MAHE Hosts 4th Edition of UK-India HealthTech Accelerator Programme in Partnership with British High Commission
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Manipal, July 24 – Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), an Institution of Eminence Deemed to be University, today launched the 4th Edition of the UK–India HealthTech Accelerator Programme (2026-2028) at Dr TMA Pai Hall on the Manipal campus in Karnataka. Organised in partnership with the British High Commission, the three‑day accelerator running from July 22‑24 represents a major advance in Indo‑UK collaboration on healthcare technology and digital health innovation.
The opening session featured eminent speakers from academia, government, and the UK’s science and innovation community. Dr Neha Sharma, Senior Adviser – Health & Life Sciences, Science and Technology Network, British High Commission, New Delhi, outlined the programme’s goals and stressed its importance in fostering innovation‑led partnerships between India and the United Kingdom.
The accelerator has chosen 25 HealthTech startups from across India to take part in the fully funded programme. Upon completion, six of these startups will receive a fully funded immersion opportunity in the United Kingdom, where they will interact with the UK healthcare ecosystem, investors, and the National Health Service (NHS).
The inaugural session was attended by Mr Chandru Iyer, British Deputy High Commissioner for Karnataka and His Majesty’s Deputy Trade Commissioner for Investment, South Asia; Dr Sharath K. Rao, Vice Chancellor of MAHE; senior officials from the British High Commission; healthcare leaders; startup founders; and MAHE faculty members.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr Chandru Iyer, British Deputy High Commissioner for Karnataka and His Majesty’s Deputy Trade Commissioner for Investment, South Asia, said, “The UK‑India HealthTech Accelerator Programme was among my first major initiatives as British Deputy High Commissioner, and it is highly rewarding to witness its tangible impact today. As I prepare to step down from my position in Bengaluru, I am pleased to see the programme encouraging innovation, collaboration, and knowledge sharing between the UK and India, and I am confident it will enhance the stature of the UK‑India Free Trade Agreement, which came into effect earlier this month.”
Delivering the Presidential Address, Dr H S Ballal, Pro Chancellor of MAHE, said, “Today’s healthcare innovation calls for strong partnerships that cross borders. Through initiatives like the UK‑India HealthTech Accelerator Programme, MAHE continues to create opportunities for academia, industry, and government to work together on solutions to global health challenges.”
Welcoming the gathering, Dr Sharath K. Rao, Vice Chancellor of MAHE, said, “The UK‑India HealthTech Accelerator showcases how partnerships can tackle some of healthcare’s toughest challenges. At MAHE, we believe true innovation emerges when medicine, engineering, technology, research and policy unite with a shared goal of improving lives. As the host institution for the 2026‑28 programme, working alongside BCKIC and backed by the strategic support of the British High Commission, we aim to equip innovators with the ecosystem, expertise and mentorship needed to turn ideas into real impact. This partnership will not only deepen UK‑India healthcare collaboration but also enable startups to craft globally relevant solutions grounded in genuine societal needs.”
Delivering a virtual message, Ms Sophia Nestius‑Booth, Regional Director – Science and Technology, British High Commission, New Delhi, emphasized the rising strength of the UK‑India partnership in health and life sciences. She highlighted the importance of collaborative innovation, knowledge sharing, and technology‑driven solutions in tackling shared global health challenges and strengthening long‑term bilateral ties.
Delivering the remarks on behalf of the Knowledge Partner, Dr Mrutyunjay Suar, Chairman of the Bhubaneswar City Knowledge Innovation Cluster Foundation (BCKIC), stressed the need to build robust innovation ecosystems that link academia, industry, startups, and government.
As the host institution for the 2026‑2028 programme, MAHE emphasises the promotion of innovation, entrepreneurship, translational research, and international collaboration.
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