MAHE's Bioincubator successfully hosted premier Manipal Start-Up Expo 2025, celebrating India's innovation ecosystem

Manipal, August 25, 2025: Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), an Institution of Eminence Deemed to be University, hosted the prestigious Manipal Start-Up Expo 2025 in Manipal on Monday. The flagship event proved to be a resounding success, showcasing India's most innovative minds and breakthrough technologies while fostering meaningful connections across the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Participating in the inauguration of the Manipal Start-Up Expo 2025, Lt. Gen. (Dr.) M. D. Venkatesh, VSM (Retd.), Vice Chancellor of MAHE, highlighted MAHE’s commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. He shared that the MAHE is set to invest ₹365 crores this year in research and development. “At MAHE, the entire journey—from ideation to innovation, entrepreneurship, and the maturation of a startup ecosystem—is supported under one roof. We offer comprehensive validation trials, including clinical trials for implantable devices, reflecting our deep investment in cutting-edge research and translational outcomes,” he stated.

He further emphasised MAHE’s role as a key consortium partner alongside IIT Delhi, IIT Madras, Philips, MIT, KMC, and Manipal Hospitals in an ambitious AI-driven initiative focused on cardiac disease prevention, treatment, and research. “The era of organic growth is behind us. Today, we stand at the threshold of accelerated progress, and it is imperative that we all come together to drive this transformation forward,” he added.

Speaking at the inaugural, Ms Apurva Shrivastava, Incubation Officer, BIRAC, said, "The Manipal Start-Up Expo exemplifies the kind of collaborative ecosystem that BIRAC strives to foster across India. The convergence of innovative startups, academic excellence, and industry partnerships witnessed here today represents the future of biotechnology entrepreneurship in our country. MAHE's comprehensive approach from research to commercialisation aligns perfectly with our national mission to transform India into a global biotech hub."

The expo featured a power-packed lineup of keynote sessions that captivated attendees. Dr. K. Mohan Velu, Scientist G, DEBEL/DRDO, delivered an enlightening address on "Innovation of Biomedical Devices in Defence," highlighting cutting-edge developments in defence healthcare technology. Dr. Rajkumar Aland, Senior Vice President, Bioplus Life Sciences Pvt. Ltd., presented comprehensive insights on "Nutraceutical Dosage Forms -- Development & Challenges," sharing industry expertise and future opportunities. Mr. Sankeern Pai, Business Development Head, Hangyo Ice Creams Pvt. Ltd., explored "Beyond the Scoop: Fostering Innovation and Sustainability in a Traditional Industry," demonstrating how traditional sectors can embrace innovation for sustainable growth.

Dr Manesh Thomas, CEO, Manipal-GoK Bioincubator, underscored the impact of the expo: "Today's expo has demonstrated the power of bringing together diverse stakeholders in one platform. The quality of innovations presented, the depth of discussions, and the enthusiasm of our student innovators reaffirm our belief that Karnataka, and particularly the Manipal ecosystem, is emerging as a significant contributor to India's startup story. The partnerships formed today and the investment discussions initiated will have a lasting impact on our entrepreneurial landscape."

A highlight of the event was the comprehensive panel discussion exploring the transformative impact of artificial intelligence across multiple sectors. Industry experts, academicians, and thought leaders engaged in meaningful dialogue about AI's role in revolutionising healthcare delivery, business operations, educational methodologies, and research advancement, providing attendees with valuable insights into future technological trends.

M-GOKB, a Technology Business Incubator established by MAHE and supported by Karnataka Innovation and Technology Society (KITS), Government of Karnataka, and Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, served as the driving force behind this successful initiative.

The expo was organised jointly by the Manipal-Government of Karnataka Bioincubator (MGOKB), Manipal Universal Technology Business Incubator (MUTBI), MIDAS (Medical Instruments, Devices and Allied Services) DST MAHE HUB, Innovation Center, MCHP (Manipal College of Health Professions), MCOPS (Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Science), and DBMS (Department of Basic Medical Sciences) MAHE. The initiative was further strengthened through active organisational collaboration with TiE Mangaluru, Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM), GCSE - Saraswat Chamber, POWER Group Manipal, and the State Bank of India.