**Summary:**
On September 4, 2025, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Pfizer Limited to bolster India's healthcare innovation ecosystem. The partnership aims to accelerate the translation of healthcare innovations from laboratory to market by providing financial and non-financial support to DPIIT-recognized startups.
Under the collaboration, the Pfizer INDovation program will provide grants of up to INR 6 million (60 lakhs) each to selected startups, coupled with a tailored 18-month incubation program delivered by Social Alpha. This program will offer specialized acceleration tracks focusing on clinical validation, regulatory approvals, and go-to-market strategies. Participating startups will also benefit from expert mentorship, access to infrastructure, global networks, and exposure to Pfizer's Research and Development facilities in Chennai.
The initiative will support 14 MedTech startups specializing in screening, diagnostics, health monitoring, and treatment enablers. The focus areas include non-communicable diseases, oncology, brain health, maternal and child health, and immunization.
Key representatives at the signing included Joint Secretary, DPIIT, Shri Sanjiv, and Senior Director Global Policy and Public Affairs, Pfizer India, Shri Sharad Goswami. The MoU reflects DPIIT's commitment to fostering public-private partnerships to drive inclusive growth and strengthen India's position as a global healthcare innovation hub.
The press release was issued by PIB Delhi. Contacts for further information are Abhishek Dayal, Abhijith Narayanan, and Ishita Biswas. The Release ID is 2163676.
Key Entities Referenced
Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade: A department under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, responsible for formulation and implementation of policies for promotion and growth of industry and internal trade.
Pfizer Limited: A multinational pharmaceutical corporation that has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with DPIIT to strengthen India's healthcare innovation ecosystem.
Pfizer INDovation program: A program under the partnership between DPIIT and Pfizer Limited that will empower DPIIT-recognized startups with grants and incubation support.
Social Alpha: An organization that will deliver an 18-month incubation program as part of the Pfizer INDovation program.
Chennai, Tamil Nadu: Location of Pfizer's Research and Development facilities in India, where startups will gain exposure.
Shri Sanjiv: Joint Secretary, DPIIT, who spoke on the importance of novel drug discovery in India.
Shri Sharad Goswami: Senior Director Global Policy and Public Affairs, Pfizer India, who reaffirmed Pfizer's commitment to enabling Indian startups.
MedTech startups: Startups innovating in screening, diagnostics, health monitoring, and treatment enablers, with a focus on noncommunicable diseases, oncology, brain health, maternal and child health, and immunisation.
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
DPIIT signs MoU with Pfizer Limited to strengthen
India’s healthcare innovation ecosystem
Partnership to accelerate lab-to-market journey of
healthcare innovations
Posted On: 04 SEP 2025 3:07PM by PIB Delhi
In a significant step towards strengthening India’s healthcare innovation ecosystem, the Department for
Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, signed a
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Pfizer Limited.
The collaboration aims to accelerate the lab-to-market journey of innovative healthcare products by extending
both financial and non-financial support to startups. Under the partnership, the Pfizer INDovation program
will empower DPIIT-recognized startups with grants of up to ₹60 lakhs each, along with a tailored 18-month
incubation program delivered by Social Alpha. The program will provide dedicated acceleration tracks
covering clinical validation, regulatory approvals, and go-to-market strategies. Startups will also gain access
to expert mentorship, infrastructure, and global networks, in addition to exposure at Pfizer’s Research and
Development facilities in Chennai, enabling them to strengthen innovations with advanced industry insights.
The initiative will support 14 pioneering MedTech startups innovating in screening, diagnostics, health
monitoring, and treatment enablers, with a particular focus on non-communicable diseases, oncology, brain
health, maternal and child health, and immunisation.
Speaking on the occasion, Joint Secretary, DPIIT, Shri Sanjiv, said that India needs to move towards novel
drug discovery, and startups will play a key role in this journey.
Senior Director – Global Policy and Public Affairs, Pfizer India, Shri Sharad Goswami, reaffirmed Pfizer’s
commitment to enabling Indian startups to develop patient-centric, impactful healthcare solutions tailored to
the country’s needs.
The MoU underscores DPIIT’s commitment to fostering impactful public–private partnerships that drive
inclusive growth and reinforce India’s position as a global hub for healthcare innovation.
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Abhishek Dayal/ Abhijith Narayanan/ Ishita Biswas
(Release ID: 2163676)