A public-private joint venture (JV) is making significant strides in nurturing startups across India. Spearheaded by Nasscom, the Centre of Excellence (CoE) initiative has already incubated 386 startups in the fields of IoT and AI, with the majority focused on healthcare solutions. The objective of the CoE labs, which receive funding from the Ministry of Electronics and IT and state governments, is to provide young companies with the necessary infrastructure and mentorship to develop their innovative products. By bridging the gap between emerging technologies and industries, Nasscom aims to create a conducive ecosystem for startup growth.
One standout success story from the CoE program is Lifespark Technologies, mentored at Nasscom’s CoE in Bengaluru. Founded in 2018 at IIT Bombay, Lifespark Technologies has been actively developing devices, mobile applications, and web applications to enhance the lives of individuals with neurological conditions and spinal injuries. Desai, the CEO of Lifespark Technologies, revealed that one of their groundbreaking products, called WALK, is designed to assist Parkinson’s patients in improving their mobility. The device, a band worn around the thighs, provides sensory cues that help patients walk more effectively. Following promising pre-clinical trials, the market launch for WALK is imminent.
The CoE initiative has proven successful in multiple locations, including Gurgaon, which has incubated 80 startups thus far. One such company is Rx One Care, which offers an integrated platform for medical services such as pharmacies, laboratories, and doctors. Through their application, patients can conveniently store their medical data and grant access to authorized healthcare providers. Nitin Guru, CTO of Rx One Care, emphasized the app’s capability to connect individuals in remote areas with nearby pharmacies, ensuring access to essential medicines.
Another notable startup from the Gurgaon CoE is MedPrime, whose digital microscope facilitates faster pathology test results. By livestreaming whole slides in real-time, MedPrime enables pathologists and doctors to provide remote second opinions and diagnoses. The platform also allows for the seamless sharing of high-resolution images and videos. With clients such as SRM Hospital and Krishna Surgical Pathology already benefiting from their innovative solution, MedPrime has received praise for its commendable work.
Meanwhile, Elecbits, an aspiring bridge between electronics vendors and manufacturers, aims to simplify the process of equipment manufacturing. By providing a vendor pool accessible through a digital platform, Elecbits eliminates the need for companies to rely on traditional manufacturing hubs or outsourcing to China. Additionally, they develop products for other companies, such as a device for Urban Company that detects technical glitches in home appliances. Their versatility is further showcased through their collaboration with Ola Electric, where they developed printed circuit boards.
Not limited to Gurgaon, the CoE initiative has fostered companies in diverse domains. Eugenie, one of the startups incubated in Bengaluru, specializes in emissions control using geospatial data and AI models. Their groundbreaking module assists companies in assessing baseline emissions, identifying abnormalities, and pinpointing the causes. Clients such as Tata Metaliks India, Nexa Resources Brazil, and Jabil USA have already embraced Eugenie’s advanced solution.
Sanjeev Malhotra, CEO of the Centre of Excellence for IoT, emphasized that the program does not impose strict guidelines for startup selection. Instead, they assess uniqueness and problem-solving potential while considering the need for lab infrastructure and mentorship. Approximately 50 to 75% of the startups that pitch their ideas are accepted into the program, highlighting the accessibility and inclusivity of the CoE initiative.
Nasscom’s CoE initiative has undoubtedly nurtured a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem in India, propelling startups to develop cutting-edge solutions across various industries. By facilitating the integration of emerging technologies into real-world scenarios, Nasscom is successfully bridging the gap and fostering innovation on both local and global scales. With the rapid expansion of the CoE labs and their impactful collaborations, the future of Indian startups looks brighter than ever before.
