The Anjani Mashelkar Prize has opened applications for innovators developing affordable and impactful healthcare solutions aimed at improving access for underserved communities in India. The award encourages innovators to create high-quality yet cost-effective technologies that can bridge healthcare inequalities and bring excluded populations into the mainstream.
Named after the late mother of renowned scientist Dr. R. A. Mashelkar, the prize honors her vision of improving the lives of resource-poor communities despite facing severe personal hardships as an uneducated widow.
Promoting ‘Affordable Excellence’ in Innovation
The award strongly promotes the idea of “affordable excellence,” challenging the long-standing belief that affordability and excellence cannot coexist.
Through this initiative, organizers aim to support innovations that address India’s pressing healthcare challenges while remaining accessible to economically disadvantaged populations.
In addition to recognizing innovative ideas, the prize provides winners with opportunities to scale their solutions and create a wider social impact.
Winners Receive Funding and Strategic Support
The selected winner becomes part of the foundation’s prestigious innovation portfolio and gains access to several growth opportunities, including:
- Investment support of up to INR 2 crore
- Exclusive market access opportunities
- Hands-on mentorship and expert guidance
- A customary INR 1 lakh prize presented by Dr. R. A. Mashelkar
Furthermore, an eminent jury will evaluate applications through a rigorous selection process before announcing the winner.
Focus on Digital-First Health-Tech and Med-Tech Innovations
The prize specifically invites applications from innovators working in digital-first, point-of-care healthcare technologies. Eligible innovations may include:
- Medical devices
- Health-tech software
- AI-driven healthcare solutions
- Technology-enabled diagnostic and treatment platforms
Organizers have also opened the competition to organizations and individuals of any age, origin, or nationality, provided their innovations are designed for the Indian market and demonstrate scalability within the country.
Innovations at Multiple Stages Eligible
Importantly, the prize accepts innovations at different stages of development, including:
- Proof-of-concept models
- Prototypes
- Commercialized products
However, applicants must present a clearly defined target market and business model. Organizers clarified that raw ideas without demonstrated feasibility will not qualify for consideration.
Selection Process Involves Expert Evaluation
Applicants must first complete the official application form to participate in the competition.
Following submission, a team of experts will review and shortlist promising innovations. Subsequently, organizers will conduct further due diligence with shortlisted applicants before presenting the final selection to the jury.
The jury will then identify the most impactful innovation for the award.
Award Ceremony Scheduled for November 2026 in Pune
Organizers will present the Anjani Mashelkar Prize on 17 November 2026 in Pune during a special ceremony attended by eminent personalities from industry, healthcare, science, and public life.
Encouraging Inclusive Innovation for India
Through the Anjani Mashelkar Prize, organizers continue to encourage innovators to develop transformative healthcare technologies that combine affordability, accessibility, and excellence.
By supporting scalable solutions for underserved populations, the initiative aims to create lasting social impact and strengthen healthcare equity across India.