Overview
Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), an Institution of Eminence deemed‑to‑be university, hosted the fourth edition of the UK‑India HealthTech Accelerator Programme (2026‑2028) in Manipal, Karnataka, from July 22 to July 24, 2026. The three‑day event was organised in partnership with the UK Government and supported by the Bhubaneswar City Knowledge Innovation Cluster Foundation (BCKIC) as the Knowledge Partner.
Participants and Programme Structure
The accelerator convened 25 innovative Indian HealthTech startups alongside UK mentors, healthcare specialists, investors, researchers, policymakers and industry leaders from both countries. At the programme’s conclusion, six of the participating startups will be selected for a fully funded immersion visit to the United Kingdom, where they will engage directly with the NHS ecosystem, investors and other healthcare stakeholders.
Historical Impact and Metrics
Since its inception, the UK‑India HealthTech Accelerator has become a leading bilateral innovation platform. Across four editions it has attracted nearly 1,000 applications, supported more than 75 HealthTech companies, facilitated tailored UK market immersion programmes for 23 companies and enabled seven startups to establish operations in the United Kingdom. The initiative has generated approximately £32 million in investment activity and has contributed to employment creation, although specific job numbers were not disclosed.
Inauguration and Key Remarks
The programme was inaugurated by Dr H S Ballal, Pro Chancellor of MAHE; Dr Sharath K. Rao, Vice Chancellor of MAHE; Mr Chandru Iyer, British Deputy High Commissioner to Karnataka and British Deputy Trade Commissioner for Investment, South Asia; and Dr Mrutyunjay Suar, Chairman of BCKIC. Mr Iyer highlighted the accelerator’s role in connecting Indian innovators with the UK’s healthcare, research, investment and innovation ecosystem, noting that the recently implemented UK‑India Free Trade Agreement and Double Contribution Convention create new opportunities for innovation‑led enterprises, cross‑border investments and professional mobility. Dr Rao emphasized MAHE’s commitment to an ecosystem where academia, healthcare, industry, government and entrepreneurs collaborate to address real‑world healthcare challenges.
Institutional Profile of MAHE
MAHE offers over 400 specialisations across health sciences, management, law, humanities, social sciences, technology and science through campuses in Manipal, Mangalore, Bengaluru, Jamshedpur and Dubai. In 2020, the Ministry of Education awarded MAHE the Institution of Eminence status, and it is currently ranked third in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2025 rankings.
Conclusion
The 4th edition of the UK‑India HealthTech Accelerator underscores MAHE’s role in fostering international collaboration, accelerating health technology innovation and facilitating substantial investment flows between India and the United Kingdom.