India HealthTech Innovation Challenge 2025 Launched by DHN and IITI Drishti
In a landmark initiative to accelerate health innovation in India, the IITI Drishti CPS Foundation, a premier Technology Translation Research Park for Digital Healthcare under the NM-ICPS Mission of the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, at IIT Indore, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with DHN to co-launch the DHN HealthTech Innovation Challenge 2025.
Objective of the Challenge
The challenge aims to identify promising HealthTech startups and provide them with mentorship, incubation, pilot, and market access opportunities. This partnership is set to spark new ideas and real solutions for India’s healthcare sector by connecting research, startups, and industry under one roof. With rising healthcare demands and the need for affordable, technology-driven care, such initiatives are becoming increasingly vital.
Support for Startups
By bringing together incubation support, funding, and government-backed research, the challenge will help startups move from concept to real-world impact. The IITI Drishti CPS Foundation will serve as the official Incubation and Accelerator Partner, offering mentorship and strategic guidance.
Key Partners
Further amplifying the initiative, W Health Ventures joins as the VC Partner, while CDAC and iCreate come on board as Ecosystem Partners. Additionally, Sparsh Hospital & Critical Care, Odisha, will act as the Hospital Pilot Partner. The challenge is powered by AWS, which is also offering $5000 worth of cloud credits to select startups, creating a comprehensive platform that unites incubation expertise, technological depth, and investor readiness.
Application Details
Key information for the applicants includes:
- Where to apply: www.dhninnovation.com
- Last date of application: September 29, 2025
- Who can apply: Mid-to-late-stage health tech startups
- Demo Day: November 15, 2025
- Jury Members:
- Uma Nambiar, CEO, IISC Medical School Foundation & Chairperson, DHI
- Dr. Feby Abraham, EVP & Chief Strategy & Innovation Officer, Memorial Hermann Health System, Houston
- Vishnu Saxena, Founder & CEO, DHN & ScaleHealthTech
Statements from Leaders
Speaking on the occasion, Vishnu Saxena, Founder & CEO of DHN and ScaleHealthTech, stated, “At DHN, we launched India’s most comprehensive HealthTech Innovation Challenge last year to identify and nurture best-of-breed digital health startups from every corner of the country that have the potential to solve India’s most pressing healthcare challenges. This year, we are incredibly excited to partner with IITI DRISHTI CPS Foundation to take that mission even further. With W Health Ventures, CDAC, iCreate, and AWS strengthening the ecosystem, we are providing a battery-included platform essential to build and scale real-world solutions with national impact.”
Aditya Vyas, CEO of IITI Drishti CPS Foundation, added, “DHN Innovation Challenge aligns with the national goal of accessible and affordable healthcare, which is possible only with the help of Digital Technologies. Bharat is leapfrogging through the Digital India Mission and enabling Digital Public Goods infrastructure; it is time to bring Digital Healthcare to the forefront to help every citizen of this country receive quality medical care close to his or her place. We are happy to partner with DHN for this initiative to take our Nation towards a Viksit Bharat.”
Impact on the HealthTech Ecosystem
The collaboration empowers India’s most promising health tech startups, providing a platform to showcase, validate, and scale transformative solutions. It strengthens the country’s digital health ecosystem by fostering next-generation ideas, accelerating product-market fit, and expanding access to hospitals, investors, and policymakers.
Note: The India HealthTech Innovation Challenge 2025 is a significant step towards enhancing healthcare accessibility and affordability through innovative technologies, supporting the nation’s vision for a healthier future.
