Ivory Wins DHN HealthTech Innovation Challenge 2025
Demo Day Concludes at IIT Indore
On November 19, 2025, the DHN HealthTech Innovation Challenge 2025 culminated in a successful Demo Day held at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Indore. This event marked a significant milestone in India’s burgeoning HealthTech innovation landscape, showcasing the potential of startups to revolutionize healthcare through technology.
Overview of the Challenge
The DHN HealthTech Innovation Challenge 2025 was organized by DHN and supported by the IITI DRISHTI CPS Foundation. This year’s challenge attracted a diverse range of applications from startups focused on AI-driven diagnostics, cognitive health, digital health records, and hybrid healthcare delivery models. The challenge has been officially recognized as a Pre-Summit Event for the upcoming India–AI Impact Summit 2026, which will be hosted by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and IndiaAI.
Winners and Recognition
Ivory, founded by Issac John and co-founded by Rahul Krishnan, emerged as the winner of the challenge, earning the title of Best HealthTech Startup of 2025. Ivory has developed an AI-powered, neuroscience-based cognitive screening platform capable of detecting early signs of cognitive decline before clinical symptoms manifest.
The competition was fierce, with Curebay Technologies (Oralcare) being declared the 1st Runner-Up, and Plus91 Technologies, led by Aditya Patkar and Neelesh Bhandari, recognized as the 2nd Runner-Up.
Key Highlights from the Event
Vishnu Saxena, Founder & CEO of DHN & ScaleHealthTech, expressed his enthusiasm for the challenge, stating, “This year’s Challenge has reinforced something we have believed for a long time, that India is entering a phase where the most meaningful healthcare solutions will emerge not from legacy systems but from the bold, mission-driven founders building at the intersection of health and technology.”
Saxena emphasized the importance of blending clinical insight with technological innovation, noting that the participating startups demonstrated the capability to deliver scalable and impactful healthcare solutions.
Insights from Industry Leaders
Aditya Vyas, CEO of IITI Drishti CPS Foundation, also shared his thoughts on the event. He remarked, “What we witnessed today was a reflection of India’s growing strength and maturity in deep-tech healthcare innovation. Each of these startups is solving a problem that is deeply rooted in the Indian healthcare system—whether it is accessibility in rural areas, early detection of chronic conditions, or the need for interoperable health data.”
Vyas highlighted that the winning solution stood out due to its strong clinical relevance, readiness for integration with national digital health systems, and its potential to deliver impact at scale.
Impact on the HealthTech Landscape
The DHN HealthTech Innovation Challenge 2025 serves as a testament to the innovative spirit of Indian startups in the healthcare sector. The solutions presented during the event focused on critical areas such as:
- Accessibility of healthcare services in rural and underserved areas
- Early detection of chronic diseases
- Interoperability of health data systems
This focus on addressing real-world healthcare challenges reflects a broader trend in the industry, where startups are increasingly recognized as key players in transforming healthcare delivery through technology.
Future Prospects
As the HealthTech sector continues to evolve, the success of the DHN HealthTech Innovation Challenge 2025 underscores the importance of fostering innovation and collaboration among startups, investors, and healthcare providers. The upcoming India–AI Impact Summit 2026 is expected to further amplify these efforts, bringing together thought leaders and innovators to discuss the future of AI in healthcare.
Conclusion
The DHN HealthTech Innovation Challenge 2025 has not only highlighted the capabilities of Indian startups but also set the stage for future advancements in the HealthTech sector. With continued support and recognition, these innovators are poised to make significant contributions to improving healthcare outcomes across India.
Note: The information presented in this article is based on the latest updates from the DHN HealthTech Innovation Challenge 2025 and is intended for informational purposes only.
