Partnership to accelerate breakthroughs in AI-driven health tech, biotechnology, and bioengineering—fast-tracking research from IIT Delhi labs to real-world patient impact

(Photo: WIN CoE inaugural ceremony at R&I Park, IIT Delhi)

New Delhi: The Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi), in partnership with the Wadhwani Foundation, has formally inaugurated the Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Precision & Personalized Healthcare under the Wadhwani Innovation Network (WIN). This center, which has already begun work on advancing healthcare innovations, is dedicated to accelerating the translation of high-impact research into market-ready solutions, addressing India’s urgent and evolving medical needs.

The inauguration ceremony at IIT Delhi’s Research and Innovation Park on August 13, 2025, was led by Dr. Ajay Kela, CEO & Board Member, Wadhwani Foundation, and Prof. Rangan Banerjee, Director, IIT Delhi. The event brought together leading voices from India’s innovation and healthcare ecosystem, including Dr. Shivkumar Kalyanaraman, CEO, Anusandhan National Research Foundation; Dr. Taruna Madan, Scientist G, Head, Division of Development Research, ICMR; Mr. Rajiv Nath, Forum Coordinator, AiMeD; Mr. Goutam Bhattacharya, CEO, Life Sciences Sector Skill Development Council; Dr. Nikhil Agarwal, MD, FITT, IITD and Mr. Gagan Sharma, CEO, Proxmed Australia.

The WIN Centre at IIT Delhi focuses on healthcare technologies. In Phase 1 of the project, the primary focus is on Personalized Medicine & Rehabilitation, Bio-Imaging and AI as Diagnostic Tools, Assistive Technology for the Elderly & Disabled, Personalized Implants & Low-Cost Wearables, and Diagnostic Tools. It aims to create a collaborative platform where academia, industry, and government work together to move innovations from lab to market faster, improving patient outcomes and strengthening India’s global healthcare leadership.

The CoE is part of the ₹1,400+ crore investment the Wadhwani Foundation has committed, in collaboration with national partners, to strengthen India’s innovation ecosystem. This nationwide initiative—announced by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi during the Yugm Innovation Conclave on April 29, 2025—encompasses multiple Centres of Excellence across premier institutions, targeting strategic sectors such as semiconductors, quantum technology, space tech, and advanced computing, alongside healthcare.

Dr. Ajay Kela, CEO & Board Member, Wadhwani Foundation, said, “India’s deep reservoir of scientific talent is unmatched, but the journey from research lab to societal impact has been far too slow. With the WIN Centre at IIT Delhi, we are bridging that gap—creating a launchpad for healthcare innovations that can scale rapidly and save lives. This is part of our broader commitment to invest over ₹1,400 crore with our partners to make India a global leader in research commercialization.”

Prof. Rangan Banerjee, Director, IIT Delhi, remarked, “Through the WIN Centre, IIT Delhi will channelise its expertise in biomedical technologies, AI, and engineering towards delivering tangible healthcare innovations—from precision diagnostics and personalized treatments to affordable medical devices. Our goal is to create solutions that not only address India’s healthcare challenges but also set new benchmarks for global impact.”

With this inauguration, the Wadhwani Innovation Network reinforces its mission of building an interconnected ecosystem of Centres of Excellence across India to fast-track the nation’s journey towards becoming an innovation powerhouse.

Dr. Shirshendu Mukherjee, Managing Director – WIN, Wadhwani Foundation, added, “This center will not only nurture cutting-edge R&D but also provide innovators with mentorship, market access, and commercialization pathways. By bringing together multidisciplinary expertise, we aim to accelerate breakthroughs in precision and personalized healthcare that will benefit millions.”

Prof. Neetu Singh, Professor-in-Charge of the WIN CoE at IIT Delhi, said, “The WIN Centre is designed to be a collaborative space where scientists, clinicians, entrepreneurs, and industry experts can co-create. We envision it as a hub that transforms bold ideas into viable healthcare products and technologies.”

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About Wadhwani Foundation

Wadhwani Foundation is a global not-for-profit with the primary mission of accelerating economic development by driving job creation through large-scale initiatives in skilling, entrepreneurship, government digital transformation, and innovation & research. Founded by Silicon Valley entrepreneur, Dr. Romesh Wadhwani, the Foundation today is scaling impact across multiple countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America through innovative programs that leverage the latest technology and expansive global networks to democratize access to world-class resources needed to improve livelihood and change lives.
(Website: www.wadhwanifoundation.org)

About Wadhwani Innovation Network (WIN)

The Wadhwani Innovation Network, an initiative of the Wadhwani Foundation, is dedicated to fast-tracking the commercialization of Indian academic research by fostering partnerships with government agencies, academic institutions, and industry. WIN focuses on strategic sectors critical to India’s growth and global competitiveness.

Wadhwani Innovation Network (WIN) - Wadhwani Foundation