Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), an Institution of Eminence, and BPL Medical Technologies Private Limited have signed a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance collaboration between academia and industry. This partnership is intended to foster innovation in medical device development and provide practical training opportunities for future healthcare professionals. The agreement was signed as part of MAHE’s “Year of Excellence in Industry-Academia Collaboration” initiative, aiming to merge academic research with industry knowledge to create clinically validated and affordable medical devices for both Indian and global markets.
The MoU was officially exchanged by Dr Giridhar P Kini, Registrar of MAHE, and Guruswamy Krishnamurthy, CEO of BPL Medical Technologies, in the presence of senior representatives from both institutions. The collaboration focuses on advancing joint research, educational programs, scholar exchanges, and internship opportunities. Both parties will work together to develop cost-effective medical devices, aligned with the ‘Make in India’ vision, targeting emerging markets.
Dr HS Ballal, Pro Chancellor of MAHE, stated that this partnership marks a crucial step in bridging the gap between academia and industry, enabling the creation of innovative and affordable healthcare solutions, particularly for rural communities. Vice Chancellor Lt Gen (Dr) M D Venkatesh highlighted the shared commitment to healthcare technology advancement and the valuable real-world experience the collaboration will provide to students and researchers. Mr. Guruswamy emphasized the strategic shift for BPL Medical from trading to manufacturing, noting that access to MAHE’s testing facilities and expertise will accelerate the development of practical medical devices.
During the event, Dr Arun Maiya, Dean of Manipal College of Health Professions, presented MAHE’s Medical Instruments, Devices & Allied Services (MIDAS) hub, India’s first private-sector medical device innovation hub. Supported by the Department of Science & Technology, MIDAS connects 25 academic institutions and 30 industry partners to promote indigenous development and commercialization of healthcare technologies, reducing dependence on imports. The hub also offers specialized training and workshops to accelerate innovation and increase access to quality, affordable healthcare solutions nationwide.
Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) is a Deemed-to-be University designated as an Institution of Eminence. It offers more than 400 specializations across Health Sciences, Management, Law, Humanities & Social Sciences, and Technology & Science through its campuses in Manipal, Mangalore, Bangalore, Jamshedpur, and Dubai. Renowned for academic excellence, advanced infrastructure, and significant research contributions, MAHE has received national and international recognition. In 2020, it was awarded Institution of Eminence status by India’s Ministry of Education. It is currently ranked 4th in the National Institutional Ranking Framework and is highly regarded by students and employers alike.
Founded in 2013 with investments from BPL Group and Goldman Sachs, BPL Medical Technologies is headquartered in Bangalore, India, with five zonal and fifteen branch offices nationwide. Over the past decade, the company’s revenue has grown tenfold, supported by a workforce of approximately 900 employees. It operates two manufacturing facilities: one in Palakkad, Kerala, established in 2013, and a newer greenfield plant in Jigani, Bangalore, inaugurated in 2024. The Jigani facility, spanning 1.25 acres and employing around 300 staff, was inaugurated by the Prime Minister of India as part of the government’s Production Linked Incentive Scheme, supporting the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
BPL Medical’s operations cover six core sectors: Cardiology, Critical Care & Surgery, Imaging, Mother & Child Health, Home Care, and Consumables & Accessories. The company is focused on meeting growing medical equipment demand while fostering self-reliance in India’s healthcare industry.
