The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) New Delhi, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, and University College London (UCL) have collaborated to advance the field of medical technology. The partnership, formalised today, aims to drive innovations in detection, diagnostics, imaging, medical devices, assistive technologies, digital health, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and more.

Dr Michael Spence, UCL’s president and provost, expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration, emphasising the potential of international partnerships in solving pressing global health challenges. “At UCL, we recognise the difference that international collaboration can make to solving pressing global challenges,” Dr Spence said. “We are honored and excited to embark on this new partnership with two renowned Indian institutions and know we will achieve great things together to make a real difference in people’s lives.”

The tripartite collaboration will leverage the strengths of all three institutions, combining expertise in medical science, engineering, and policy. It will foster joint research programs, staff and student exchanges, collaborative degrees, and workshops, to develop cutting-edge technologies that address some of the world’s most urgent health issues.

Professor Alok Thakar, Head of the Centre for Medical Innovation and Entrepreneurship at AIIMS, described the partnership as a transformative step in tackling major health and societal challenges. “By combining our expertise in medical science, engineering, and global policy, we are creating a platform for MedTech innovation,” he said. “Together, we aim to develop impactful solutions, set new benchmarks in medical technology, and enhance patient care delivery.”

Professor Rangan Banerjee, Director of IIT Delhi, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the importance of affordable healthcare. “Science, engineering, and medicine research and innovation can make a difference in people’s lives. Our partnership is poised to make a difference through cost-effective innovations in medical technology.”

The collaboration will also draw on the industry connections across all three institutions to create interdisciplinary solutions that push the boundaries of healthcare technology. The signing ceremony was followed by a visit to IIT Delhi’s med tech facility, mPRAGATI, a national center for medical device development.

This partnership marks the first time that UCL, AIIMS, and IIT Delhi are working together in such a comprehensive, cross-disciplinary manner. While UCL has had bilateral partnerships with AIIMS and IIT Delhi in the past, this trilateral collaboration promises to accelerate breakthroughs in MedTech.