It has both Healthcare Incubation Facilities (Healthcare Technology Innovation Center).HTIC) And Medtech Incubator) and Biotech Incubator where startups are working on the next big technology in healthcare. HTIC has consisted of 45 startups in areas such as deep learning and computer vision in diagnostics, non-invasive cancer screening, VR-based surgery training, and supportive technology for persons with disabilities. In addition, AstraZeneca and Pfizer, two of the world’s largest pharma players, have set up their research, technology and business services branch in Tamil Nadu.
Therefore, the flow of talent and investment in the state is bound to come, experts say. Since 2014, AstraZeneca’s Global Innovation and Technology Center (GITC) and Global Business Services (GBS) have now housed about 2,500 employees in Chennai’s IT corridor. The center undertakes state-of-the-art technology development and handles the end-to-end value chain of the business.
From creating virtual reality-based tools to support and guide clinical trial patients to working on VR-focused programs to train shop floor staff on a complex line without stopping production, to accelerate the concept-to-market process of Center AstraZeneca’s global products. Focuses. “One example is our covid vaccines where marketing time was months, not years. Much of it is due to what we do, “says Shiv Padmanabhan, Managing Director, AstraZeneca India. “We’ve also driven innovation through the startups we’ve supported,” he adds. These include Trichog, Predible and Qure. Collaboration with AI and IIT-M and Sastra University.
Pfizer’s recent entry could also be an inflection point for healthcare innovation. It has a Drug Development Center at IIT-Madras Research Park with an initial investment of ₹ 150 crore. The center is located near the Multidisciplinary Research Cluster as well as IIT-Madras. It has close access to the Tech Corridor, which supports digital acceleration as well as our ambitions for young industry players and start-ups, ”says S Sridhar, Country Manager, Pfizer India. Tamil Nadu is also formulating a life science policy to address both manufacturing and research in the pharma and life sciences sector.
Recognizing that innovation is growing around ecosystems manufacturing clusters, the government is setting up a drug manufacturing park in Tindivanam with an investment of ₹ 155 crore in partnership with the Indian Drugs Manufacturers Association. Zoho-backed vTitan, a medical device manufacturer, originally started with the design and development of a syringe infusion pump. The company now operates more than a dozen medical devices for respiratory care, radiology, cardiac care and remote patient monitoring. “The state has a very talented pool of medical and engineering professionals, which is important for advancing R&D,” says Prasad Maganti, CEO of vTitan. Atlas Family Office Chief Investment Director Sameer Mehta and Vice Chairman Dr. Mehta is one of the healthcare tech-focused angel investors at Hospital, TN.
He says the state urgently needs more investors to support healthcare tech startups with patient capital. “We also need an anchor entity around which innovation can flourish. Dr. Reddy played this role for Hyderabad and has Biocon in Bengaluru. IIT-Madras’ HTIC is emerging as a hub that nurtures innovation here, ”he says. HTIC CEO Dr. Muthu Singaram says R&D is about talent. “While young people generally do not have the patience to go through the long gestation period associated with healthcare tech ventures, we are seeing that change in the last 3-5 years,” he says.
Booster shot
Pharma, Nutraceuticals and Biotech are among the sunrise areas identified by the state government.
TN has more than 400 pharma companies specializing in wholesale pharmaceuticals, APIs, formulations and medical devices.
More than 70 institutes offering range of Pharma and Biotech degrees and diplomas in the state
TN has global pharma and medical device manufacturers such as Trivitron Healthcare, Titan Corporation etc.
TN mainly exports surgical, medical devices, AYUSH and herbal products, wholesale medicines and bulk medicine intermediaries.
Chennai is a globally leading destination for medical tourism with huge potential for healthcare R&D and innovation.
India has 2,600+ biotech startups, of which only 140 (5%) are from Tamil Nadu and hence there is huge scope for growth.
