27 February 2024 – In a bid to support and encourage healthcare startups in India, Pfizer has forged a collaboration with the National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education & Research (NIPER), Ahmedabad. This initiative, backed by the Department of Pharmaceuticals and Niti Aayog and anchored by Social Alpha, aims to transform innovative ideas into market-ready solutions and enhance the growth of the healthcare startup ecosystem.
About the Collaboration between Phizer and NIPER:
Expanding on the successful Pfizer INDovation initiative, this collaboration with NIPER Ahmedabad will follow a cohort-based approach, selecting six innovators from across India. These innovators will undergo a one-year accelerator program at NIPER Ahmedabad, receiving support in product development, regulatory pathways, pre-clinical testing, tech transfer, and real-world clinical fitment checks. Each startup will also be eligible for funding support of up to Rs. 25 lakhs.
Focus Areas and Criteria:
Pfizer, NIPER Ahmedabad, and Social Alpha will specifically seek innovations at TRL levels 3 or higher in areas such as deep tech and artificial intelligence for predictive analysis, point-of-care testing, SaaS, informatics, wearables, and track and trace solutions. NIPER Ahmedabad is in the process of establishing a Centre of Excellence in Medical Devices, further providing startups in this domain with valuable support.
Founded in 1950, Pfizer has a comprehensive presence in India, and the INDovation platform has already supported 34 startups addressing unmet needs in oncology, digital health, devices, and diagnostics. The collaboration with NIPER Ahmedabad signifies a strategic move to empower startups and contribute to transformative healthcare solutions.
The collaboration aligns with the Indian government’s push for indigenous innovation in healthcare. Dr. Arunish Chawla, Secretary, of the Department of Pharmaceuticals, expressed support for the partnership, emphasizing the importance of startups in advancing healthcare delivery in the country.
Conclusion:
The Pfizer and NIPER Ahmedabad collaboration stands as a testament to the growing emphasis on fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in the healthcare sector. With a focus on supporting startups through funding, incubation, and strategic mentorship, this initiative is poised to accelerate the development and deployment of cutting-edge healthcare solutions in India. As the healthcare ecosystem evolves, such partnerships contribute significantly to achieving the goal of a healthier and more technologically advanced nation.
