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.
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.
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.
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.
