Ahmedabad, September 8, 2025 — In a major step toward strengthening India’s healthcare innovation ecosystem, i-Hub Gujarat, the state’s flagship innovation and startup hub under the Department of Education, has joined forces with India Accelerator, one of the country’s leading fund-led accelerators, to launch the Sanjeevan Healthcare Accelerator Program. The initiative is designed to empower early- and growth-stage healthcare startups with the tools, mentorship, and investment support they need to achieve market readiness and long-term growth.
The 12-week accelerator program will serve as a structured platform for healthcare entrepreneurs, enabling them to scale innovative solutions that can directly impact the quality, affordability, and accessibility of healthcare in India. The initiative also represents a broader effort to position Gujarat as a hub for healthcare innovation while contributing to the national startup and healthtech ecosystem.
A Platform for Healthcare Innovation
The Sanjeevan Healthcare Accelerator is being launched at a time when India’s healthcare sector is undergoing rapid transformation. Rising demand for digital health technologies, medical devices, affordable diagnostics, and AI-driven solutions has created unprecedented opportunities for startups to make a tangible difference. However, many young ventures often struggle to navigate the challenges of scaling, fundraising, regulatory compliance, and go-to-market strategy.
The program aims to fill this critical gap. By offering a mix of mentorship, access to networks, and investor connect opportunities, Sanjeevan is designed to be a catalyst for healthcare startups that aspire to move from ideation to impact.
Key Features of the Program
The Sanjeevan Accelerator offers a comprehensive suite of support services that have been curated specifically for the healthcare sector. Among the highlights are:
- Structured Mentorship: Each startup will be paired with seasoned mentors, including domain experts, industry leaders, and seasoned entrepreneurs. This personalized guidance will cover technical, business, and regulatory aspects of scaling a healthcare venture.
- Go-to-Market Planning: Participants will receive tailored strategies to help them build sustainable business models and enter competitive markets more effectively. This includes assistance in refining value propositions, identifying target customers, and streamlining pricing strategies.
- Investor and Industry Network: Startups will gain access to an extensive ecosystem of stakeholders—ranging from venture funds and angel investors to hospitals, healthcare providers, and technology partners. This network is expected to open doors to collaborations, partnerships, and funding opportunities.
- Investor Demo Day: The program will culminate in a high-visibility Demo Day, where startups will present their solutions to a curated audience of investors and industry leaders. This serves as a launchpad for raising seed or growth capital while showcasing innovations on a national stage.
Leadership Perspectives
Speaking at the launch, Hiranmay Mahanta, CEO of i-Hub Gujarat, emphasized that the Sanjeevan program is an extension of the state’s larger vision to move from “Mind to Market.” He noted that while Gujarat has long nurtured a culture of innovation, the healthcare sector requires focused initiatives that can accelerate the journey of startups from idea to implementation. “With Sanjeevan, we are not just supporting entrepreneurs; we are enabling them to create solutions that can transform healthcare delivery for millions of Indians,” he said.
Adding to this, Munish Bhatia, Co-Founder of India Accelerator, highlighted how the program combines three essential ingredients for startup success—mentorship, networks, and capital. “Healthcare is a sector where innovation can directly save lives. By bringing together the right ecosystem players, we want to ensure that healthcare startups are not just surviving but thriving and scaling their impact,” he remarked.
Application Process and Timelines
The program is open to both early-stage startups with promising ideas and growth-stage ventures seeking to expand their market footprint. Applications are currently open, and the deadline for submissions is September 15, 2025. Following a competitive selection process, the first cohort of startups will be onboarded later this month.
Over the course of 12 weeks, selected startups will undergo intensive mentoring sessions, participate in workshops, and gain access to curated resources. The program is structured to ensure measurable outcomes in terms of market readiness, investor engagement, and overall business scalability.
Building Gujarat’s Startup Ecosystem
For Gujarat, the Sanjeevan Accelerator is more than just a healthcare initiative—it is part of a broader strategy to make the state a leader in innovation and entrepreneurship. i-Hub has already been at the forefront of supporting startups across various domains, and with this program, healthcare takes center stage.
The collaboration with India Accelerator also adds a national dimension to the initiative. As one of India’s most respected accelerators, India Accelerator brings not just investment expertise but also deep experience in helping startups navigate complex growth journeys. This partnership ensures that startups selected for Sanjeevan will benefit from both local support and national visibility.
A Step Toward Impact
India’s healthcare landscape continues to present unique challenges—from infrastructure gaps and high patient loads to the urgent need for affordable solutions in rural areas. Startups, with their agility and innovation, are well-positioned to address these challenges. Programs like Sanjeevan create the necessary ecosystem for these startups to succeed.
By combining Gujarat’s innovation culture with India Accelerator’s expertise and networks, the Sanjeevan Healthcare Accelerator is poised to become a launchpad for groundbreaking ideas that can redefine how healthcare is delivered in the country. As applications open and the first cohort gets ready to begin its journey, the initiative has already begun generating optimism among entrepreneurs, investors, and healthcare professionals alike.
