MedTech Ideathon 2026 Inaugurated at Indian Institute of Technology Palakkad to Drive Healthcare Innovation.

Sun, 22nd Feb, 2026 - 05:45 pm

The IMA MedTech Ideathon 2026, hosted by TECHIN, IIT Palakkad in collaboration with Indian Medical Association Kerala, Kerala Startup Mission and Kerala Medical Technology Consortium, was successfully inaugurated with the objective of bringing together healthcare, technology, and entrepreneurship on a single platform.The program brought together medical professionals, innovators, and startup ecosystem leaders from across Kerala. A total of 20 teams comprising MBBS and MD students, along with practicing doctors, were shortlisted for the final pitching round to present their ideas before an expert jury.

The event commenced with a Welcome Address by Dr. Sathyajith, President, IMA Palakkad. The Vision and Road Ahead was outlined by Dr. Joseph Benaven, Chairman, IMA Innovation and Entrepreneurship Committee, who emphasized strengthening medical innovation and entrepreneurship in the state.

The formal inauguration and address were delivered by Prof. A. Seshadri Sekhar, Director, IIT Palakkad, highlighting the institute’s commitment to research-driven healthcare solutions and its strong support for the innovation ecosystem. The Keynote Address by Shri. Seeram Sambasiva Rao, IAS, Special Secretary, Department of Electronics & IT, Government of Kerala, underscored the government’s support for technology-enabled healthcare innovation and the critical role of clinicians in the MedTech innovation ecosystem.

A special address by Shri. Anoop Ambika, CEO, Kerala Startup Mission, highlighted the dynamic changes in the MedTech innovation ecosystem and the various opportunities available for startups. This was followed by remarks from Dr. Joju Pomson, Vice President, IMA Kerala. The inaugural session concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Premjith Muraleedharan, Coordinator, IMA Innovation and  Entrepreneurship Committee.

After the inaugural session, the 20 shortlisted teams presented their ideas before a jury panel. This was followed by a panel discussion on Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Startups in MedTech, featuring Dr. Joseph Benaven, Shri. Anoop Ambika, and Dr. Lini Basil moderated by Shri. Rohit Phillip, Senior Program Consultant, Kerala Medical Technology Consortium.

The valedictory session included opening remarks by Shri. Midhu Unnithan, Chief Operating Officer, TECHIN-IIT Palakkad, followed by remarks from Dr. Arun N. M, Joint Secretary, IMA Kerala. Selected teams received cash prizes along with further  mentoring and incubation opportunities. The program concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Devika, Coordinator, IMA Innovation & Entrepreneurship Committee.