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Department of Pharmaceuticals organises a workshop on the Promotion of Research and Innovation in Pharma-MedTech Sector (PRIP) Scheme PRIP is a transformative initiative aimed at catalysing innovation, strengthening industry-academia linkages Secretary, Department of PharmaceuticalsNumber of Indian healthcare and life sciences startups increased 10 times in the last four years to over 10,000 in 2024Workshop featured four dedicated breakout sessions, bringing together over 100 participants from leading scientific departments & premier institutions

Published on 12-Mar-2025 10:09 PM

Unleashing Research Potential with PRIP Scheme Workshop

In a world where research is increasingly central to societal progress, the Department of Pharmaceuticals led a vibrant workshop on the PRIP (Promotion of Research and Innovation in Pharma-MedTech Sector) Scheme, a transformative initiative aimed at catalyzing innovation and strengthening India’s research ecosystem.

What is PRIP?
PRIP is a strategic funding opportunity designed to accelerate research and development in the pharmaceuticals and medical technology sectors. Over the past four years, the global healthcare and life sciences startups have surged from over 900 in 2020 to nearly 10,000 in 2024, driven by personalized and precision technologies such as antibody-drug conjugates and cell-based therapies.

Key Statistics and Insights:
The PRIP Scheme has not only expanded the number of startups but also highlighted the importance of research collaboration. With an estimated 10x increase over four years, India is now at the forefront of this sector, poised to grow into a global leader in drug discovery and innovation.

Stakeholders in Action:
This workshop serves as a platform for identifying key action points and approaches to further shared goals. Key stakeholders include:

  • Prof. Abhay Karandikar from DST, known for its cutting-edge research in pharmaceuticals.
  • Shri Amit Agrawal, Secretary of the Department of Pharmaceuticals, emphasizing India’s role as a global leader.
  • Dr. Rajiv Bahl, Secretary of DHR and Director General of ICMR, focusing on clinical research and indigenous drug development.
  • Shri S. Krishnan from MeitY, highlighting digital health and AI-driven technologies in drug discovery.

The workshop emphasized government support mechanisms—such as CSIR’s INTENT initiative for clinical trials, DST’s TIFAC and ICMR’s Patent Mitra, and the Department of Biotechnology’s BIRAC, SAMRIDH schemes—and their role in fostering research ecosystem collaboration.

Breakout Sessions:
With over 100 participants from leading institutions, the workshop featured four dedicated sessions. These were designed to identify emerging trends, translate research into commercially viable products, leverage government support, and explore flexibility for maximum impact.

Conclusion:
This workshop underscores the Government’s vision of India becoming a global hub for research and innovation in Pharma-MedTech. By engaging stakeholders and exploring actionable steps, participants can contribute to transforming this sector into a powerful driver of progress.

Join us in exploring how research can drive future innovations and drive forward India’s journey towards a more research-driven world.


source: Department of Pharmaceuticals organises a workshop on the Pr...