The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) has implemented a "bio design programme" to develop innovative and affordable medical devices to cater to the clinical needs of the country, an official statement said today.

The programme also aims to train the next generation of medical technology innovators in the country, the statement by the Ministry of Science and Technology read. It has been implemented by the Department of Biotechnology at AIIMS and IIT Delhi in collaboration with international partners. The DBT has authorised Biotech Consortium India Limited for management of its intellectual property and other techno- legal activities. Under the programme, XIth Annual MedTech Summit was organised in New Delhi today. Minister of Science and Technology Harsh Vardhan, while inaugurating the summit, emphasised on working towards socially relevant inventions for public good.

He appreciated the efforts made by stakeholders for developing innovative medical devices under this programme, the statement read. The event was attended by leaders of government organisations, academia, medical device industry, start-ups, hospitals, design, business and engineering institutes from Australia, Canada, Finland, Germany, India, Japan, Singapore, the UK and the USA. R Guleria, Director, AIIMS, emphasised on creating appropriate technologies and affordable health care facilities, and making them available and accessible to women in rural areas.