The healthtech startup ecosystem, which includes online pharmacies, healthcare IT, fitness and wellness platforms, and telemedicine services, is fast expanding, with total funding raised in the decade between 2014 and 2024 amounting to about $7.25 billion, a report by Inc42 said.

At 1.46 billion, India has surpassed China to become the world’s most populated country, and a significant shortage of healthcare professionals has become a cause of concern.

India needs an additional 650,000 nurses and midwives, and 160,000 doctors by 2030. Healthtech startups are stepping in to address this shortfall for accessible and affordable healthcare through telemedicine, artificial intelligence (AI)-driven diagnostics, and health information systems.

The number of health-tech startups recognized by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade grew at a compound annual rate of 127% between 2016 and 2023, totaling over 10,000 by 2023. Almost half these startups are based in tier-II and -III cities, indicating a widespread geographical presence.

A look at the startups in India that are helping bridge the gaps in the country’s healthcare ecosystem:

Ajitha Prodrug India Pvt. Ltd.

CEO: Dr Kavitha S.J.

Ajitha Prodrug, started in 2021, focuses on advanced cancer treatments known as Antibody Drug Conjugates (ADCs). These therapies are designed to deliver powerful drugs directly to cancer cells, sparing healthy cells from damage.

The company develops specialized molecules called payloads—such as Tubulysins and Auristatins—which effectively kill cancer cells, and it works on improving technologies that safely carry and release these drugs into tumors.

Ajitha Prodrug plans to expand its product line and partner with international research institutions to further innovate in cancer treatment.

Aleixo Pharma

Co-founders: Paayal Kumarri, Praveen Kumar Mishra, Subhash Ranjan Singh and Praveen Kumar Mishra

Founded in Kolkata in 2021, Aleixo Pharma manufactures medicines addressing common health problems, such as acid reflux (using its drug Rapom-DSR) and other therapeutic needs.

Committed to affordable healthcare, Aleixo ensures high quality and affordability in its medicines. The startup plans to strengthen its manufacturing capabilities, improve its distribution network across India, and expand its range of medications. It aims to become a trusted brand for healthcare professionals and patients nationwide.

Kirat Biotech

Founders: Pramila Choudhury and Manish Choudhury

Launched in 2022 in Assam, Kirat Biotech taps into Northeast India’s rich biodiversity by extracting valuable oils and medicinal compounds from locally sourced plants.

It produces Sugandhmantri Oil and Curcumin Extract, used widely in medicines, cosmetics, and perfumes.

By working closely with local farmers, Kirat Biotech promotes sustainable agriculture, helping improve local livelihoods while expanding its product offerings to include basil, black pepper, turmeric, and ginger, among other herbs and spices.

PlatinumRx

Founders: Ashutosh Pandey and Piyush Kumar

Founded in Bengaluru in 2023, PlatinumRx simplifies buying affordable medicines online, particularly benefiting patients with chronic illnesses.

Its unique substitution system identifies equivalent medicines that contain identical active ingredients at lower prices.

The startup has secured $800,000 in funding, helping it quickly expand warehousing, distribution, and delivery services nationwide.

PlatinumRx currently delivers medicines rapidly across 20,000 postal codes and partners with old-age homes and rehab centers to reduce healthcare costs.

Its goal is to transform how Indians access essential medicines.

Onsurity

Founders: Yogesh Agarwal and Kulin Shah

Established in 2020, Onsurity provides flexible and affordable healthcare subscriptions for small businesses, startups, and gig workers throughout India.

These memberships offer discounts on medicine purchases, routine health checkups, mental health consultations, dental care, fitness packages, and telemedicine services.

Serving over 1.5 million people across 8,000 companies, Onsurity has reached ₹100 crore in annual revenue and anticipates rapid growth by supporting even more SMEs and startups in the next two years.

Orange Health

Co-founders: Tarun Bhambra and Dhruv Gupta

Launched in 2020, Orange Health provides at-home medical testing, making diagnostics convenient and fast.

Samples are collected from homes within 60 minutes, and test results arrive digitally within six hours.

Its offerings include basic health screenings as well as complex diagnostic tests through partnerships with leading labs across India.

After raising $35 million, including investments from Y Combinator, Orange Health has already served over one million patients.

It plans expansion into India’s top 15 cities and aims to further shorten its sample collection time to just 30 minutes through new retail collection points.

Strio Healthcare

Founder: Shibam Biswas

Founded in 2022 in Ahmedabad, Strio Healthcare manufactures affordable, high-quality medicines used for common illnesses.

With deep pharmaceutical industry experience, Strio produces medicines like Aceclofenac and Paracetamol tablets for pain relief, antibiotics such as Cefuroxime, and combination medicines like Amoxycillin Clavulanate for infections.

The company is dedicated to providing effective and accessible medications, improving healthcare availability across India, especially in underserved regions.

Zivira Labs

Founders: Ponnuraman Kumaran, Poosaikannu Sundarashanthi, Prashanth Rao, and Catherine Danan

Established in Mumbai in 2017, Zivira Labs specializes in affordable, high-quality eye care products to relieve dry eyes and digital eye strain, common problems caused by prolonged screen usage.

Products like Zivifresh eye drops, Zivifresh Gel, and Titza Liquigel provide relief from eye discomfort, helping people manage these conditions effectively.

Zivira Labs continues developing innovative, budget-friendly products aimed at enhancing the eye health and comfort of its customers, positioning itself as a reliable name in ophthalmic care.