Health-tech innovators in India expect 2025 to be a crucial year in healthcare transformation. Mudit Dandwate, CEO and co-founder of Dozee, observed that health AI is poised to drive the next wave of innovation and impact. “For Indian startups, the opportunities are immense,” he said.
“The country’s diverse and demanding healthcare landscape serves as fertile ground for developing solutions that can drive global transformation. While healthcare challenges vary across regions, innovations proven effective in India have the potential to address critical healthcare needs worldwide. The time is ripe for positioning India not just as a participant but as a launchpad for scalable, world-class innovations that can make a significant global impact,” added Dandwate.
Typically, new technologies take time to penetrate the healthcare industry and gain a patient-centered focus. The experts noted that the AI wave, which began in recent years, is being recognized for its potential in the health sector.
Padmini Janaki, CEO and co-founder of the health tech company Mind and Mom, noted the growing understanding of AI’s ability to bring meaningful improvements. “Patients, doctors, and healthcare providers are becoming more open to its applications. I see 2025 as the year of widespread acceptance for AI and technology in healthcare,” she said.
Surjeet Thakur, Founder & CEO of TrioTree Technologies, notes that India's healthcare market, valued at over $370 billion in 2022, is projected to exceed $610 billion by 2026. “This growth is driven by increased private equity and venture capital investments, which exceeded $1 billion in the first five months of 2024—a 220% rise from the previous year. Key areas attracting investment include healthcare delivery, pharmaceuticals, and health-tech innovations. The preventive health-tech sector, for instance, is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 21%, reaching a market size of $197 billion by 2025. Additionally, the integration of artificial intelligence in healthcare is anticipated to reach $1.6 billion by 2025, enhancing diagnostics and patient care.”
Health tech founders reflected that 2024 was a challenging year for startups across sectors, including healthcare and pharma. “However, it also underscored the resilience and strategic vision of organizations dedicated to innovation and meaningful impact,” said Dandwate. He added that although many startups faced funding constraints, companies with a clear vision, robust foundation, and focus on tangible outcomes demonstrated that even the most turbulent times can be navigated successfully.
According to Dandwate, 2024 highlighted the importance of prioritizing scalable, impactful innovations that address real healthcare challenges.
Looking ahead, Dandwate predicted a growing demand for healthcare services in tier-2 cities, driven by key hospital acquisitions in 2024, signalling a shift toward decentralizing access to quality care.
“Consolidation within the hospital market and the rapid expansion of hospital bed capacity underscore the sector’s readiness for large-scale transformation. Additionally, the eldercare and chronic care management markets are experiencing unprecedented growth, fueled by India’s ageing population and the rising prevalence of long-term health conditions. Health insurance penetration is on an upward trajectory, though it still offers immense opportunities for expansion,” he explained.
Dr Santosh Bhargav D.B., co-founder and director-CTO of SpOvum Technologies, noted that 2025 promises to be a pivotal year for witnessing significant strides in personalized medicine. “To fully leverage the potential of AI analytics, robotics, and genomics in healthcare, we need scalable solutions that foster collaboration, address real-world challenges, increase accessibility for all, and ultimately improve health outcomes for individuals and communities,” he said.
Dr Bhargav observed that robotics and automation in embryology will improve precision and scalability, time-lapse imaging systems will enhance clinical decision-making, and AI-powered remote consultations will expand access in underserved areas. “Genomic integration in treatments will further revolutionize personalized care,” he said.
Janaki, meanwhile, highlighted the potential for significant growth in preventive healthcare in 2025. “Until now, healthcare was often seen through a reactive lens—people visited doctors only when unwell or facing a problem. However, this mindset is shifting. With advancements like AI, though it’s just one tool, people are increasingly focusing on prevention and longevity. It’s not just about living to 80 or 90 years but living those years healthily and vibrantly,” she said.
This shift was driving interest in preventive measures, starting with basics like regular blood tests and proactive health monitoring. She cited the growing popularity of health rings, watches, and other tracking devices as reflections of this increased awareness.
According to Dr Bhargav, the ‘Make in India’ initiative will play a transformative role in this journey, driving domestic manufacturing of cutting-edge medical technologies and fostering an ecosystem of innovation. “By promoting local production of advanced medical devices, eco-friendly materials, and sustainable practices, the initiative aligns with global ESG standards while creating cost-effective solutions tailored to India’s unique healthcare needs,” he added.
However, health tech experts cautioned that challenges persisted in the sector. “Patient safety remains undervalued across the industry, compromising outcomes and escalating costs. Technology adoption, though improving, still lags behind expectations, with only 35% of Indian hospitals currently utilizing EMR systems. Addressing these gaps is essential to unlocking the full potential of healthcare innovation,” Dandwate asserted.
