Manipal, July 28, 2026: Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), an Institution of Eminence Deemed to be University, hosted the 4th Edition of the UK-India HealthTech Accelerator Programme (2026-2028) in Manipal. Organised in partnership with the UK Government and supported by the Bhubaneswar City Knowledge Innovation Cluster Foundation (BCKIC) as the Knowledge Partner, the three-day programme (July 22-24) convened Indian HealthTech startups, UK mentors, healthcare specialists, investors, researchers, policymakers, and industry leaders to boost innovation and enhance India-UK collaboration in healthcare technology.
Twenty-five innovative HealthTech startups across India, along with policymakers, healthcare experts, researchers, investors, and industry leaders from India and the United Kingdom. Designed to accelerate innovation and promote cross-border partnerships, the accelerator supports Indian startups developing solutions to address key challenges faced by the global health ecosystem and the United Kingdom's National Health Service (NHS). At the conclusion of the programme, six startups will be selected for a fully funded immersion visit to the United Kingdom, where they will engage with the UK's healthcare ecosystem, investors, and NHS stakeholders.
The Programme was inaugurated in the presence of Dr H S Ballal, Pro Chancellor, MAHE; Dr Sharath K. Rao, Vice Chancellor, MAHE; Mr Chandru Iyer, British Deputy High Commissioner to Karnataka and British Deputy Trade Commissioner for Investment, South Asia; and Dr Mrutyunjay Suar, Chairman, Bhubaneswar City Knowledge Innovation Cluster Foundation (BCKIC) on Wednesday.
Reflecting on the success of the programme, Chandru Iyer, British Deputy High Commissioner to Karnataka, said: "The MAHE accelerator has been three days of innovation in action, connecting Indian innovators with the UK’s healthcare, research, investment and innovation ecosystem to build international partnerships and expand their global footprint. With the recently implemented UK-India Free Trade Agreement and Double Contribution Convention creating new opportunities for innovation-led enterprises, cross-border investments, professional mobility and deeper collaboration, this programme reflects the growing momentum in UK-India economic and innovation partnerships.”
Mr Iyer also acknowledged MAHE's continued promotion of innovation, entrepreneurship, and international collaboration, while recognising the contribution of the programme's Knowledge Partner, the Bhubaneswar City Knowledge Innovation Cluster Foundation (BCKIC), in strengthening the accelerator's innovation ecosystem.
Since its inception, the UK-India HealthTech Accelerator Programme has emerged as a leading platform for bilateral healthcare innovation. Across four editions, the initiative has attracted nearly 1,000 applications, supported more than 75 HealthTech companies, facilitated tailored UK market immersion programmes for 23 companies and enabled seven startups to establish operations in the United Kingdom. The programme has also generated approximately £32 million in investment activity, while creating employment opportunities and promoting sustained international collaboration to address global healthcare challenges.
Speaking on the significance of hosting the programme, Dr Sharath K. Rao, Vice Chancellor, MAHE, said, "The UK-India HealthTech Accelerator reflects MAHE's commitment to building an innovation ecosystem where academia, healthcare, industry, government, and entrepreneurs work together to address real-world healthcare challenges. Over the past three days, we have witnessed outstanding innovation, meaningful collaborations, and valuable knowledge exchange that will help Indian startups develop globally relevant healthcare solutions. We are proud to partner with the British High Commission and BCKIC in creating opportunities that strengthen India-UK collaboration while advancing healthcare innovation for global impact."
