Ivory Wins DHN HealthTech Innovation Challenge 2025, Demo Day Concludes at IIT Indore
The DHN HealthTech Innovation Challenge 2025, organized by Digital Health News (DHN) and supported by the IITI DRISHTI CPS Foundation, concluded its highly anticipated Demo Day today at IIT Indore. This event marked a significant milestone in India’s HealthTech innovation landscape, showcasing the best digital health solutions from across the country.
Winners of the Challenge
After a competitive final round, Ivory, founded by Issac John, emerged as the Winner and Best HealthTech Startup of 2025. The first runner-up was Curebay Technologies (Oralcare), while Plus91 Technologies, led by founders Aditya Patkar and Neelesh Bhandari, was recognized as the second runner-up.
About the Challenge
This year’s challenge attracted applications from startups specializing in various areas, including AI-driven diagnostics, cognitive health, digital records, and hybrid healthcare delivery models. The event was organized in partnership with W Health Ventures, CDAC, iCreate, and AWS, highlighting the collaborative effort to foster innovation in the healthcare sector.
Significance of the Event
The DHN HealthTech Innovation Challenge 2025 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. This recognition underscores the importance of the challenge in shaping the future of digital health in India.
Finalists Who Took the Stage on Demo Day
The Demo Day featured five innovative solutions that are poised to transform the healthcare landscape:
- Ivory: Neuroscience-based cognitive screening using interactive digital tools.
- Plus91: ABDM-ready, interoperable digital health infrastructure.
- HeyDoc AI: AI-led personal health records and wellness ecosystem.
- BrainSight AI: Precision neuroscience diagnostics powered by AI.
- Curebay Technologies: Tech-enabled hybrid care network for rural India.
Comments from the Organizers
Vishnu Saxena, Founder & CEO of DHN & ScaleHealthTech, commented on 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 scalable solutions that can serve millions and highlighted the commitment of the finalists to address India’s urgent healthcare challenges.
Insights from the IITI Drishti CPS Foundation
Aditya Vyas, CEO of IITI Drishti CPS Foundation, 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 addressing critical issues within the Indian healthcare system, such as accessibility in rural areas and the need for interoperable health data.”
Vyas noted that the winning solution stood out due to its strong clinical relevance and its potential for integration with national digital health systems. He emphasized the role of digital health in India’s development story over the next two decades.
About the Winning Solution
Ivory was selected not only for its technological capabilities but also for its mission-driven purpose. The AI-powered, neuroscience-based cognitive screening platform developed by Ivory can detect early signs of cognitive decline before clinical symptoms manifest. This is particularly significant in a country where cognitive impairments often go undiagnosed.
Ivory’s clinically validated assessments and personalized brain-training interventions aim to make brain health a proactive habit rather than a reactive measure.
Conclusion
The DHN HealthTech Innovation Challenge 2025 has successfully showcased the potential of Indian startups to innovate and address pressing healthcare issues. With the recognition and support from prominent organizations, these startups are well-positioned to make a significant impact on the healthcare landscape in India.
Note: This article is based on the latest updates from the DHN HealthTech Innovation Challenge 2025.
