transfer by guiding innovators in bringing their developments to market. This includes mechanisms such as the MedTech Mela and a paperless Expression of Interest (EoI) process to streamline industry partnerships.
